Award-Winning Restoration Company

On-Site Specialty Cleaning + Restoration

Oct 15, 2020

Fire Damage Restoration

Fire Damage: What Does It Look Like?

Fire Damage: What Does It Look Like?

The damage caused by fire doesn't end with everything being burnt or melted. There is a lot more that comes with a house fire and it can't simply be fixed by just anyone. Sometimes, the damage can cause safety issues, and it takes a professional to be able to start and finish the restoration process right. When it comes to fire damage, there are other damages that can follow and cause serious stress and cost a lot! Take a look:

Fire Damage In Troy

Fire damage is pretty straightforward. When there's a fire, there is extreme heat that can melt some substances and weaken the foundation. Flames themselves can disintegrate whatever is in their path. In the case of a big house fire, firefighters may have broken windows or cut holes in the roof to slow the fire down. Between everything, once the flames are extinguished, your house may not be as safe as it looks. The floor may look solid but the extreme heat took a toll on it. For smaller fires, the chemicals from a fire extinguisher can be harmful to you as well.

Smoke Damage

This one is the kicker. Nobody really thinks about it, but with fires, smoke can do more damage than the actual flames. Even if the flames don't make it throughout the house or to certain rooms, the smoke can travel everywhere. Your home and valuables can become black from the smoke but even worse, the odor from the smoke is very hard to get rid of. A lot of times, even if something looks perfectly fine, you might have to get rid of it simply because the smoke odor can't be removed.

Water Damage

Water will be used in order to put the fire out. This is good that something so accessible as water is able to put out a fire but it also means that there will be water damage. If your things weren't harmed by the fire or smoke, it is likely that they are wet or damp from the water.

Rot Damage

This can become a big problem if the aftermath is left for a long period of time. It's hard for things to rot if it is taken care of right away, but if left even for a couple of days, the water used to extinguish the fire can cause things to rot and mold. This can make the foundation even weaker and more dangerous. It also causes a foul smell and health issues for those who need to go in and clean it up.

After a fire, it is important to remember safety first. Before going into your home or around the fire, make sure it's been inspected, ask the professionals if it is safe, and always remember your safety. Though fires of any size (a small kitchen fire or a fire that consumes the whole house) can be scary, the aftermath can leave you a little lost, not knowing what to do. There are professional fire damage restoration teams that can come in to help. They take care of the damage from the ground up, inspecting and making decisions as to what needs to happen. If things can be salvaged, they will help to salvage it. For those in Troy, On-Site Cleaning will be there to do the job.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, lithium batteries are generally safe when used, stored, and charged properly. They are widely used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and more because they are lightweight and store a lot of energy.

However, they can become dangerous under certain conditions:

  • Overcharging or using the wrong charger
  • Exposure to heat or direct sunlight
  • Physical damage (like punctures or crushing)
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Poor-quality or counterfeit batteries

If something goes wrong, a lithium battery can overheat, catch fire, or even explode — this is known as thermal runaway.

Yes, a battery can start a fire under certain conditions. This typically happens when:

  1. Short Circuiting: If the battery terminals are connected directly (e.g., by metal), it can cause a short circuit, generating heat that may ignite nearby materials.
  2. Overcharging: Charging a battery beyond its capacity, especially lithium-ion batteries, can cause overheating and thermal runaway, leading to fire.
  3. Physical Damage: Puncturing, crushing, or damaging a battery can release internal chemicals and cause a fire or explosion.
  4. Exposure to High Heat: Placing a battery near a heat source or in direct sunlight for long periods can increase the risk of fire.
  5. Manufacturing Defects: Faulty batteries may have internal issues that can lead to spontaneous ignition.

This is particularly a concern with lithium-ion batteries found in phones, laptops, and e-bikes.

Yes, fire damage restoration services are designed to address smoke odors and eliminate them from your property. Our team at On-Site utilizes advanced techniques such as thermal fogging, ozone treatment, and air scrubbing to effectively neutralize smoke odors and improve indoor air quality. Additionally, we may recommend specialized cleaning methods and treatments to remove smoke residue from surfaces and materials, ensuring a thorough restoration of your property.

While DIY methods may provide temporary relief, professional smoke odor removal is recommended for thorough and long-lasting results.

Yes, lithium batteries can catch fire even when not in use, although it is rare. This usually happens due to internal faults or environmental factors.

No, lithium batteries do not only catch fire when charging. While charging is a common time for fires to occur—especially if overcharging, overheating, or using a faulty charger— fires can also happen during use, storage, or even when the battery is idle.

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