How Birmingham Homeowners Manage Smoke Damage

By Author: Leo Nov
Total Articles: 883
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In managing smoke damage the most important thing to remember is the quickness and sufficiency of smoke removal efforts. In this regard Birmingham homeowners can significantly increase their likelihood of salvaging more of their articles and belongings from the detrimental effects of fire and smoke by acting quickly and resolutely.

Being the largest city in the state of Alabama, Birmingham is regarded as a highly urbanized community that contains a varied natural landscape that can interrelate to bring about domestic fires. And because Birmingham is smacked right in the center of Dixie Alley, the heart of tornado alley, this significantly increases the risk of fires in homes.

So how do Birmingham homeowners manage smoke damage cleanup at a level that can rival that of professional companies?
As we have earlier stated the main idea is in the quick, efficient, and complete smoke removal in one's home. As homeowners we should realize that smoke is not different from fire because it is its chemical extension. Smoke is fundamentally made up of highly volatile gases that are produced by the combustion process, ...
... although there is no visible flame.

These volatile gases can harm articles and other objects as much as a fire will but with a much slower rate of combustion. Although the destruction is slower, damage still occurs and this is what we need to tackle in our efforts of removing smoke at its first sign.

1. Smoke can never be removed by preinstalled pumps or other similar devices often used in water removal. Though there is technology that can effectively remove smoke from different structures, its cost is prohibitive that not every home can afford it.

What homeowners can do nonetheless is to open all windows and doors in the home in order to allow the outside air current to move in and carry with it the smoke towards the outside environment. This is the simplest and most practical way to carry out smoke removal, though this can be further facilitated by electric fans blowing in the direction of the outward movement of the smoke.

2. Using a vacuum cleaner to 'suck in' the smoke is also helpful although the degree to which the smoke will be removed is greatly dependent on how efficient the vacuum cleaner is and how effective you are in drawing smoke towards the vacuum bin.

3. Removing personal articles and belongings especially those made of cloth or fabric tends to be another good option. This is because smoke particulates are more likely to be embedded a lot easier in these materials as they are more porous than other substances like metal or vinyl.

4. Wash cloth or fabric items and articles immediately and thoroughly in order to remove any unwanted smoke odor. Clean other materials with a soap sud solution made from one part ordinary detergent added to ten parts warm water.

Although these guidelines seem so simple, they are effective enough for those homeowners who may want simple solutions to otherwise complex problems. It is therefore best to seek professional companies especially those that provide smoke damage cleanup and restoration for a more thorough and efficient smoke removal.
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for fire and water damage cleanups. To learn more about smoke cleanup and fire damage restoration, visit RestorationSOS.com