Handling Smoke Residue as Part of the Fire Restoration in Chicago 

4/4/2024 (Permalink)

If fire damage occurs in your home, contact SERVPRO immediately for professional services and equipment. We're available 24/7.

Chicago Smoke Damage Cleanup with SERVPRO® 

Chicago is eminent for its rich architectural legacy. It is characterized by landmark skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, and the Tribune Tower, which have significantly influenced its skyline. Moreover, the city boasts architectural masterpieces crafted by renowned figures such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The Loop is home to corporate giants such as Boeing and United Airlines, while growing tech startups thrive in the West Loop's Fulton Market District. Additionally, the Magnificent Mile offers upscale shopping and dining experiences, attracting visitors and locals. Lollapalooza music festival, The Taste of Chicago, and the Chicago Air and Water Show draw crowds from near and far.  

Dealing with smoke damage is a crucial aspect of fire restoration work in Chicago homes, as smoke residues can cause significant harm to both the structure of a building and its contents. Smoke particles infiltrate porous materials like walls, ceilings, upholstery, and fabrics, which permeates deeply and often results in stubborn stains and discoloration. Water damage is also another aspect to deal with following a fire. SERVPRO technicians quickly assess the extent of the water damage and set up drying equipment, including dehumidifiers and air movers, to efficiently remove moisture from affected areas. SERVPRO ensures that all aspects of smoke damage, from surface residues to hidden contamination within the structure, are adequately addressed. 

Techniques to effectively tackle smoke residues 

• Mechanical removal 

• Chemical neutralization 

• Suspension and dispersion 

The primary cleaning process typically involves loosening dirt and grime, then suspending and dispersing them within a cleaning solution, and finally removing both the soil and the cleaning solution. Suspension occurs when dirt dissolves in the cleaning solution mixed with or when soils emulsify in a cleaning solution that they don't naturally blend with. 

Dislodging Soils through Mechanical Action 

Different types of mechanical actions generate friction to agitate and release smoke remnants. In certain instances of smoke damage, applying mechanical action alone might be adequate to eliminate residues without cleaning agents. Mild accumulations of non-oily smoke particles, such as those commonly found in dry smoke scenarios, could be removed from impermeable surfaces solely through mechanical agitation. 

Tools capable of producing heavy amounts of agitation 

• Sandpapers and steel wool 

• Roto pads and brushes 

• Abrasive powders 

• Dry ice blasting 

SERVPRO of Carol Stream / East Bloomingdale uses appropriate fire restoration techniques. Call us at (630) 830-6236. Faster to any size disaster™.