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On-Site Specialty Cleaning + Restoration

Jul 30, 2021

Fire Damage Restoration

Types Of Damage And Restoration Needs Due To A Fire

Types Of Damage And Restoration Needs Due To A Fire

Fires can be very dangerous and cause a lot of damage, especially if the fire is inside your home. It's a no-brainer that when a fire occurs, there will be damage that follows, but there is sometimes more damage than what initially meets the eye. There is more that you may need to worry about than charred materials, particularly when it comes to your living space. It's important to know what different types of damage occur with a fire so that you can follow the proper restoration measures.

Fire Damage Restoration In Troy

Fire Damage

The fire damage really is straightforward. Fires are hot and consume almost everything they come in contact with. In your home, this may mean that materials and possessions do get burned or charred. There are different classes of fires that are classified based on what they may contain, and they vary in how dangerous they are. For example, a class A fire involves solid materials such as wood and paper, which is common in a home. Class B includes flammable liquids such as gas or diesel, and it becomes slightly more dangerous and can cause more damage. There are numerous other classes, but depending on the type of fire that has occurred, the damage can vary.

Smoke Damage

Wherever fire is, smoke follows. Even though smoke doesn't destroy things the same way fire does, smoke can still cause damage. This is due to items being covered in smoke and soot and a very strong, persistent odor. Smoke can embed itself into objects making it very difficult to remove the smoke and soot easily. If smoke damage isn't taken care of properly, it can cause problems down the road for those living in the conditions. It can prove to be harmful to the respiratory tract and cause illness. For those who are especially sensitive or have underlying health conditions, this could be a problem a lot sooner.

Water Damage

Water damage can also occur. Fires are generally put out by using water. When a fire station goes to put a fire out, they use big hoses to douse the fire with water. This water can later cause damage, especially if it isn't taken care of quickly. Water or even just moist surfaces can begin to weaken, warp, and attract pathogens that are harmful to people.

Mold Damage

Just like smoke follows a fire, mold generally follows moisture. If the water damage isn't taken care of, it can quickly lead to mold damage. Moist areas provide the best-growing ground for mold. After a fire, mold can become even more prevalent because it now has burned organic material to feed off of.

If you find yourself face to face with fire damage, you can find comfort and peace in knowing that fire damage restoration is possible. Professional fire damage restoration companies can help with restoring your home back to the way it was after fire damage, smoke damage, water damage, and mold damage occur. If you are in Troy, On-Site Specialty Cleaning + Restoration is a company that can help you.

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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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