Gasses are cloudy, fog-like beads that can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed. Hopefully, if you
ever call on Gulf Coast Public Adjusters to assist you in with a fire loss you do so without
any loss of life (or health issues).
The intensity of destruction of the fire will differ depending on where a fire originated.
Due to the essential work of the fire department to extinguish the fire, extensive water
damage will also accompany the fire and smoke damage. The fire department may have to break
through walls to make sure there are no hidden ambers. Smoke damage is usually visually
evident after a fire. Furniture and belongings may be charred, and there
is ash and soot on the floor. A large room will typically have much more smoke damage than a
smaller enclosed space. Additionally, certain parts of a room such as ceilings, corners,
walls, windows, and appliances will all be impacted by the fire.
After a fire, the flooring and walls will become yellow, which is not revealed instantly.
Surfaces will discolor and warp. Signs of rust and corrosion may appear on metal hardware
hours after a fire. Porous stone countertops, tiles, or other surfaces such as marble,
granite or travertine often become permanently stained from the acidic deposit obtained in
soot. The residue will also permanently tarnish metals.
Upholstered furniture may not show signs of fire damage but will certainly have a permanent
smoky odor. Soot can consist of minuscule fragments of carbon in the air. Eradicating the
smoke residue, or soot is necessary to reduce the odor of a fire. Several components make
up smoke which impacts the smell that remains permanently destroying furniture. The toxic
particles penetrate surfaces and fabrics. Carbon monoxide (CO), although odorless, is the
most common toxic gas resulting from a fire. When household products such as vinyl, plastics
and other chemical solvents containing chlorine materials are burned Phosgene is created.
Hydrogen cyanide is a consequence of the combustion and burning of plastics, synthetics,
clothing, carpets, and insulation. Smoke becomes perpetually trapped in clothing, carpets,
drapes, and upholstered furniture. Having those items cleaned and deodorized by a
professional fire clean up service may be a waste of time; they may retain the smoky smell
permanently. The location of the odor can be hard to identify. Soot will not only be located
on the surface of your furniture, but soot will also saturate the pores of the furniture.
Usually, the furniture has simply been damaged beyond repair.
Smoke damage can engulf walls and ceilings causing damage to the dwelling structure/framing,
wall studs, insulation, air ducts and the ventilation system. Toxic particles become
entrapped in the HVAC system, initiating respiratory issues.
The heat produced by the fire will destroy the dwelling's electrical system. Electrical
apparatuses such as wiring, cords, outlets, switches, fuses, and breaker boxes may be
damaged by the intense heat. Appliances may also display indications of corrosion, suffer
short circuits, malfunction, or fail completely.
Due to the extensive damages and destruction of a fire the entire dwelling and the contents
will be affected and will most likely need to be replaced. Gulf Coast Public Adjusters will
ensure your insurance company pays you to rebuild your home and replaces your contents.