Why Fire Damage in Oklahoma City Homes is NOT the End for Family Photos

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Specializes in Handling Unique and Delicate Fire Damaged Items

The vast majority of residential fires get identified and extinguished quickly. While they do not pose a risk to life, they can still spell big trouble for family photographs and other important documents. Contrary to popular belief, the major danger is not heat but soot residues.

When fire burns at a lower temperature, it produces oily, sticky soot which clings to exposed surfaces. It is tough to remove, and it can leave permanent stains, particularly on paper items. This kind of fire damage in Oklahoma City properties presents a challenge. However, SERVPRO of South Oklahoma City has the expertise to needed to reverse its effects.

Keep reading to learn about how soot and smoke affect paper materials and what can be done to save family photographs.

Two Main Types of Smoke Damage

Dry Smoke

Dry smoke is the result of fires which burn fast at a high temperature (such as a cooking oil accident). The risk of paper items setting alight is greater under these conditions, but the smoke is less likely to smear and stain exposed surfaces. It is easier to remove because it sits in a dusty layer and responds well to suction removal with a handheld vacuum.

Wet Smoke

In contrast, wet smoke is a by-product of fires which burn slower and at a lower temperature. It poses a much bigger risk to photographs and documents because it is sticky. Attempting to remove it with a vacuum is a bad idea because the residues are spread easily with the wrong type of handling. Usually, the SERVPRO team sends affected items to an offsite specialist who applies repair treatments in low humidity conditions.

The Importance of Careful Handling

Whether we remove soot and smoke on site or refer affected photographs to a specialist, we handle possessions with the utmost caution. Careful handling is imperative after a fire because too much movement can force smoke particles deeper into porous surfaces.

Even if photo albums are not directly affected, they may pick up the lingering odor of smoke. We deal with this by setting up deodorizing equipment. It produces microscopic odor-banishing particles which follow the smoke particles deep into porous materials. They are applied in a very light fog so that the humidity of the room remains stable and no moisture damage occurs.

You do not have to face the damage of a house fire alone. The experts at SERVPRO of South Oklahoma City have the skills and expertise needed to carry out repairs quickly. We can save your valuable and precious possessions. Call us 24/7 at (405) 677-4000.