Black streaks on the ceiling from a holiday candle? The smell of smoke will not seem to dissipate even after you put out the flame? Or perhaps you are concerned an incursion has done some damage that is not readily apparent.
There is no need to be; you have recourse. For 35 years J Brian Day has been the source for emergency restoration in Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Should your home be affected by smoke, we are at (866)-621-2102.
Candles are part of the season, they put an open flame to the warmth of a dinner or a quiet night in front of the tree. Yet each winter they are responsible for thousands of home fires. And it does not take a fire for a candle to make its presence known in the form of smoke. We have some sound advice on safety and how to proceed if you have already incurred smoke damage.
Why you should give holiday candles a second thought
Use of a candle is at its peak in the winter. You have the dry greenery, the wrapping paper, rooms full of people and decorations. It is easy to forget a candle in a busy house, and one that is tipped over next to a wreath or curtain can quickly put an end to any merriment.
Then there is the soot. A fine black residue that makes its way up to the walls and furniture and into the fabrics. After a long evening or the course of the holidays it adds up.
Some basic rules for the season
Any of these will do much to ensure your home is safe when you put a candle to the light:
- Do not let a burning candle be unattended. Put it out before retiring or to leave the room.
- One foot of separation is the minimum between a candle and anything flammable like paper or garland.
- Make sure the surface is heat resistant and stable enough that the candle cannot be upset.
- Children and pets should not be able to get at them, nor should they be on the edge of a counter.
- A quarter inch trim on the wick before you light it will keep down the smoke and uneven burn.
- Opt for a good holder to contain any wax that drips. In a home with a lot of decorations or little ones, an LED alternative is worth considering.
The reality of smoke damage
It is not just an odour. Soot has an acidic quality to it and will etch and stain a surface if you let it. Time only makes removal more of an undertaking.
Smoke and soot will find their way to:
- Walls and ceilings in the form of yellowing or dark streaks.
- Any upholstery or fabric to be absorbed as discoloration and smell.
- Painted finishes which may be marked for good.
- The insides of appliances and electronics.
- Your HVAC system to carry the scent about the house.
In short, what you see is not the whole of it, so promptness is key.
After the fact
Once a candle has left its mark, here is how to manage things pending professional assistance. Ensure the area is secure and the flame is out. Open a window for air if you can.
Some things to bear in mind:
- Resist the urge to wipe soot off a wall, you will only work it in further.
- Leave the HVAC off so as not to distribute soot to other parts of the house.
- Put away dishes and food from the vicinity.
- Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes.
- Get in touch with a restorer before the residue has a chance to set.
Homeowners are prone to trying their hand at cleaning the soot and in the process driving in stains or making a wider mess of it.
Let us handle it
J Brian Day is here to help. We are licensed, insured and on call around the clock for emergency restoration. Our 4.8 star rating on Google is backed by 183 reviews and 35 years of putting families back in order after a fire or smoke event in our area of Eastern Mass., R.I. and Connecticut.
We put a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our work and provide estimates at no cost. If the soot is still there from the holidays, call us at (866)-621-2102 and we will put your home right.
