While a house fire likely brings up images of fire damage, the harm caused by smoke can be just as dangerous. Any blaze, no matter how big or small, can create smoke that absorbs into your flooring, upholstery, drywall, and wooden features. Below, learn more about the effects of smoke damage and how a disaster restoration specialist can help your family recover.

What Problems Does Smoke Damage Cause?

1. Poor Indoor Air Quality

Smoke from house fires typically sinks into HVAC filters, ducts, and vents, causing your system to redistribute soot and ash throughout your residence. This can even continue for months after the blaze. To prevent this, have an HVAC contractor replace the filter, clean the ducts and vents, and install a purifier to improve your indoor air quality.

2. Stained Furniture & Fabrics

Smoke tends to leave black and gray stains on upholstery, linens, and clothing, causing unpleasant smells and reducing aesthetic value. However, that doesn't automatically mean you need new pieces. A property disaster team can help with this issue by reupholstering your furniture and replacing the stuffing. Also, take your linens and clothing to a professional dry cleaner to get rid of stains and freshen up the fabrics.

3. Health Issues

Ash and soot in the structure of your home may cause a variety of health issues, including irritated eyes, skin rashes, allergy flareups, and asthma attacks. This will be difficult to solve on your own, as these materials can settle in places that are impossible to clean. Instead, have a disaster restoration specialist replace affected drywall, lumber, and fascia to prevent harmful particles from causing health problems.

4. Metal Corrosion

Soot contains acidic compounds that cause stainless steel appliances to corrode over time. Your disaster restoration specialist will apply mineral oil products to these surfaces to prevent the metal from rusting after smoke exposure.

Prevent smoke from causing lasting damages to your property with help from the team at FloodCo in Kalispell, MT. These disaster restoration specialists offer fire and smoke odor removal services to homes and businesses throughout the Flathead Valley and northwest Montana communities. Call (406) 892-1717 to report a property disaster, or visit their website to learn more about how they can restore the appearance and function of your property.