Fire damage can be categorized into two areas: primary and secondary damage. The initial damage or primary damage is the burnt or destroyed effects. The secondary damage can often be prevented. This is often corrosion, perhaps from condensation from the evaporization effects from the firefighting process or activating residue chlorides from burnt PVC which create Hydrochloric acid. Quick mitigation can often prevent this damage. Successful structural clean-up following a fire can be a very labor intensive proposition. Smoke and soot are both fast traveling and pervasive, quickly coating every square inch of the affected area. Most surfaces can be cleaned with vulcanized dry sponges and/or washed. However, certain surfaces, like textured ceilings are not ‘cleanable’ unless the soot residue is light enough to be vacuumed. To ensure thorough cleaning and deodorization of the damaged area, all walls, ceilings, floors and every surface in between must be thoroughly treated. In the case of heavily sooted painted areas, all surfaces must be cleaned and sealed before painting, or the soot will eventually "bleed through" destroying the paint job. To effectively clean soot residue, two factors must be considered to determine appropriate cleaning methods: The Type of Soot to be Cleaned When burned, different materials release different types of residue. For instance, the soot from synthetics, like plastics, can create chlorides causing soot to be corrosive in nature requiring lubrication and different cleaning methods than soot residue from burned wood. Typically, food type fires or protein, such as meat, cause significant odor and are particularly difficult to clean or deodorize and the residue can be difficult to see. Chloride contamination from burnt PVC and other materials can create Hydrochloric acid; soots and odors can be absorbed seep into porous surfaces re-emerging months and years later if not properly cleaned. Soots can also penetrate deep into the lungs where their absorbed chemicals can be transferred directly into the bloodstream. Respirators should be worn at all times when in a contaminated space. Immediate evacuation of the dwelling should be priority even when a small fire has taken place. Remember safety first! Immediate response is crucial to prevent environmental concerns or any long term residual effects from the damage. Emergency preparedness is vital to any facility to ensure immediate response in the event of an emergency. RESTORx of Texas has established “ Emergency Response Agreements” with many corporate facilities throughout the metroplex and will be happy to work with you to implement a program that will go to work when you need it most!

We’re there “when you need us now!”