Fire Damage Odor: Why It Lingers and What You Can Do

10/30/2024 (Permalink)

Breathe easy! SERVPRO of North Lilburn and North Lawrenceville removes stubborn smoke odors from your home.

SERVPRO® Technicians are Fully Certified to Remediate Odor

When a fire occurs, smoke is essentially the fuel that didn’t fully burn. Although it may seem to vanish after the flames are extinguished, smoke leaves behind a visible film and persistent odor due to the rapid cooling of particulates. The particles you see in smoke are tiny fragments of carbon and other burned materials. Smoke odors can be incredibly stubborn, often lingering for months, even years. A fascinating example of this is the 1906 San Francisco fire, where certain items from the event still carry a noticeable smoke scent—nearly 90 years later!

Whether the fire damage in Norcross comes from a natural disaster, residential accident, or a commercial fire, removing smoke odor can be a tough challenge. Several factors contribute to the strength and persistence of these odors, with the size of the fire being one of the most important. A larger fire burns more materials, which leads to more smoke and, consequently, stronger odors.

Another significant factor is the size of the room or area affected by the fire. Smaller spaces can trap smoke, causing the odor to become more concentrated and intense. The duration of smoke exposure also plays a role. The longer an area is exposed, the deeper the smoke odor can penetrate porous materials like fabrics, carpets, and drywall. Additionally, the type of material that has been affected will determine the methods and products professionals use to treat the odors.

While odors are often one of the most noticeable issues after a fire, it’s essential to remember that safety is always the top priority. Fires can release various hazardous materials into the air, which is why SERVPRO® thoroughly inspects your property before it's deemed safe to re-enter. For more information on potential hazards after a fire, the EPA offers resources on air quality and safety guidelines after such events.

At SERVPRO of North Lilburn and North Lawrenceville, our technicians are experts in deodorization. As a locally owned and operated business, we take pride in helping our community recover after a fire. Removing the odor source is the first step in our comprehensive deodorization process. Our team is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors at the source, whether they originate indoors or outdoors.

Unlike simple masking methods, which are temporary, we focus on scientifically addressing the root cause of the odor. By pinpointing the source and understanding how it interacts with various surfaces, we can ensure a more permanent solution. The science of odor removal can be complex, which is why it’s best to leave the restoration to professionals. For additional insights on the science of odor, you can visit IICRC to learn more about professional standards in cleaning and restoration.

If you're facing lingering smoke odors after a fire, SERVPRO of North Lilburn and North Lawrenceville is here to help®. Give us a call today at (770) 709-3266, and let our certified technicians restore your property and peace of mind.