After a fire or smoke damage has affected your commercial building, emergency responses have been carried out, and damage has been assessed, the next important step is to carry out a smoke damage cleanup protocol.
Even after the emergency has passed, smoke residue, ash, and soot can permeate the walls and floors of the building. Some damage to your business’ structure and environment that can occur after a fire can include:
- Discoloration of walls, ceilings, and surfaces that lead to corrosion. This is caused by the acidic residue in soot, and often surfaces must be removed or replaced.
- Smoke odor caused by soot, which are tiny particles of carbon in the air.
- Interior damage, including structure and framing, ventilation, wall studs, and insulation.
- Electrical damage to wiring and electrical systems.
Soot that is left after the smoke has been present indoors contains particles, vapors, and toxic gases that can be toxic and poisonous. This is why smoke damage cleanup is so important – not only to eliminate visible effects of smoke that impact the way people see the safety and quality of the business environment, but, most importantly, to ensure the health of the people that are present in the commercial building as employees, visitors, or customers.
Commercial Smoke Damage Cleanup to Prevent Health Issues:
To clean up after smoke damage has occurred, business owners should consider the following:
1. Report the incident to the insurance company.
2. Contact a professional smoke damage inspector. She or he will tell you what areas need to be cleaned up and how.
3. Contract a professional smoke damage cleanup service to remove smoke damage.
4. Implement a smoke damage restoration protocol within a few days of the fire.