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9/8/2021 (Permalink)

How does SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest determine how to handle smoke damaged items?

Temperature, whether the fire is smoldering or blazing, as well as materials burned, each affect necessary cleanup measures differently. To make matters worse smoke particles can easily penetrate any crack and crevice. When not handled properly, particles will leave a smoke odor behind that lasts months after a fire. Proper ventilation, consistent debris removal, proper cleaning and immediate odor neutralizing efforts are critical to saving as many of your belongings as possible. However, timing is THE most crucial component of successful smoke remediation.  

Are you running out of time?

The IIRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), a globally recognized leader in all types of remediation, identifies these time windows:

• Within minutes
  Porous materials and synthetics must be immediately addressed to prevent permanent discoloration.
• Within hours to days
  Wooden furniture, flooring, painted walls, and clothing can become permanently stained if not addressed within hours to days of damage, and metal surfaces will at this point begin to rust, pit, and corrode, requiring refinishing or replacement.
• Within weeks
  Prolonged soot exposure will embed itself in the fibers and surfaces, resulting in a longer, more costly restoration with a higher likelihood of replacement.