The damage from fire is immediate and apparent, but the destruction caused by smoke is just as devastating. The smoke clings to all surfaces - walls, ceilings, clothing, appliances, and furniture. Traditional cleanup may help in removing any visible traces, but the very nature of smoke seeps into cracks and crevices that ordinary cleaning materials may miss on their first sweep.

Furthermore, smoke residue can erode surfaces, slowly but progressively creating more damage with the passage of time while the smoke odor lingers.

It is also highly toxic in nature and can cause sickness or irritation to both humans and animals in your residence. Metals corrode over time with exposure to water, succumbing to rust. Fires tend to speed up the rusting and corrosion, which may pose a danger to those living in a house previously fallen victim to one.

Appliances will need to be replaced for the same reason, as smoke can come into them and damage sensitive components critical to their use. Wooden components can also suffer extensive smoke damage long after a fire has been put out.

​

Chemicals left behind after a fire has been put out of a home can linger long after the flames have died down, which may lead to respiratory illnesses, irritation to skin, and other health-related concerns.