A Timeline of Fire/Smoke Damage

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Professional restoration technicians know that damage increases and restoration costs escalate when the fire restoration process is delayed. When homeowners prolong the restoration of their home, they extend the effects brought on by the smoke exposure. Think it can wait? Check out the timeline of the effects of fire and smoke damage on a property:

Within Minutes: Acid soot residues cause plastics to yellow; small appliances located close to the source of combustion discolor; highly porous materials (marble, alabaster) discolor permanently.

Within Hours: Acid residues stain grout in bathrooms; fiberglass bath fixtures may yellow; uncoated metals tarnish, counter tops may yellow; finishes on appliances, particularly refrigerators, may yellow; furniture finishes may discolor.

Within Days: In time, acid residues cause painted walls to yellow permanently; metal corrodes, pits and rusts; wood furniture requires refinishing; vinyl flooring requires refinishing or replace­ment; clothing becomes soot stained; upholstery stains permanently.

Within Weeks: Restoration costs escalate tremendously. Synthetic carpet fibers may yellow or discolor permanently; silver plate is corroded permanently; glass, crystal, china may require replacement due to severe etching and pitting caused by prolonged exposure to acid soot residues.

Trust SERVPRO of New London with your fire restoration needs.