The blaze of a fire is not the only danger that affects your home and its contents. Smoke is the harmful byproduct that results in serious household damage if it is left unchecked. It also contributes to health problems, especially for anyone in your house with asthma or other respiratory issues. Here, the fire mitigation specialists at FloodCo in Columbia Falls, MT, share the many damages that smoke inflicts.

5 Lingering Effects of Smoke Damage

1. Severe Staining

Smoke damages items in your home within days, if not much sooner. Acid soot residue discolors polished metal and plastic surfaces in minutes. Permanent soot staining of carpeting, furniture, clothing, painted walls, and metal occurs within days. Hiring a fire mitigation service to remedy this issue can keep your home looking great after damage occurs. 

2. Respiratory Problems

Respiratory issues and related problems are common in households with smoke damage, such as breathing difficulties, coughing, phlegm, wheezing, and burning eyes. It aggravates symptoms for people with heart and lung disease, resulting in problems such as breathing issues, chest pain, and fatigue. Older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with diabetes are more susceptible to health problems from smoke.

3. Structural Damage

Acidic soot and smoke particle damage frequently appear on walls and ceilings but also penetrate these structures to affect studs, air ducts, and insulation. Smoke particles trapped in air ducts eventually circulate throughout your home to cause respiratory problems.

4. Electrical Damage

Electrical fires leave behind soot that can corrode wiring, fuses, breaker boxes, switches, outlets, and cords. You might experience power issues, short circuits, and other malfunctions requiring work from a licensed, insured electrician. Even if the damage was not related to your electrical system, hiring a fire mitigation professional is strongly recommended. 

5. Strong Odors

Lingering, severe smells in upholstered furniture, curtains, clothing, bedding, and other materials is common if fire and smoke odor removal services are not used. Smoke odor comes from a mixture of poisonous vapors, particles, and toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. These gases are released during the burning of various products and materials, such as carpets and plastics.

Scheduling fire and smoke odor removal as soon as possible is key to maintaining a safe, healthy home. Work with the fire mitigation experts at FloodCo to ensure your house is completely clear of this harmful residue. Serving the Flathead Valley and northwest Montana area, the property disaster company offers the comprehensive cleaning and restoration services you need, including water damage restoration and mold remediation. Call (406) 892-1717 to schedule an inspection today or visit their website for more information on their services.