Maybe you had a large kitchen fire that was almost out of control, or perhaps you experienced a tragic house fire. Your home is now overwhelmed by soot stains on your walls, and the excessive smell of smoke is affecting your whole house. Smoke damage on your walls presents particular challenges, and while it’s tempting to try to fix minor damage yourself, doing so won’t solve the underlying problem.
At First Call, we’ve witnessed this situation all too many times: Well-meaning homeowners discover DIY videos online and attempt to resolve the problem themselves. However, doing so can not only make the problem worse, but it can jeopardize the safety of you and your family.
We know that eliminating smoke damage on walls is about much more than a nice coat of paint. It means getting to the heart of the problem to completely eliminate the underlying cause, and restore your home, school, or business to the way it was before the incident. If you’re experiencing smoke damage, we invite you to see why First Call is always the right call for Greensboro, Burlington and Triangle residents by contacting us.
How are Smoke-Damaged Walls Repaired?
First, be aware of the dangers proposed by “simple” DIY tips. Not only will these be unsuccessful, but they can place your health and safety at risk.
Once you’ve trusted your home or business to First Call, our experts start by easily visible soot. After that, we will utilize special equipment to help us eliminate all tiny soot particles. This is crucial because even the smallest speck of soot can damage your lungs or cause breathing problems.
After this, we use a professional cleaning solution, sometimes with a degreaser, to help us remove any oil-soluble smoke and soot particles. We then rinse the areas to wash off the solution.
Wood presents a special challenge. Sometimes we can sand and refinish it, or in other cases, we may use a specialized sealant.
Can You Paint Over Smoke Damaged Walls?
We know. It’s tempting. It seems like all you need is a good coat of paint and a clean surface to paint over smoke-damaged walls. But nothing is as simple as it seems, and attempting to do this yourself is a futile effort. Why?
- The paint doesn’t get rid of a lingering smoky scent
- Paint can peel or flake
- Paint won’t properly adhere to the wall (causing additional problems later)
- The stain will likely return even after it’s painted over
- Tiny, nearly invisible soot particles can remain,
Are Soot Stains Permanent?
It may feel like it. The difficult aspect of getting rid of soot is that it is made of tiny particles—so scrubbing with a sponge only pushes soot further into your walls. If you do that, then the staining can become permanent.
In fact, many restoration companies find that removing soot from fabric, wood and carpet is one of the most challenging tasks they undertake. But don’t worry: First Call is ready to step up to the plate and get the job done right.
Our experience allows us to meet this challenge with success and confidence, whether restoring a private residence or a large business warehouse, we can handle the project with professional ease. This means you have the peace of mind knowing you can return to your home or business as soon as safely possible.
Is There Any Way to Remove Smoke Odor From Walls?
Some common DIY smoke odor remedies call for baking soda, others vinegar, and still others advise using substances that can damage your lungs if inhaled for long periods of time.
Smoke has a very distinctive odor; even something that has only been slightly damaged can make the whole room stink. Most DIY cleaning methods will only get to the surface level of the problems…and that’s just for dealing with minimal damage like cigarette smoke lingering in a home. These methods won’t come close to providing the odor-free home you need after a fire or other disaster.
Remember, soot can cover all areas of your home—even those you may not see. Until it is completely removed, you’ll never be able to fully get rid of the constant, annoying odor of smoke.
Trust a Reputable Company to Get the Job Done
The best way to remove smoke odor from walls is to trust your home, school or business to our experts at First Call. We have provided extensive fire damage restoration for more than 30 years. A trusted member of the community, we’re locally owned and operated, holding an Unlimited General Contractor’s license. In addition, we’re certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
Smoke Damage on Walls? Soot Stains Throughout Your House? First Call Is Always the Right Call
There are few things more annoying than having to put up with the unsightly, and smelly, smoke damage in your home. The longer it lingers, the more likely you’ll develop health and respiratory problems.
You need a company that pledges to provide the highest level of service. You need First Call.
Of course, many fire and water damage restoration companies make that claim…but we have the testimonials to prove it. We’re not like the large chains with multiple franchises–we’ve been active members of the Burlington/Greensboro community since 1989.
Contact us today because First Call is the right call.
