Understanding The Impact of Smoke Damage on Commercial Properties
Smoke damage from fires can be very devastating and destructive for commercial property. While the fire itself may be dangerous, the after-effects of smoke damage could be equally destructive, if not more so.Smoke is composed of soot, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Other harmful chemicals may also enter a person’s airways depending on what was burnt during the fire.
Smoke residue is carried by humidity and air and will build on the property surfaces. Smoke damage on commercial properties will also result in a smoky odor that can be hard to remove. It is thus critical to contact a professional restoration service as soon as possible to help clean the smoke damage and prevent any permanent effects. Here are some of the impacts of smoke damage on commercial properties.
Fire and Smoke Cause Significant Health Risks
Smoke damage on commercial properties can result in health risks to the residents of the property. Some of the more dangerous health risks due to smoke damage include lung problems, skin problems, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Residents who have asthma or respiratory issues may find themselves to be more adversely affected by the smoke damage.
It can also result in breathing problems, dizziness, headaches, and worsen pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease. This is because the microscopic soot particles can penetrate deep into a person’s lungs and cause various health problems. Exposure to smoke and soot for a prolonged period has also been linked to premature death.
Smoke’s Destructive Effects on Exterior and Interior Surfaces
Smoke can also damage surfaces by staining highly porous materials, tarnishing metals, and discoloring furniture and appliances. They can also cause metal surfaces to corrode, discolor walls, and stain clothes. Smoke particles are also ionized and contain electrical charges. This attracts them to specific surfaces which is why they are found in higher concentrations on metal surfaces, corners of the room, and on synthetic materials.
Smoke damage is also more prevalent in commercial properties which are not well-ventilated and have enclosed spaces. The extent of smoke damage on a commercial property depends on a variety of factors such as its proximity to the fire, the surrounding environment, particle ionization, humidity, and temperature.
Smoke and Soot can Leave Unpleasant Odors
Smoke damage also results in a smoky stench. The more foul or smoky the stench, the harder it is to remove. The unpleasant odor can also linger for weeks or months depending on the degree of smoke damage. This can affect the quality of life and a prevalent smoky odor will also cause respiratory health problems.
To remove the unpleasant odor, the affected rooms need to be well-ventilated. Affected items and furniture should be cleaned and removed and special cleaning agents should be used to clean surfaces and building materials.
Restoration Costs and Duration
Smoke damage will also result in restoration costs for companies or businesses of the affected commercial properties. The restoration costs and duration will vary depending on the severity of the smoke damage.
The longer the smoke damage is left untreated, the more expensive restoration costs will be. It may also result in the commercial property being closed for several days due to cleaning and repair works, which will disrupt the daily operations of businesses on the affected property.
At Stone Claims Group, we help clients navigate the complexities of filing smoke damage claims. We can inspect their properties, negotiate with insurance companies, and add damages to their claims to maximize settlement.