Smoke damage can be silently destructive in both homes and businesses. It can linger long after a fire is extinguished. The most affected component is drywall, which often takes the brunt of smoke, soot, and smell. Homeowners often ask whether it’s possible to clean drywall or if the material needs to be replaced. Knowing how to deal with smoke damage and when to hire a damage restoration company to help restore your home is crucial to the restoration process.
Smoke Damage Drywall
Drywall, a porous substance, absorbs smoke and soot and smells quickly. Smoke damage may be visible as stains and discoloration. However, hidden damage can pose a greater problem. Smoke seeps deep into the walls, leading to odors that can last for days and compromising air quality.
There are many types of smoke damage, each affecting drywall differently.
- Wet Smog: This type of smoke comes from low-heat, smoldering flames. It can cause drywall to be penetrated deeply.
- Dusty Smoke: The powdery smoke left on the drywall surfaces after fast-burning and high-temperature fires.
- A Protein Residue: Lingering protein residue, often invisible to the eye, can be left behind from kitchen fires.
- Fuel and/or Oil Residues: This sticky and dense residue usually comes from industrial fires.
The type of damage and the extent determine whether it is better to clean or replace.
When Can Drywall Walls Be Cleaned
In small cases of smoke-damaged drywall, the material can be cleaned instead of replaced. Here’s a guide to help professionals decide if cleaning is possible:
- Surface-level damage: If the smoke has not penetrated deep into the wood, mild chemical treatments or dry chemical sponges can be used to clean it.
- Odor or Soot? If there is a minor amount of soot in the drywall, it can be cleaned without removing it.
- Proper ventilation: Adequate ventilation increases airflow, and odors are easier to manage with air purifiers and deodorizing products.
While DIY cleaning is appealing, improper cleaning will only worsen the damage. A restoration company will use advanced tools and techniques to remove smoke particles, soot particles, and odors completely.
Drywall Repair Signs
Smoke damage, even if minor, may require drywall replacement. Here are a few signs that your drywall may need to be replaced.
- Persistent Odors
If the smoke smell persists, even after cleaning the surface, this indicates that the smoke particle has penetrated through the drywall. Once these particles are embedded, completely removing the smoke odor without replacing it is almost impossible.
- Heavy Soot And Staining
Smoke can deeply penetrate the drywall when there is severe soot or discoloration. Even after a professional cleaning, heavy stains are still visible, and the wall may not return to its original state.
- Structural Compromise
Drywall damaged by firefighting moisture or heat can lose its structural stability. It’s not possible to fix drywall that is warping or bubbling.
- Fire Related Water Damage
Water used to extinguish a fire can cause the wallboard to absorb water, causing mold growth and further structural deterioration. It is safer to completely replace the drywall.
The Role Of A Professional Damage Restoration Company
Restoration of smoke damage is not a straightforward task. A qualified business that specializes in damage repair has the skills, equipment, and expertise to precisely assess the state of your wall drywall and decide if it is worth replacing or cleaning. Here’s what they can do for you:
Specialized Cleaning Techniques
For salvageable wallboard, experts can use advanced cleaning methods like dry-sponging, soda blasting, or chemical treatments to remove smoke residues and soot. Air scrubbers or machines with ozone can help eliminate any lingering odors.
Improvement Of Air Quality Through Deodorization
Restoration companies employ HEPA filters, dehumidifiers, or air scrubbers. These improve indoor air quality by removing harmful smoke particles, making the occupants’ environment much safer and cleaner.
Conclusion
While minor smoke damage can be cleaned, most severe cases require drywall replacement to restore structural integrity. If you have persistent odors, deep stains, and compromised drywall, it is clear that replacement of the drywall is your best option. Calling a professional damage restoration company can help ensure that the smoke damage has been addressed completely, that the drywall has been restored or repaired, and that you can return home safely. For smoke damage restoration, you need to act quickly.
