What Do I Use to Clean Black Cobwebs After a Fire in Dallas?

7/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 stands ready to assist any size fire damage restoration needs.

After the first responders leave, call SERVPRO to clean up your Dallas home after a fire

Black webs, also known as soot tags, are not uncommon after a fire when petroleum-based products or synthetic materials burn. During a fire, the soot forms and bonds together in long strands and the result are the formation of these black webs on ceilings and within corners. The reason for these specific locations is due to the typically lower temperatures after a fire rolls through the area, and the soot tags are attracted to these cooler areas. One thing Dallas homeowners should not do is remove the webs themselves as it can further damage walls and ceilings.

What Can a Fire Damage Restoration Company Do That I Can't?

There are many reasons to outsource the fire damage restoration of your Dallas home to SERVPRO. The technicians have extensive training and advanced equipment to ensure the best outcome for both the structure and contents. In the case of smoke damage on surfaces, the techs take preliminary steps to ensure the correct cleaning agents get chosen by:
    •    Testing residues to determine if they are dealing with dry or wet smoke
    •    Scoping of services to ensure cleaning methods chose will not mar surfaces
    •    Use of specific equipment such as dry cleaning sponges to carefully lift away dry smoke

What are Ways to Prevent Fires in My Home?

There are many ways for homeowners to lessen the chances of fires occurring in their homes. A good fire prevention plan begins with going over with your family what to do in case of a fire. Practice leaving and agree on a meeting place and see how quickly all family members can get there. Many insurance agents have checklists for home inspections, and you can ask for a copy for your own use. If not, make a list of each room in your home and look for the following:
    •    Overloaded outlets
    •    Extension cords under rugs
    •    Improperly stored flammable chemicals and cleaners
    •    Test smoke detectors monthly or consider upgrading to an environmental monitoring system
    •    Make sure all family members know basic fire prevention skills

How Does SERVPRO Know What My Insurance Covers During Cleanup?

In many cases, the cleanup after a fire comes with an insurance claim. SERVPRO technicians communicate with both homeowners and insurance adjusters to ensure that all the restoration services the techs perform get done within the scope of coverage. Additionally, when charred building materials or contents require disposal, it does not happen without approval. Items that need disposal get a detailed report created indicating the nature of the loss, the condition of the article, and photographs to back up the statement. This writeup can assist in the filing and expediting of insurance claims. The techs know this is a situation that can feel overwhelming, and they attempt to help lessen the stress on the property owners wherever possible.

Is it True You Can Paint Over Fire Odors?

Fire odors are pungent and stay until neutralized. Many homeowners assume they can paint over smoke damage and make it out of sight, out of mind. Unfortunately, that tactic works to eliminate the visible, but the strong odor can remain. SERVPRO technicians have a multi-layered approach to the removal of the instantly recognizable smell that fire leaves behind. The techs clean surfaces with the appropriate cleaning agent and then use equipment such as thermal fogging units or hydroxyl generators to eradicate odors from airborne soot particles. If any scents, however, mild remain within the loss area, the techs can use professional sealants to lock away the odor and prep the walls for priming and painting.

Air quality is a huge concern during the mitigation, and air scrubbers typically run during the cleanup efforts. If the HVAC ran after the fire or there is a reason to suspect soot is within the ductwork, the techs have the equipment and comprehensive training to clean the ductwork throughout the home thoroughly.

Post-Fire Restoration Actions

Once the team finishes the mitigation efforts for the loss within the home, the SERVPRO crew chief goes over the actions taken within the loss area, including items that required disposal, any controlled demolition needed, and the things that got successfully restored through the professional cleaning process. If any repairs need to get done to bring the home to a fully restored status, the homeowner and/or adjuster gets given that information also.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 stands ready to assist any size fire damage restoration needs. The certified techs are available 24/7 and use their knowledge and expertise to bring your home back to its preloss condition.