A small fire in the kitchen and yet a smoky odour lingers in your home? Unusual discoloration has appeared on the walls or ceiling where there was none before? You may have cause to think a fire has done more harm than is apparent.
Homeowners put these questions to us at J Brian Day on a daily basis, and for good reason. We have been in the business of emergency restoration for 35 years in Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Should you have any doubts about fire or smoke damage to your property, whether it be your home or place of business, we are here to answer at (866)-621-2102, 24/7.
The truth is fire damage can be deceptive. A major blaze will make its presence known with blackened walls and charred beams; but the after effects of a lesser fire or an incident involving smoke are not so easy to spot. Left to themselves they will do lasting harm to your health and your property.
Smoke Damage Has a Way of Spreading
There is a misconception that smoke does not travel. In fact it will follow air currents and put down in rooms well removed from the scene of the fire, leaving you with damage in places you would not expect.
You will find hidden smoke damage in such spots as:
- The interior of walls or behind baseboards
- HVAC vents and ductwork
- Under and behind your appliances
- Closets and cabinets
- Crawl spaces and the attic
- The very fibers of your carpet and upholstery
All too often a homeowner will put right the visible mess and consider it over. But the residue and the smell can be trapped in nooks and crannies for months, degrading your surfaces and the quality of the air.
Signs Not to Put Off
Be on the lookout for anything subtle; identifying an issue early spares you the trouble and expense of dealing with it later. Some things to watch for on your property include:
- An acrid or smoky smell that makes a comeback post-cleaning
- Staining of a yellow or brown hue on window frames, ceilings or walls
- Soot about the light fixtures, outlets or vents
- Paint or wallpaper that is warped or has lost its colour
- A film, greasy to the touch, on hard surfaces
- Corrosion of electronics, hardware or metal fixtures
- Any eye irritation or difficulty in breathing while inside
When you see them, a professional should be called in to have a look. The quicker you are to act, the less likely you are to see permanent damage.
What Makes Hidden Damage Worse
Soot and smoke are not merely an annoyance. What is left behind is frequently acidic and will keep working on your surfaces once the flames are gone. It is what leads to stained grout and paint, corroding metal and discoloured plastic. Then there is the matter of the odour. Smoke particles will adhere to porous materials and, short of proper treatment, will return in spite of your cleaning efforts; household products seldom do enough to put an end to it.
Our technicians are trained to put both the obvious and the concealed damage right and get your home back in safe, comfortable shape.
The Health Implications
One tends to think of the property first when it comes to fire damage, but your health is of equal importance. If you have asthma or allergies you can be quite sensitive to the soot and smoke still in the air. Coughing or headaches that seem to come on at home could point to hidden smoke damage. Another reason to have an inspection done without delay.
Why J Brian Day Is the Name Homeowners Put Their Trust In
In the wake of a fire you need someone dependable. We are fully licensed and insured and our 100% satisfaction guarantee is a testament to the work we do. With a 4.8 star rating from more than 183 Google reviews and free estimates to put your mind at ease, we are the company to call.
Do not let hidden damage fester. For your home or business, contact J Brian Day at (866)-621-2102. We are on hand to assist you and your family in protecting your property, any time of day or night.
