How to Seal Up Smoke and Fire Damage in Concord Properties

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO eliminates house fire odors in Concord--Throw Away the Gas Mask

SERVPRO Technicians Thoroughly Remediate Fire Damage

In recent years, the use of primers and sealers has become very common among fire damage restorers. While they are not suitable as a primary strategy, they can be very effective as a supplemental response to stains and odors. When a high-quality sealer gets applied to a wall or skirting board, for example, it traps the sooty residues inside.

It is something that conventional paints cannot do. They let smoke stains and odors seep back through the material while sealers block and bond settled combustion particles. They hide discoloration and minimize the transmission of unpleasant smells. For all of these reasons, SERVPRO regularly uses them when repairing fire damage in Concord homes.

Surface Preparation After Fire Damage

Most primers and sealers require a clean, smooth surface for a successful application. It is why SERVPRO spends time removing surface soot and caked-on grime before using any of these products. There are two types of combustion particles that develop after a fire. They are surface contaminants and settled residues.

Surface contaminants get captured in a HEPA vacuum. It is a fast, effective way to remove large amounts of dry, dusty soot. Cellular rubber sponges pick up additional particles. The problem is that the tiniest particles tend to escape surface wiping because they are small enough to hide within microscopic dips and troughs.

Consequently, this kind of cleaning is usually a two-step process. These much smaller settled residues are, in most cases, water-soluble. So, the SERVPRO technicians can wet wash to prevent the electrostatic bonding of particles. For embedded dirt and soot, a degree of abrasion is necessary. If the stained area is sizable, we can power sand or grit blast it.

Sealer Application

Once the surface is as smooth and clean as possible, a sealer chemical gets sprayed onto the targeted area. The process may take some time because successful odor prevention depends upon the construction of a flawless membrane. There can be no gaps or holes in the sealant. The spray nozzle must be held perpendicular to the surface for even coverage.

It should be made clear that sealers and primers are not a magic cure. They are powerful and effective, but they age just like everything else. So, while your treatments should last a long time, you may need a respray several years down the line. If you require help with this or you have a poorly applied primer that needs fixing, SERVPRO is here to lend a hand.

SERVPRO of Concord has many years of experience handling smoke and fire damage. We are in your neighborhood and ready to assist with repairs whenever you need them. Call us 24/7 at (603) 225-2825 today.