Tag: fire damage

Fire damage occurs during situations where lives are often in danger. Due to such stressful situations, thinking on your feet is not an easy thing to do, because getting out alive is obviously the priority. Belongings will be damaged when a home or commercial building is ablaze, and there is nothing to do but pick up the pieces afterwards. Once the flames are extinguished, one must mitigate the losses and salvage whatever suffered the least amount of damage.

In order to do this, a professional fire damage restoration service must be brought in. There are too many mistakes to be made when dealing with fire after-effects, as well as more danger. For example, trapped water can create a hazardous atmosphere that may affect you. Soil-Away can salvage your belongings from the leftover water needed to extinguish the flames. With our truck-mounted extraction units, we can eliminate standing water from interiors so the rebuilding can begin.

Our Cleaning Process for Fire Damage

Salvaging belongings from fire damage requires a strict process in order to properly address both seen and unseen damage. On the surface, there are soot spots and the pungent smell of burning that is almost inescapable. Soot can be difficult to remove because contaminants can hide inside walls and go undetected for some time. With so many issues to deal with all at once, it is necessary to remove foundational sections and items that are too far gone. Basically, everything needs to be processed before the property can be re-inhabited. 

Once we process everything, we can return all salvaged and restored contents. Soil-Away will remove or replace damaged structural and flooring components because soot often aligns with moisture pockets and settles in for further damages. These areas can be a breeding ground for mold and toxic particles thanks to oxygen and excess moisture. Our cleaning process takes care of each unsavory element, with a high chance of returning belongings and locations to pre-fire conditions.

How Does This Damage Occur on a Large Scale?

We have all heard and seen examples of fire damage. However, it is easy to assume that large-scale fires are rare. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Storm-prone locations can create and spread fires when lightning strikes outside structures or nearby trees. 

Nature also brings wind and water damages, both of which can lead to electricity-sparked fires that develop into a full blaze. While you can take precautions to halt these effects, it is impossible to be 100% protected against Mother Nature. On the man-made side of things, common space heaters can lead to major fires in a home or office. Make no mistake: you need a gameplan just in case a fire occurs. Soil-Away offers an easy-to-book service that can step in and rescue your belongings from larger fires.

Lingering Effects of Fire Damage

Smoke and soot can affect certain appliances within your structure, creating a hazardous property. Fire damage will linger long after the fire department extinguishes the blaze. In order to be 100% sure of your family’s safety, a professional needs to assess and eradicate the damages. Otherwise, these issues will continue to plague your property. Soil-Away works with insurance carriers, property management companies, major corporations, and homeowners on each case. Our experts can mitigate damages and restore belongings despite various contaminations.

Beat Fire Damage with Soil-Away Restoration

Ask us about our commercial loss restoration services. We have solutions to salvage fixtures, carpets, and your prized belongings. With Soil-Away your items have a chance to return to at least equal to or better than pre-loss status. Call us at (603) 641-6555 or visit our website today if fire damages hit where you live or work.

Fire damage is devastating, shocking, and traumatizing. You will likely experience a range of emotions, and in the beginning, you need someone to listen. You’ll also need someone to help you think through the next steps.

We’re Listening 

Soil-Away Disaster Restoration Services is a family-owned company with over 30 years of experience helping families and businesses get back to normal after a devastating disaster. While we hope this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for you, this is our business. We know what to do, how to do it, and can give you lots of individualized information based on your unique experience. 

We are available 24/7 for fire emergencies. Call us before the last embers are extinguished so that we can begin restoring your property right away. The sooner we can get on the scene, the more damaged property and personal items we will be able to salvage. 

Our Fire Damage Repair Process 

Evaluation

Our IICRC Certified project managers will thoroughly evaluate your situation, making extensive notes, and comprehensively documenting findings on the scene. We will put together a plan for restoration with a tentative timeline so that you are fully aware of how we intend to achieve your goals. We are happy to provide a copy of this plan and estimate to your insurance company and will work with your adjuster to make the claims process a smooth one. 

Safety and Security

The first step in restoration is providing safety and security to you and our technicians. We will board up and seal any open areas that may pose a security threat. We will also establish access protocols, so you know your home or business is secure.  

Documentation 

We will take extensive photos of our restoration process daily. There is no better way for you to see the beginning, middle, and end of our process. Project notes are another important documentation tool that we take seriously. These notes and photos are also crucial for your insurance company, and we provide copies. 

Contents

After a fire, we will need to move your contents to a secure location so that we can begin the reconstruction of your structure as soon as possible. We provide a complete pack-out of all your items, make a thorough and complete inventory of those items, and safely store them for you until the appropriate time. 

Contents Restoration 

We clean, sanitize, and deodorize all your damaged items with safe, responsible, and effective methods. We are first company in New Hampshire to implement the incredibly effective Esporta Wash System for soft contents. The Esporta Wash System is a revolutionary system that allows us to restore 90% of your soft contents, saving insurance companies (and you) thousands of dollars in replacement costs.

Demolition 

You can also trust us to remove and properly dispose of fire-damaged building materials safely. 

Cleaning and Deodorization

This extensive and intensive process removes soot and smoke odors from your structure and existing contents. With our innovative cleaning and deodorization techniques, you will not be able to detect a fire ever occurred, even on rainy or humid days. 

Rebuild and Reconstruct 

We are trained and certified to continue your restoration process with the rebuilding and reconstruction of your property. We provide solutions for framing, plumbing, flooring, and carpentry. When you hire us, you hire a one-stop-shop that can completely rebuild, reconstruct, and restore your home to pre-loss condition. We do it all. 

Claims Processing

We work with your insurance company with transparency and integrity to provide all necessary documentation, including copies of our estimates, invoicing, and photos. 

Communication

One of our highest priorities is keeping clear lines of communication open with you and your insurance company. We want you to feel confident and secure in the work we are doing. Also, we want to be sure your insurance company has all the information they need to help make your claims process smooth and easy. In addition, we encourage you to ask questions, drop by to look at progress, and voice any concerns. 

We believe in the highest levels of integrity and transparency and want you to be pleased with the work we do and how we get it done. 

Complete Restoration with Fire Damage and Repair

We are a one-stop company with a wide service area covering Manchester, Laconia, Portsmouth, Nashua and surrounding areas. We will help you navigate the entire restoration process from its beginning to its very end. In addition, we want to help you to get your house back to feeling like home again as soon as possible. One way we help homeowners achieve that goal is by seeing the job through from beginning to end. 

Soil-Away manages a team of skilled contractors who can meet the unique needs of your specific project. We provide a full range of licensed and insured experts, from carpenters and roofers to electricians and plumbers. This team is managed and overseen by your Soil-Away point of contact, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track. We do all of that for you. 

Because we can manage the entire job, you’ll get back to your home much faster than you would if you were trying to handle all the moving parts alone. You don’t have to wait for the next steps, delivery dates, or for contractors to get back to you. We handle all that so you don’t have to.  

Confidence and Trust In Our Fire Damage Repair

Soil-Away Disaster Restoration Services is a family-owned, local Manchester business with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. With our decades of experience, we help families and business owners get back to normal after all types of disasters. Since we’re available 24/7 for emergencies like a fire, water, or storm damage, we know what to do even when it feels like you do not. 

You are important to us. As a result, we won’t disappoint you. Call us TODAY for more information or an estimate. 

A home fire can be extremely damaging. Smoke damage is one issue that can arise during a house fire. The smoky odors left behind by the fire can be toxic and corrosive. It is vital to call a smoke and odor removal service company as soon as possible once the flames are put out. Soil-Away is available 24/7 and is also highly experienced in smoke and odor removal. Here are the steps to removal post-fire.

Assess the Damage

The first step is for Soil-Away to come in and assess the damages. We will walk around the property and study the extent of the damage. Then we’ll begin to decide what can be salvaged and what should be removed. At this point, we will create a plan and budget to clean the property.

After this, we’ll discuss the scope of the project with you and the insurance adjuster. Soil-Away will also take photographs to document what the damaged areas looked like before cleaning.

Clean Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

After we make the plan, the next step is cleaning the smoke and soot from all surfaces in the house. The HVAC units are cleaned, and structural surfaces are also washed. Also, things like appliances and carpets are cleaned if they can be salvaged. The goal is to get your house in the same condition it was in before the fire.

Salvage Contents and Remove Debris

Soil-Away will try to salvage as many things as possible. Some items will be damaged beyond repair and will need to be removed. We have an Esporta Wash System that helps salvage soft items like clothing and bedding. In fact, Soil-Away can salvage a higher percentage of soft items than any other company in the area!

Follow the Insurance Claim

The insurance claims process can be a challenge! Fortunately, Soil-Away will also walk you through each step. We will manage your claim and provide the insurance company with photos and documentation. Soil-Away has experience working with many different insurance providers, so we can help you stay organized when it comes to the claim.

Let Soil-Away Help With Smoke Damage Cleanup

A house fire is very scary and stressful. Fire and smoke damage can also hurt the structural foundation of the house, as well as the many sentimental things inside. At Soil-Away, we work hard to clean and restore your home to the condition it was in prior to the fire. For more information about the smoke and odor removal process, contact Soil-Away today.

It is so important to be cognizant of fire safety practices at home. If you do not practice fire prevention strategies, then you are at risk of seriously damaging your home and putting your family’s health in danger. Examples of fire prevention strategies are always making sure your smoke alarms work, checking to see if the oven is off after cooking, and not running the dryer when you are not home. Here are four things that you risk when you don’t try to prevent fire hazards.

Structural Damage

A fire can be extremely damaging to a home. With bigger house fires, the actual structure of the house can become damaged. Sometimes the home even needs to be rebuilt.

Damage to Personal Items

Fires bring great damage to personal items. This includes furniture, clothing, photo albums, electronics, and more. It can be devastating to see your memories and sentimental items ruined by a fire. Fortunately, Soil-Away is New Hampshire’s only certified Esporta Operator, which allows us to restore fire- and smoke-damaged items, including clothing, blankets, stuffed animals, and more.

Water Damage

Water damage is a side effect of fires. Firefighters use a lot of water to try and get the fire stopped. In the process, this can leave the home full of water damage. This moist environment allows black mold to thrive, which is very unhealthy for humans and animals to be around. Soil-Away removes water and dries the house using HEPA Air scrubbers, industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and air movers. An array of moisture meters and infrared cameras are used to detect hidden moisture.

Smoke and Soot Damage

A fire also leaves behind a lot of dangerous debris. Toxic debris and soot can get inside the HVAC duct system. Soil-Away uses HEPA vacuums and filtration systems to clean out air ducts. We work to remove soot, dust, and mold spores. Soil-Away also cleans other items affected by smoke and soot, such as furniture, carpets, and appliances. The goal is for everything to be sanitized and deodorized. Soil-Away will help get your house back to its pre-fire condition.

Fires are extremely dangerous, which is why daily fire prevention is so important. Make sure that you are doing these little things every day to ensure that you are avoiding fire hazards. Without fire prevention, a fire could easily cause widespread structural damage, water damage, personal item damage, and mold contamination. If your home has suffered a fire, contact Soil-Away Restoration today for more information about cleanup and repair services.

Fire damage can happen at any time. Overloaded power outlets, cooking incidents, or space heaters can increase your risk of a fire this winter. To protect your home from fire hazards, here are some quick and easy tips to remember to keep everyone safe. And if a fire should happen, it is important to know how to extinguish it to prevent damage.

Don’t Overload Circuits

Extension cords are a great convenience but putting too many plugs into one outlet could be a recipe for disaster. Whether you’re plugging in lamps, charging a laptop, or using a hairdryer, make sure that you aren’t overloading your electrical system. Just a small spark from an overloaded circuit could start a fire that can cause serious damage. Space out your electronic devices instead of plugging them all into the same outlet.

Don’t Leave Space Heaters Unattended

Many people living in old, drafty houses use space heaters to heat their homes. However, it’s important not to allow them to run unattended. Space heaters pose a huge risk for fire in the wintertime. Not only can they catch fire by heating things up around them, but they can overload a circuit and lead to a spark that has disastrous consequences. Make sure that when you go to bed or leave a room, you turn those space heaters off.

Use Fireplaces with Caution

 Winter also means an increase in the use of fireplaces. While a nice fire can make your home warm and cozy on those cold days, it’s important to use caution. Make sure your chimney is clean each year before you start up your fireplace. Damage or soot buildup in your chimney can quickly lead to a fire. An annual professional inspection and cleaning is the best way to ensure that your fireplace is safe to use.

What to Do if There Is a Fire

If you do have a fire in your home, your first instinct might be to throw water on it. But that might not always be the best way to tackle it. In fact, in some circumstances, throwing water on a fire can make it even worse or lead to electrocution. If you experience an electrical fire or one that originated from the kitchen stove, don’t use water to extinguish it. Instead, you should use a fire extinguisher. Make sure you have functional fire extinguishers ready for use around your home, especially in your kitchen and any other space where you use heat or fire.

Occurrences of house fires increase every winter. But the good news is that there are several easy steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Most importantly, if a fire ever appears to be getting out of control, leave the house immediately and call 911. If you’ve suffered fire damage, contact Soil-Away today so we can help you get your home cleaned up.

If you haven’t ever read any facts about fires, how they start, and how to extinguish them, then you might be vulnerable. Fires are handled differently according to what started them to begin with. If you want to make sure that you are prepared to handle any fire that might jeopardize your home or your family, it is important to understand how an electrical fire differs from other types of fires. You also need to know to prevent them, as well as stop them, to prevent electrical fire damage.

What Is An Electrical Fire?

An electrical fire is a fire that starts from faulty or old electrical outlets or appliances. According to the US Fire Administration, 6.3% of fires stem from electrical outlets. And January and February are when most electrical fires start, due to heating appliances and overloaded electrical circuits. Statistics show that most electrical fires begin in bedrooms, but when fires begin in the family room, dining room, and unoccupied spaces, fatalities are most often the result.

What Are the Five Main Causes of an Electrical Fire?

There are five main causes of an electrical fire: faulty outlets or appliances, light fixtures with bulbs, extension cords, space heaters, and wiring issues. Since older homes are more prone to electrical fires, it is imperative to take special precautions to accommodate an aging electrical system by avoiding those things that increase the risk of house fires. Never leave a space heater unattended, don’t overload a circuit, and any wiring issues should be addressed immediately.

What To Do To Prevent Electrical Fire Damage

If an appliance causes an electrical fire, then immediately switch it off and unplug it from the outlet. Use a blanket or Type C extinguisher to smother the fire. Never throw water on top of an electrical fire because water conducts electricity. It can lead to an electrical shock that can be fatal. If the fire originates from a portable space heater, do not just switch off the power to the unit. Unplug the unit from the wall when possible and smother the fire in the same manner as with an appliance.

An electrical fire differs from other types of fires, and so do the ways to put them out. Don’t ever throw water on an electrical fire, or you risk being shocked. Try to unplug the source immediately from the outlet. But if the fire gets out of control, it is more important for you to seek safety. An electrical fire can spread very quickly, and you don’t want to jeopardize yourself or your family. If you are the victim of electrical fire damage in your home, contact Soil-Away today. We can help you get things cleaned up and your life back on track.

For 24/7 emergency fire damage cleanup services call the restoration experts at Soil-Away (603-641-6555).

Something in your house caught fire. Maybe it was a faulty wire, or maybe a candle ignited a curtain. Whatever caused it, now that the fire is long gone, you might still be struggling to get rid of the smoke smell. But why? You’ve already attempted to clean the damaged area. Shouldn’t the smoke have just dispersed by now? Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons why the smell of smoke can linger.

Soft Surfaces

The more soft surfaces you have in a smoky area, the more likely it is that you’ll have a lingering smell. Smoke can cling to fabrics, so surfaces such as couches and carpets may hold onto that smell for a long time. Have you ever gone to a bonfire and then smelled like smoke for the rest of the night? It’s because the smoke settled into the fabric of your clothes. For the bonfire smell, all you had to do was toss your clothes into the washing machine. Unfortunately, items like cushions and rugs will prove much more difficult to clean.

Walls and Ceilings

In addition to your fabrics, your walls and ceilings can also absorb a smoky smell. Since smoke rises, your ceilings become prime real estate for a lingering smell. Your walls also hold onto a lot of that smell because your paint absorbs it. Thoroughly cleaning and treating the painted surfaces and then applying a fresh coat of odor-blocking sealant can eliminate a lot of the problem.

What You Can Do About It

Aside from repainting the walls after a proper cleaning, there’s not a lot that a non-professional can do about a lingering smoke smell. The contaminants from smoke and soot usually require a team of experts for removal. Furthermore, the accompanying fire and water damage may have caused serious structural issues to your home. Your best option is to hire a professional cleaning and restoration service. This way, you won’t risk overlooking any damage that might cause long-term issues.

Smoke Smell

Are you looking for a professional service to help you get rid of that smoke smell? Soil-Away can help. The expert team at Soil-Away has years of experience dealing with fire damage, including the smoke that gets left behind. From the first assessment to the final walk-through, we provide complete cleanup and restoration for fire-damaged areas. Our smoke removal includes the Esporta process, which removes smoke damage from soft goods. Are you ready to get rid of that smoke smell forever? Contact us today. We’re here for you 24/7.

Fire damage can devastate a home, office, or apartment complex in mere minutes. When you’ve experienced fire damage, you may not know exactly where to start. How do you decide which belongings you can salvage? How soon should you deal with your insurance company? If a structure that you own has experienced fire damage, Soil-Away can restore the space for you. Below you’ll find a few of the measures that we take when dealing with fire damage.

Fire Damage

First, a Soil-Away team will conduct an initial assessment of the damage. We want to see just how deep the damage goes so that we can thoroughly restore the space. From there, we’ll go over the results of our assessment with you. We’ll talk about the furniture that we can salvage and the steps we’ll take to repair and restore your property to its pre-fire condition. These steps may involve temporarily removing belongings, replacing rotted wood, and rebuilding certain structures.

Not Just Fire

If you’ve dealt with this kind of disaster, you know that fire damage isn’t just fire damage. The water that put out the fire can wreak all sorts of havoc in your home. From initial damage to long-term mold growth, water can cause just as much damage as fire – if not more. Furthermore, you’ll also have to deal with smoke and soot, which leave stains and smells that can last for a long time. Your Soil-Away team will clear away this damage and all the resulting biohazards.

Final Walkthrough

We want to make sure that you’re satisfied with our cleanup and restoration, which is why we’ll walk you through the formerly-damaged area once we finish the job. During this time, please feel free to let us know of any final questions or comments that you might have. At Soil-Away, we center our work around customer satisfaction.

Insurance Help

As a final step in helping you deal with the fire damage, we’ll help you work with your insurance company as well. We’re happy to provide documentation, including photographs, of our cleanup process. We’ve worked successfully with insurance companies for nearly 30 years, so you can rest assured that we can help you expedite the process.

Don’t Delay

If your home, office, or other structure has experienced fire damage, don’t delay the repair process. Call Soil-Away for a quick and thorough mitigation. Call now at 603-641-6555.

You’ve just experienced a fire in your home. Even after the flames die away, your house carries the physical scars that remind you of the fire. The soot, smoke, and water that stay behind after a fire may seem impossible to remove. The damage may be extensive, but cleanup doesn’t have to be a difficult process for you. Soil-Away is here to help. Just give us a call, and we’ll handle everything about the fire damage, from the first inspection to helping you with your insurance report.

Fire Damage Inspection

The first step, of course, is a thorough inspection. Since the fire damage happened in your own home, it can be hard to get a full idea of how much fire restoration you’ll need. When you call in a professional, they can give you an objective view. Our highly-trained experts know how to recognize even the deepest and most subtle signs of fire damage. You can be sure that we won’t miss anything during your fire damage inspection.

Fire Restoration

Next comes the actual fire restoration, which is a multi-step process. We’ll get rid of damaged drywall and anything else that can’t be saved, and we’ll replace the damaged drywall with new drywall. Next, we’ll move on to salvaging the things that we can save. We’re certified to use the Esporta process in our fire restoration. This process thoroughly removes all soot and smoke residue from soft goods.

Water Remediation

People tend to forget about water damage when they think of fire restoration, but the water that put out the fire can be destructive if left alone. In fact, getting rid of the water is just as important – if not more important – than getting rid of the soot and smoke. At Soil-Away, we don’t stop until we get rid of all of the water damage. Our drying process involves air movers, scrubbers, industrial fans, and many other tools that get the job done.

Sanitization and deodorization

At this point, we’ll clean and deodorize the parts of your home that were impacted by the fire damage. We’ll restore your home to its previous state by clearing away the hazards that could harm your family’s health. This includes clearing the air ducts so that you can continue to breathe healthy air.

Final Inspection and Insurance Help

We end our process with one more inspection. During this part, you can walk through the restored section with us and make sure that you’re satisfied with the job we’ve done. Throughout the entire process, we’ll work with your insurance company to help you process the claim.

Fire Restoration with Soil-Away

If you’ve dealt with a fire in your home, the professionals at Soil-Away will treat your property with the utmost care and respect. If you need help to salvage and restore your property contact Soil-Away as soon as possible. The sooner we get started with damage control, the better. We are available 24/7 at 603-641-6555.

Having a fire in your home is one of the most stressful, fear-inducing situations that you can experience. Even after the fire goes out, the damage leaves physical scars on your home that remind you of the fire. You can remove the fire damage from your home by taking a few important steps.

Call a Home Restoration Service

A home restoration company can clean up the damage after a fire, but make sure you call as quickly as you possibly can. The faster the company gets to work, the more of your property they can salvage from the fire damage. Try to find a company with a 24/7 emergency service so that somebody will answer you as soon as you call.

Keep Your Family Safe

To the best of your ability, keep your family members away from the fire damage. Even though the fire is no longer burning, what remains can still pose risks. It’s tempting to enter the home and try to salvage what remains, but you could end up making matters worse. For example, if you can’t see where you are stepping, you could end up slipping on the water or fire-retardant foam. Likewise, fire damage usually leaves behind residual smoke. This could be dangerous for inhalation. Asthmatic family members should take extra caution.

Go Through the Restoration Process

Your restoration company will take on most of the work during this next step. First, they’ll examine the fire damage, check for structural weaknesses, and salvage whatever they can. Next, they’ll remove the standing water and use dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the space. They’ll clean your home, removing all of the biohazards, irritants and odors caused by the fire damage.

Though your restoration company will do this work, you can feel free to ask questions and request updates about the process. Once the company finishes cleaning up the fire damage, you can take a look at the space for yourself to make sure they’ve done a satisfactory job.

File Your Insurance Claim

You should contact your insurance agency to file a claim. As the restoration team takes care of the fire damage, you’ll want to document the process. After it’s all said and done, you will need that information to share with your insurance agent. Your restoration company might even help you talk to your insurance agent. When you hire the company, you can ask whether or not they’ll help you with your claim.

If You Have Fire Damage

If you have fire damage in your home, Soil-Away can help you with the steps listed above. We have a 24/7 emergency service so that you can get back on your feet as soon as possible. We’ll clean your home diligently and thoroughly, and we’ll even help you file your insurance claim once we’ve completed the restoration process. Are you ready for your life to return to normal? Let us help. Contact us here or call 603-641-6555.

Fires and fire damage are never things that you plan for. Fires happen unexpectedly and can wreak havoc on your home and belongings. But did you know that once the flames have been put out and the smoke has cleared, you could be facing more than fire damage? Water damage is a very real concern in the wake of a fire. Whether it was put out by you or the fire department had to be called, your home and belongings can be affected by water damage. Here is how water damage can affect your home after a fire.

Standing Water

In the wake of a fire, there can also be a good amount of standing water. This is water that was used to extinguish the fire and then had nowhere to go. If that water is allowed to continue to sit without being removed it will damage what it came in contact with. It can ruin flooring, personal items, and even walls. Water has the power to weaken your home’s structural integrity. That is not something you want. The best way to protect your home and belongings from water is to ensure that water is removed right away.

Contaminants

Water used to put out a fire can spread contaminants. Think about what the water may pass through as it is extinguishing the fire. Water coming through the roof for example may go through attic insulation. Lead paint may be present in homes built prior to 1978. Walls that have been opened by the fire department or the fire damage itself may contain harmful contaminants such as dead rodents and their fecal matter, construction dust, and microbial growth – i.e. mold. Water can be used as a conduit to cross-contaminate a property. Proper extraction, demolition, sanitization and drying is 100% necessary.

Mold

When water or moisture go undetected in the aftermath of a fire, mold can grow freely. Mold is a risk for two main reasons. The first reason is it can destroy the structural integrity of whatever it is growing into. It can affect all types of material, weakening them as it grows. The second reason mold is dangerous is because of the health risks. Mold can cause any number of respiratory problems as well as more serious problems. Breathing mold in for an extended period of time is highly inadvisable.

It seems counter-intuitive that after a fire you should be worried about water damage, but it is a concern. Luckily that is where companies like Soil-Away come in. We are here to help restore your home from fire and water damage. If you have recently experienced a fire, give us a call at 603-641-6555. We’re here to help you.

Has there recently been a fire in your home? If the answer is yes and you are still smelling the smoke, it isn’t your imagination. It’s fire damage. Even after the fire is over and the rest of your home is back to normal, the odor can linger. This is why it is important to have a professional come in and perform odor removal after a fire. Fire damage is more than surface level, it can penetrate difference surfaces and outstay its welcome. Here are three areas in your home that can hold onto the smell of fire long after the flames have been put out.

Hidden Smoke Odors in HVAC Air Ducts

Your HVAC air duct system is a hidden area of your home that makes a big difference. Smoke can get into your system and pollute your air for a long time. What you need is professional odor removal equipment to pull the pollutants out. Soot, dust from the fire, and mold spores could also be making your HVAC their home. All of these particles will come out in your heat and AC, bringing their odor and potentially affecting your health. For your health, it is important to have your HVAC air duct system cleaned after a fire.

Trapped Odor in Flooring and Carpets

Carpets and flooring that survived the fire may not have come out without fire damage. Carpets and even other types of flooring are very absorbent and can soak up the fire smell. Removing the fire odor from flooring and carpets requires special equipment. This equipment penetrates the layers of carpet and flooring and cleans it out from the inside. It isn’t enough to clean the soot off of the top of your flooring because you can be left with residual smoke odors.

Cleaning Smoke Odor Off Walls 

Even walls can absorb the smell of fire and smoke. In the case of walls, the drywall might need replacing to remove the odor. However, a professional might be able to remove the smell with special cleaning techniques and equipment. That is why it is so important to consult with a professional restoration team after even a minor fire. They will know how to handle odor removal from the walls of your home.

Fires are a stressful experience. There is primarily the safety of those in the home to worry about. However, once the fire is put out there is a lot of clean up and deodorization required. That is why Soil-Away is here to help you. We can help you with all of your fire damage, including odor removal. Give us a call at 603-641-6555.

Fire safety is all about prevention. There are steps you can take as a homeowner to ensure that you are safe from fire damage. A large percentage of home fires are the result of accidental sparks. Electrical devices passing energy from one place to the next are the culprits of some of those sparks. Using extension cords in and around your home is convenient when used appropriately. Unfortunately, if you don’t follow proper safety steps, it could lead to dangerous outcomes.

Installation

When the lamp cord just won’t reach that perfect cozy reading nook location, it is easy to grab an extension cord. Before you plug it in, take a moment to make sure it meets certain safety requirements. Inspect it closely to make sure there are no imperfections in the cord. An extension cord is simply electrical wiring inside of a plastic coating. A damaged plastic coating loses its ability to hold the electrical current inside, creating a fire hazard. Another tip is to make sure you only use one drop cord at a time. Do not string multiple cords together at installation as this could disrupt the current or weaken it. If either of these occurs during your installation, it is safer to purchase a new cord at the appropriate length to avoid fire damage.

Long-Term Use

Most people don’t realize that should only use extension cords briefly. They are not designed as permanent solutions. In a more permanent setting, consider using power strips with surge protectors. Extension cords create multiple breaks in the line of energy. If an extension cord has loose joining points or unusual connections, it could spark and ignite the surface around it causing fire damage. You can help prevent fire damage by making sure the surface around those joints is not close to highly flammable objects such as curtains. Simply checking to make sure the curtains are not laying on top of the place where the device cord meets the extension cord can save your home.

Electrical devices can be intimidating. A little understanding of how they operate safely can save you some trouble later. Extension cords were created to make life more accessible. Using them appropriately makes life safe. The list of things to remember when using an extension cord is minimal. Check the cord before installation to make sure there are no imperfections. Likewise, check the cord during use to make sure it is operating safely and appropriately.

Fire hazards lurk all around your home. Some of the most dangerous places for fires are behind your walls, around your most prized possessions, even right on top of your kitchen counter. Here are some potential fire hazards and how to avoid them.

Faulty wiring and loose outlets

• Check the electrical cords throughout your home for signs of fraying.
• Do not cover electrical cords with items like rugs.
• Do not overload your circuits.
• Understand the difference between surge protectors and power strips.

Carelessness in the kitchen

• Never leave your pots or pans unattended on your stove.
• Keep a kitchen fire extinguisher readily available and know how to use it.
• Keep your stove and oven clean. Built up food splatter or grease can later ignite when the stove or oven is turned on for cooking.

Clothes dryers

• If you are installing your own dryer vent, follow the directions in the manufacturer’s installation instructions, using the recommended duct material.
• Clean out the dryer vent regularly.
• Clean out the lint filter after each load.
• Lint may also collect under and behind your dryer; do not forget to clean these areas.

Alternative Heating Sources

• Do not place a space heater near furniture, curtains, or other objects that could easily catch fire.
• Have your chimney inspected annually and have a professional clean and repair the chimney as needed.
• Use seasoned wood only. Never burn green or damp wood.
• Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash, or trees in your fireplace.

Our number one goal at Soil-Away Cleaning and Restoration is to keep you and your family safe from fire hazards. However, if you do find yourself in need of a restoration team, we are only a phone call away. We will inspect the damage, work with you to restore possessions and remove water, smoke, and biohazards from your property.

At Soil-Away Restoration, we provide more than fire damage restoration. We prioritize your situation and work hard to help you recover from a tragic loss. If you experience fire damage or have potential fire hazards in your home, call us today at (603) 641-6555 and we’ll work with you to get your home back in living condition!