Written by Andy Gurczak
August 10, 2022
Removing Soot and Smoke Odor After a Fire
For any homeowner, a fire in their home is a terrifying and traumatic event. Depending on the extent of the fire, the homeowner now faces the replacement of damaged furniture, appliances and electronics. Additionally, clothing, drapes and carpeting may have to be replaced. Certainly, if the home was extensively damaged, the family may be living at a hotel or a rental for the next several months while the house is repaired. Lastly, one of the most daunting tasks the homeowner faces is removing soot and smoke odor after a fire.
Once the fire is out, and you can enter your home, you should do so-with your camera. Indeed, you will want to walk room-room to take photos of the damaged areas. Remember, smoke and soot will spread throughout your house. Indeed, it will travel to rooms that were never touched by flames.
However, also remember that soot and smoke residue are hazardous to your health. Therefore, wear a mask or respirator, a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
Soot and Smoke Odor Damage
You will want to go throughout your home so you can make a list of all the damaged items in your house. In addition, you will want to note all the damaged areas. Likewise, take pictures of the water damage from firefighters putting out the fire (that damage is covered by your policy).
Also, take pictures of the soot and smoke damage to floors, walls and ceilings.
Additionally, smoke can often be very acidic. Moreover, smoke can come into contact with metal, such as doorknobs and kitchen fittings. At the very least, smoke can tarnish metal. However, in a worst-case scenario, smoke can corrode metal, such as pipes, hinges, etc., in your home.
As another example, smoke can get behind walls and into ceilings. It can discolor walls and ceilings. Moreover, it can get into insulation and cause an odor. As a result, a contractor may have to knock down walls and ceilings to replace the insulation.
Smoke and soot can spread throughout a house during a fire. In fact, they can make their way into parts of the house that flames never touched. Indeed, you can even get smoke damage in your house if a nearby neighbor has a house fire.
Lastly,smoke and soot can work their way into carpeting, clothes, furniture, upholstery and drapes. In addition, smoke can damage plastics and marble countertops. Likewise, smoke can damage both the outside and inside of appliances.
Removing Soot and Smoke Odor After a Fire
You may be able to clean up some areas with dish soap and warm water. However, even if the fire in your home only does a moderate amount of damage, you may still need a professional restoration company.
Soot is made of minute particles of carbon. Of course, it is dangerous to your health. Professional restoration companies have specialized equipment to remove soot. In addition, they also have cleaning solutions to wipe up soot.
Lastly, they wear personal protective equipment to completely remove smoke odors and soot residue.
The odor of smoke can get into clothing, curtains, carpeting and furniture. Professional cleaning services may be able to get the smell of smoke out of those items and other soft goods.
Additionally, they can do a deep clean of your carpet and upholstery.
However, if they cannot remove the smell to your satisfaction, don’t hesitate to tell that to the insurance company adjuster.
If You Need a Public Adjuster for a Smoke Damage Insurance Claim, Call AllCity Adjusting
We are a family-owned claims company with five decades of combined adjusting experience. As a result, if there’s one thing we understand, it’s that you need 100% of your claim value.
You have already gone through a tumultuous event. For this reason, get an agency that gets you more.
At AllCity Adjusting we work to ensure you get 100% of your smoke damage insurance claim value. Equally important, with over 50 years of combined experience as insurance adjusters, we know insurance companies and understand where they cut corners.
Moreover, we help you build a larger claim and maximize your claim value. Indeed, we get you back to normal fast.
Lastly, don’t get fooled. Get the company that gets you more.
Does Insurance Cover a Soot and Ash Contamination Claim?
You bet it does. At AllCity, we have handled hundreds of smoke damage claims.
Therefore, if you have received a low-ball offer from the insurance company, or they are taking too long to process your smoke damage insurance claim or you just want to talk to someone on your side, call us at 844.692.3587. Or you can email us at info@allcityadhjusting.com.
Best way to beat the insurance company is to hire AllCity Adjusting
At AllCity Adjusting we help residential and commercial clients alike get the claims support they need. Moreover, we have over 50 years of combined experience helping get our clients the max settlement time and time again. If your claim has been low balled or denied entirely we can help increase your maximum settlement. Call us today for a FREE consultation. Experience the AllCity difference.
Real Support When You Need It!
Related Articles
Maximizing Commercial Roofing Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide
What's In This Article Maximizing Commercial Roofing Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide Understanding the Importance of Commercial Roof Insurance Claims The Coverage and Claims Process Steps to Maximize Your Commercial Roof Insurance Claim Document the Damage...
Exploring the Role of Public Adjusters in Commercial Roofing Claims
What's In This Article Introduction The Complexity of Roofing Insurance Claims The Role of Public Adjusters Navigating the Claims Process Expert Damage Assessment Negotiating Fair Compensation Understanding the Claims Adjuster's Work Insurance Claims Adjuster vs....
Introduction to Roofing Insurance Claims
What's In This Article Introduction to Roofing Insurance Claims Understanding Roof Damage and Insurance Policies Do: Understand Your Insurance Coverage Don't: Delay Reporting the Damage Do: Document the Damage Don't: Start Repairs Before Documenting Damage Do: Choose...
Understanding Insurance Dealing with Adjusters
What's In This Article Understanding Insurance Dealing with Adjusters Why Are Roofing Insurance Claims Important? How to Deal with Insurance Adjusters What Damages Can You Claim? Understanding the Role of Insurance Adjusters Choosing a Reputable Roofing Contractor...
Debris Removal After a House Fire
After a house fire, even a small one, the property owner will likely have to remove damaged or destroyed items. However, debris removal after a house fire can be complicated by the presence of hazardous material, like damaged propane tanks. Typically, insurance carriers will cover the cost of debris removal up to a point. However, how much coverage your homeowners’ insurance will provide depends on the insurance company and the policy terms.
Salvageable v. Non-Salvageable Property After a Fire
If a fire has occurred at your home, your first concern, of course, is the safety of yourself and your family. However, depending on the extent of the fire damage, you will have to resolve the issue of salvageable v. non-salvageable property after a fire. Homeowners’ insurance protects your home itself (Dwelling Coverage) and its contents (Personal Property Coverage). High heat, smoke, and soot can cause extensive damage to your personal property, such as clothes, furniture, hardwood floors, and appliances. For instance, smoke damage causes fabrics, clothes, and soft goods to reek of the smell of smoke. Additionally, smoke and soot can discolor objects and reduce the life span of electronics and machinery. Consequently, you and your insurance company will have to determine which personal property is salvageable v. non-salvageable property after a fire.
Stay Up to Date With The Latest News & Updates
Don't Wait - Get More
Get a free 1 hour consultation on your next call. So call today and challenge the insurance company narrative on your policy claim. We can help you with all your public adjuster claims support. Let us help you get more.
Join Our Newsletter
Do you want to learn more about public adjusting. In this newsletter we create helpful tips and hints and you will receive notifications when we post new articles.
Follow Us
Follow us on the following social networks.
Recent Comments