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After the disaster of a fire, most buildings deal with an even more insidious and invasive problem: soot damage.
Some of the most pervasive of soot damage can make a business inoperable.
How can you get rid of this dirty invader?
Today, we will go over the tips and skills you will need to learn how to clean soot.
Soot is more than black marks and pesky dirt. After a fire, big or small, soot is a chemical stain on the wall.
The disgusting damage left behind not only looks unprofessional and dirty, but excess soot can be hazardous to workers if breathed in.
Soot is not damage you can scrub away with simple soap and water. There are fine techniques that can help to remove the menace and leave you with a clean and presentable business again.
These tips can help clear off the soot from your property. Be warned, dealing with heavy amounts of soot can be dangerous when breathed in.
Wear a respirator at all times and be mindful to take breaks during the process. Opening any and all windows for ventilation is also key.
Soot removal film is a product designed to remove soot in a simple and easy manner with no need for chemicals or harsh scrubbing.
The film has an adhesive quality that lets it stick to the soot-covered surface. After some time to set, you peel the film away. With the removal of the film comes the soot that stuck to the walls.
The process seems effortless but takes practice to apply in an effective manner.
While it is possible to remove soot with scrubbing, there are some requirements to how you scrub and what you scrub with.
Cover or remove anything not damaged by soot. Then, vacuum any loose soot particles, leaving only the damage behind.
Use a chemical sponge to wipe away the soot. Be careful to avoid any harsh motions, as it can damage the material beneath the soot.
After sponging, clean off the area with a degreaser or soot removal chemical to remove excess stains.
Sometimes the damage concentrates in a small area. This can also mean that the concentration is so high and the fire damage is so intense, that the area, in general, may be a lost cause.
Removing the area in its entirety, and replacing it with new materials is an all-in route. It is expensive but will be absolute.
Paint can often absorb the soot smell and damage.
For areas that are light on damage, a repainting of the area can help return the area to normal and protect others from the hazards of soot.
This is also a recommended process for after cleaning up any soot damage.
When all else fails, or you do not want to risk a poor job, the best idea is to hire the professionals.
It may be disheartening to have to put money into hiring an outside source when you may already be struggling to recoup losses. It is best to keep in mind that redoing a job is as expensive, if not more so.
We here at Unlimited Restoration, Inc. pride ourselves at helping out customers recover in the fastest and easier manner we can bring.
It is always good to know how to clean soot, but when a complete job is the difference between your business opening again or not, the choice is clear. When you need us, give us a call.
