Smoke particles not only rest on surfaces, but they can actually embed themselves within structures and materials. If not professionally treated, smoke odor and discoloration can cause permanent damage. Smoke particles can become acidic and begin to eat through surfaces and materials, eventually even etching glass.
We use state-of-the-art equipment and methods to carefully clean smoke
from all contents and surfaces. Thermal Foggers allow heated neutralizing
chemicals to penetrate contaminated surfaces and reduce embedded smoke
and airborne odor particles. As needed, we can “pack-out” contents to clean and store them in our secure, climate-controlled facilities.
ODOR REMOVAL
Most odors are just a temporary annoyance, but some odors such as
smoke can be so strong and lasting that they can render a home, building
or car uninhabitable until the odor has been removed. There is no need
to just “live with it” until the odor eventually goes away.
In most cases Property Physicians can remove the odor for you.
The first thing to determine is the source of the odor. Even if an odor has been neutralized, the source must be removed or the odor will continue to return.
While there are obviously many possible causes of strong odors, a few of the more common causes are skunk spray and decaying animal carcasses. Even a deceased mouse in a wall cavity can cause an unpleasant odor for several weeks.
It is important to understand the difference between “masking agents” and “pairing agents.” A masking agent, such as a basic air freshener, simply covers the odor with another more pleasant odor. This is a very short term solution with limited effectiveness. As soon as the masking agent dissipates, the odor will return.
To completely remove the odor, the source of the odor must be removed,
then the odor molecules must be eliminated or neutralized by means
of a “pairing agent.” Rather than merely masking the odor
with a masking agent such as an air freshener, a pairing agent actually
bonds with the odor molecule, changing its chemical structure and thus
completely neutralizing the odor at the molecular level. In addition
to the removal of smoke odors other strong odors such as skunk spray
and decaying animal carcasses can be similarly eradicated.
Click here to download the U.S. Fire Administration document After the Fire! Returning to Normal. This 16-page booklet provides information on recovering from a fire, including what to do during the first 24 hours, insurance considerations, valuing your property, replacement of valuable documents, salvage hints, fire department operations, and more.
|
