What to do when soot and ash invade your home. Contra Costa County, Antioch, East Bay

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

California wild fires. heavy ash and soot, Antioch , East Bay fire damage.

SERVPRO of Antioch, CA is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC has many tips and suggestions for consumers. Please consider the following information from the IICRC regarding fire and smoke restoration:

In the wake of a fire that has covered homes with smoke and ash, it’s important to begin cleaning up as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage or discoloration from soot residue. The IICRC provides the following tips for fire victims facing clean up:

• Practice safety first. Use a dust mask (like painters use) and gloves as you work.

• Ventilate the home. Place a box fan in an open window to draw the air and dust out.

• Clean from top to bottom. Start with the ceilings, walls and fixtures, and work your way down to the contents of the room, then to the floor.

• Vacuum floors and upholstery. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a high efficiency filter. Otherwise, you risk blowing soot back into the air.

• Some draperies, clothing and machine-washable items may be laundered. Use a mild alkaline cleaner to neutralize the acid in the soot. Fine clothing should be dry cleaned.

• Most exterior walls (brick, stone, wood, paint, siding) and eaves can be cleaned by spraying with a detergent, agitating soot with a soft-bristled brush, pressure washing from bottom to top, then rinse from top to bottom.

• If the damage and residue are heavy, it may be best to hire a professional to thoroughly restore your home and belongings.

• Check with your insurance company to see if smoke damage from outdoor sources is covered by your policy.

• If the fire has warped or distorted the structure, consult a licensed general contractor.

Professional restoration technicians know that damage increases, and restoration costs escalate the longer neutralization, corrosion control and cleaning is delayed. When homeowners prolong the restoration of their home, they extend the effects brought on by the smoke exposure. The following is a timeline of the effects of fire and smoke on a home.

For more details, visit http://www.IICRC.org/consumers/care/fire-smoke-restoration/

Need a professional? Call SERVPRO Antioch 925-706-0106  today. We are here to help 24/7. 

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