What’s the Difference Between Smoke and Fire Damage?

If your property suffers a fire, it may have smoke and fire damage. Each of these two types of damage must be addressed properly so that your home or commercial building can be restored. That’s why United Water Restoration Group of The Woodlands wants to discuss the difference between damage caused by smoke and fire so you know how to take care of it fast!

Common Signs of Smoke Damage

The most common signs of smoke damage are:

• Yellowing on walls, paint, cabinets, and other surfaces, likely indicating protein residue
• Discolored household items throughout the space
• Strong odors, like the smell of burned objects
• Soot on walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and other surfaces
• Respiratory symptoms, like congestion and coughing

Common Signs of Fire Damage

All of the signs of smoke damage are also signs of fire damage since fire causes smoke. Other signs of fire damage include:

• Scorch marks
• Ash or debris
• Charred or melted items
• Significant holes, breaks, or burned areas of a property structure

Note that the amount of damage from smoke and fire can depend on how the fire started, where the first burned, how long the fire burned, and whether the fire spread. Small fires may result in some soot, odor, and yellowing, but large fires can result in thick soot coverage, intense odors, structural damage, and many items damaged beyond repair.

How to Fix Smoke and Fire Damage

Here are some of the many steps you can take to restore your property from damage caused by smoke and fire in the Woodlands, Texas:

• Remove all damaged furniture and household items.
• Replace damaged appliances, cabinetry, flooring, and structural elements.
• Scrub all the walls, windows, and other surfaces with a dry-cleaning sponge first and then with water and soap.
• Deodorize the space to remove foul odors.
• Hire an electrician to check the electrical system’s integrity.
• Call in the remediation professionals at United Water Restoration Group of The Woodlands. 

Restoring a property with smoke and fire damage can be a challenge, so trust our certified technicians to do the job for you. We can assess the damage from smoke and fire in The Woodlands homes and commercial properties and restore these spaces to their original conditions or better. Call our 24/7 phone line at (281) 297-8500 to speak to a technician right away.