The fire may be out—but the damage isn’t done. In fact, for many New York homeowners, the real impact starts after the flames are gone. Smoke and soot can quietly wreak havoc on your home, your health, and your belongings if left untreated.
These aren’t just cosmetic issues. From hidden structural damage to persistent health risks, smoke and soot need to be dealt with quickly and thoroughly. At Manhattan Flood Restoration, we’ve helped countless families recover from fire-related damage with our fire damage restoration services—and we know that what you do in the hours and days after a fire can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what smoke and soot damage looks like, why it’s more serious than many think, and what steps to take to safeguard your home and speed up recovery.
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What are smoke and soot?
When there’s a fire, there’s smoke—and when there’s smoke, there’s soot. Smoke is a mixture of gases and particles created when materials burn, while soot is the main component of smoke. The powdery substance is known for its distinct black color and mainly contains carbon.
However, some forms of soot will also contain acids, dust, and chemicals. It’s important to remember that smoke is often more dangerous than fires, with 50% to 80% of fire-related deaths caused by smoke inhalation (NFPA).
Even if a person survives a fire, the long-term impact of smoke and soot damage to their property can render it uninhabitable – unless they take immediate action.
The dangers of soot and smoke include:
- They’re Corrosive: Both smoke and soot are acidic, which means they can cause corrosion when they come into contact with metal surfaces. The damage can be minor, such as corroded doorknobs, or severe – including damaged pipes.
- Discoloration: Unfortunately, soot and smoke can get into porous materials, including hardwood floors, kitchen worktops, and carpets. Both will also discolor walls, which leads to cosmetic damage.
- Health Hazards: The substances contained within soot and smoke can also cause reactions in people and pets. Individuals with conditions like asthma can experience more severe symptoms and long-term respiratory conditions.
- Odors: When smoke residue seeps into porous materials, it also creates unpleasant odors that are challenging to get rid of without professional support.
Why are some New York homes more susceptible to soot and smoke damage than others?
New York is a densely populated urban environment, which means that homes and apartments in the area can be more vulnerable to soot and smoke damage. Here’s why:
- Older Buildings: New York has many historic properties that add to its charm. However, these properties are more vulnerable due to the older moldings, plaster, and untreated wood.
- Neighboring Fires: Even if your property doesn’t experience a fire, smoke and soot can travel from a neighboring building into your home, causing damage.
- HVAC Systems: Homes that use HVAC systems can experience long-term damage from smoke and soot, as these systems might inadvertently distribute it throughout the property.
How to deal with smoke and soot damage
When you first notice soot and smoke problems, remember that your safety must always come first. Inhaling particles can cause respiratory problems, and contacting a remediation service is the best way to keep your home safe and ensure your property has the best chance of recovery.
If possible, open the windows or use fans to reduce lingering smoke and ventilate the property. Once you contact a restoration service, they’ll inspect your building and perform emergency repairs to prevent further damage.
Documenting the damage for your insurance company
If you have a homeowners insurance policy, you should be able to file a claim for the fire – as long as your policy covers smoke and soot damage.
Your insurance provider will want to see clear evidence of any damage, including unsalvageable personal belongings, so taking photographs of the area is a good idea.
Working with professional remediation technicians can be beneficial. We’ll support you through the insurance claims process, including documenting the damage and meeting your insurance adjuster on-site.
Managing the remediation and restoration process
There’s no easy way to treat a smoke-damaged property, and the restoration process can be complex. Professional companies have access to certified technicians, and they know how to restore your property to its pre-loss condition.
With access to advanced cleaning equipment, the technicians will eliminate any lingering odors and attempt to salvage your personal property. Unfortunately, a severe house fire might mean most need to be replaced.
Reconstructing your property
Fire damage can destroy your property’s structural elements and make it unsafe, but a professional reconstruction team will help you recover by rebuilding your property and returning it to its pre-damage condition.
The amount of time this takes – and how much it costs – depends on whether there’s significant damage, but your fire insurance policy should cover the repairs.
What steps can property owners take to prevent fire damage?
There are numerous potential causes of a fire incident, and some are unavoidable. However, human error—such as not putting out cigarettes or leaving candles unattended—is also avoidable.
Knowing how to prevent fire damage or which steps you should take immediately after it occurs can prevent smoke and soot from causing irreparable harm. Preventative measures include:
- Smoke Alarms: Smoke detectors should be installed in every room where possible and regularly checked to ensure they’re working.
- HVAC Maintenance: Properly serviced heating and ventilation systems are less likely to worsen smoke damage in the event of a fire.
- Fire-Resistant Materials: Fire-resistant materials like coatings, insulation, and paints can prevent fires from spreading and minimize health risks.
- Use Common Sense: Lastly, using common sense – such as not using candles near fabrics and smoking outside, can prevent fires from happening in the first place.
Get support for smoke and soot damage today
Understanding the risks of smoke and soot damage can help you protect your home or business – but some fires happen due to storms, faulty electrics, or malfunctioning appliances. Working with Manhattan Flood Restoration gives you access to a team of dedicated restoration experts.
We help residential and commercial clients recover from fires and make successful smoke damage claims, decreasing their financial burdens. Most importantly, we have a proven track record of treating properties quickly and returning them to their pre-fire condition.
Please use the contact form to book a visit or call our 24/7 helpline at (800) 874-8146 if you have an emergency.
