What Cleaning Is Necessary after West Lynn Furnace Puff Backs?

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Suggests that local West Lynn neighbors call us to clean air ducts and interiors after a furnace puff back

Removing soot and smoke threats require several tools and products

After a small explosion in the oil furnace of your West Lynn home, you can contend with multiple hazardous and potentially threatening conditions. A furnace puff back throws oily residues and charged soot particles into connected rooms through vents in your HVAC system. Cleaning up after these events must happen as soon as possible, and we have experienced fire restoration professionals to help.

How Does the Full Scope of the Damage Get Identified?

Fire puff back cleaning in West Lynn homes begins with an evaluation of the premises. Considering that the effects of furnace puff backs are hazardous to those without the appropriate personal protective equipment, choosing professional evaluation and damage assessment is wise. Our project manager can quickly and thoroughly inspect the property and determine what steps are necessary for restoration.

How Do SERVPRO Professionals Clean Soot?

Soot represents a complicated makeup of various fuels and combusted materials. It can be made up of plastics, fabrics, wood, and in the case of furnace puff backs, oil. The choice of solvents and detergents used in surface cleaning is critical to prevent unnecessary damage to the underlying material. This greasy film is electrically charged complicating the wipe down. Smearing must be avoided to minimize any repainting of surfaces. Agitative cleaning practices can often reduce the presence of the spiderweb-like deposits around vents and ceilings before more direct cleaning practices are implemented. Some of these agitative cleaning approaches include:

• Dry vacuuming
• Soft-bristle brushing
• Steel wool
• Feather dusting

Are Odors a Concern After Puff Backs?

Petroleum smells are common in homes after furnace puff back incidents. Much like other structure fires that our restoration team might help address, we have specific deodorization practices that can overcome these effects. Most commonly, we may utilize a combination of thermal fogging, HEPA filtered air scrubbers, and hydroxyl generators to address trapped odors and smells in the HVAC system and impacted rooms.

Everyone running an oil-based furnace can do well to prepare themselves for the possibilities of puff back disasters. These situations can deposit harmful soot particles throughout the residence, requiring the experienced response of our SERVPRO of Saugus, West Lynn team to help. You can reach us 24/7 at (978) 634-3355.