Cleaning Soot Damaged Walls and Ceilings

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Fast Action Can Protect Damaged Drywall in Falcon Heights from Greater Soot Exposure

Clearing smoke and soot damage from your home after a fire is a significant undertaking, but one that is possible with the proper restoration professionals. Eliminating residues is a combination of wet and dry cleaning strategies that can start as soon as our team arrives.

Determining the Type of Soil and Soot Damage 

Among the first steps that begin fire damage restoration in Falcon Heights homes is a thorough inspection of the property to determine where soot and smoke damage exist. Not only must our professionals identify the presence of these damage effects, but we must also pinpoint the type of smoke residues to ensure the appropriate cleaning.

Can Wet Cleaning Work on Painted Walls? 

In many ways, wet cleaning is the preferred method of removing soot and smoke residues from painted or finished surfaces. While the general premise of this cleaning is universal, the process varies somewhat with different paints or coatings including:

• Water-Based Paint – often latex-based and typically easy to clean with water-based products. 
• Oil-Soluble – soluble in turpentine or mineral spirits, enamels are easy to wash with the right products.
• Clear Finish – oil-based and typically easy to clean. Pretesting ensures the right products for the job.

Deodorization Options When Repainting 

One of the advantages to having a wall that must get resurfaced is the ability of our team to manage smoke odors trapped in the porous materials. Drywall and ceiling systems can be painted and finished, yet when aromas become trapped in the pores of these materials, a special odor-sealing primer can be used first to prevent unexpected revivals of noxious smells in the future.  

There are multiple obstacles to cleaning and restoring fire-damaged homes in the area. With the humidity and colder seasons, threats of wet smoke damage can overwhelm a property. Our experienced SERVPRO of Wright County restoration team can help with effective mitigation and restoration solutions after a fire when you call 763-295-1161