What Causes Smoke Odor Damage?

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Baker, LA.

Causes of Smoke Damage

Smoke odor can be very persistent. If a smell lingers after a fire at a commercial property in Baker, LA, property owners or managers should identify and eliminate the sources of the odor. Here are several causes of smoke damage that can be eliminated through smoke cleaning.

Smoke Particles

Smoke particles can be as large as several microns and range all the way down to 0.001 micron. There are several ways to filter out larger particles:

• Air filters or purifiers
  
• HEPA filters
  
• HVAC air scrubbers
  
  

None of these methods will be able to eliminate the most miniscule smoke particles. It will be necessary to neutralize the odor of these particles in order to get rid of every trace of damage.

Lingering Traces

Very small smoke particles can cause odors to persist even after filtration. Smoke cleaning professionals use several odor neutralization methods:

• Ozone machines
  
• Hydroxyl generators
  
• Thermal fogging
  
• Vapor modification
  
  

All of these methods are effective for eliminating smoke smells. Ozone machines and thermal fogging work quickly, but require evacuation. Hydroxyl generators and vapor modification take longer to achieve the same level of odor neutralization, but treatment can continue while occupants remain in a structure.

Surface Residues

Smoke smells may also be due to residues found on surfaces such as ceilings, walls, furniture, or window blinds. Restoration experts may use chemical sponges or wet cleaning solutions on surfaces. Furniture and other textiles may benefit from dry-cleaning or foam treatments. These methods may remove discoloration and odors from items or materials that have sustained damage.

A smoke cleaning service can recommend solutions for eliminating particles, residues, and any traces of smoke damage lingering in a structure in Baker, LA. Property owners may need to document and maintain proof of damage in order to demonstrate the need for professional cleanup services. Smoke odor remediation may be covered by commercial property insurance policies.