Is It Safe to Stay in a Smoke Damaged Home in Boca Raton?

A smoke-damaged home is unsafe to live in until professionals decontaminate it, address structural hazards, and declare the home safe to occupy once more. Some smoke damage is invisible, which leads homeowners to believe it is safe to stay in their homes after a fire. Call the experts as soon as possible for Fire Damage Cleanup in Boca Raton.

What exactly is smoke and smoke damage?

Smoke particles are made up of tiny gas, liquid, and solid particles that are unburned remnants of the fire. Individual smoke particles are invisible until they combine to form visible smoke. The visible smoke is primarily composed of soot, tar, oils, and ash.

While fire directly singes the materials it comes into contact with, smoke causes a different type of physical damage. Smoke particles cover objects, staining them with soot and leaving an unpleasant odor behind. As the particles cool quickly, they leave a film that penetrates building materials. In addition, we offer Reconstruction Services in Hollywood, FL. Visit our website to learn more.

How far can smoke damage spread?

Smoke will be produced by any type of home fire. The tiny smoke particles find their way into cracks and crevices throughout the house. Smoke can be found in the HVAC system, behind walls, in furniture, and inside light fixtures and electrical sockets.

Smoke particles are invasive, which means they will enter areas of the home that were not directly affected by the fire. A stovetop that catches fire, for example, will emit smoke. This smoke is expected to spread, causing significant smoke damage to the upstairs bedroom.

What worries homeowners the most is that smoke damage is not always obvious. Because of the incredibly invasive nature of smoke, many parts of the home will be affected by smoke damage—even if the homeowner is unable to see the damage.

How hazardous is smoke damage?

The invisibility of smoke damage is what makes it so dangerous to one’s health. Homes and their furnishings are frequently made of synthetic materials. When these materials burn in a house fire, toxic substances are released into the air.

When plastics, such as PVC pipes, burn, hydrogen cyanide is released, which can interfere with cellular respiration. When vinyl, another common household material, is burned, it emits phosgene. Low levels of phosgene inhalation cause minor symptoms, while high levels can result in death.

Staying in a smoke-damaged home will almost certainly result in inhaling smoke particles. Individuals who inhale smoke particles for an extended period of time may experience a variety of symptoms. Coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion are all minor symptoms of smoke inhalation.

For more information fill out our contact us form and schedule a consultation at 888.307.1776.