Fire Damage Cleanup Tips For Your Augusta Home If you are searching for DIY fire restoration tips, let us be right here. The truth is there is no safe and adequate way to clean up fire damage on your own. Fire and smoke damage restoration should never be attempted on your own – you will expose yourself to more problems than just the leftover smoke and soot. In fact, without the help of professionals, like us at Rumsey Construction And Restoration, you can actually put your health at risk when attempting to clean up fire damage.
Fire Damage Cleanup In Augusta Health hazards are everywhere following a fire. Smoke and soot left over after the flames have been extinguished are not only difficult to remove, but also full of dangerous byproducts. Many items that burn in a fire do not burn clean, and release toxins upon combustion. Breathing in odors from these materials, let alone smoke, can cause damage to the brain and lungs. Porous materials like wood, drywall, insulation, furniture, and carpet hold onto smoke long after the fire is extinguished. When inhaled, the byproducts of smoke damage may cause coughing, wheezing, asthma, bronchitis, and shortness of breath. Without the proper safety equipment and training, you risk exposing yourself to harmful respiratory problems.
The byproducts of smoke and soot are also irritating to the skin. Because they cling to surfaces, they prove difficult to remove and wipe away. When attempting to clean residue on your own without the proper cleaning solution and equipment, you expose your skin to irritants. Scrubbing not only disrupts particles and exposes them to your skin, but it also releases them into the air where they can be inhaled. Lingering soot and ash may also still be hot and can cause serious burns. Ash remains warm even after a fire goes out, so it must be handled with care. Our eyes are extremely sensitive to smoke and soot, and instant watering and redness will occur upon exposure.
Along with the health risks, your home’s structural integrity is also at risk following a fire. With the integrity compromised, a home that has suffered a fire should never be re-entered until it has been deemed safe by a professional inspector. The risk of ceilings falling and floors deteriorating upon entrance is not worth it. There may also be damage that is not obvious to those without the proper training and experience. Hidden damage is a huge threat when attempting fire damage restoration on your own. Not knowing what to look for could end up costing you much more in damages down the road.