You live in a posh NYC apartment or house, enjoying the moments to the fullest. However, things suddenly change when a fire accident strikes your dwelling. If the damage is extensive, coming to terms with the reality and moving on will seem impossible. No matter the situation, fire damage must be promptly handled to minimize its adverse impact and recovery cost. Still, some damages can be irreversible. Flames can consume many things by shattering or melting them. Once put out, they lead to smoke damage, affecting even those belongings away from the room where the fire had occurred.
Unfortunately, smoke damage can result even from small and brief fires. If you leave it like that, you risk your home’s structural strength, too. Therefore, it makes sense to contact the local fire and smoke restoration companies in your area for immediate help. The contractor you select will visit the site for damage assessment and comprehensive restoration planning. They will check salvageable items and clean them for reuse. Let’s gather some insights in this regard.
Recovering household items from smoke damage
Smoke particles can quickly get into the narrow crevices and cracks, causing a lingering burned odor. They can also penetrate the porous surfaces deep inside, requiring full decontamination, sanitization, or abandonment. However, the decision depends on the extent of damage and the surface.
Curtains and upholstery
Damage restoration technicians use special tools and devices to revive these items after smoke damage. Generally, they avoid using regular vacuum cleaners, which can push soot and smoke compounds deeper into the surface.
Wooden furniture
Wood is a sensitive material, requiring careful handling. One must be cautious when cleaning wooden surfaces, as some cleaners can damage the varnish and cause staining. Fire damage restoration experts possess the necessary knowledge about these things. If the furniture is wet, they can leave it to dry and then wipe it. Metal hardware, including hinges and handles, can be cleaned with a cloth after detaching them. Some companies use dry sponges to eliminate stubborn soot accumulation from the woodgrain. After this, the professionals can use a special wood cleaner to remove all the remnants of smoke damage. Wooden furniture can be refinished, too, depending on the condition.
Hardwood flooring
These surfaces are known for their porous nature. Hence, you can expect them to catch smoke particles, which must be removed to protect the area from further deterioration. Sometimes, hardwood floors are replaced because of the extensive damage. Or, they can be refinished if restoration is possible. If you are lucky, mopping and deodorization techniques can be enough to bring them back to their normal state. If you have any doubts, you can visit https://nycrestoration.com/ for guidance.
Nevertheless, taking timely action is necessary when dealing with the repercussions of fire and smoke damage. It can help you restrict or control the extent of permanent damage. Otherwise, many porous materials and synthetic fibers will have to be discarded. Floors and walls also need cleaning within a few hours to avoid staining. Metal surfaces will rust and corrode due to soot and smoke compounds. All these will ultimately increase your rehab cost.