The Dangers of Flooring Corrosive Soot in Your Home

While fire flames can be destructive, the soot damage that persists after an incident usually causes even more harm, particularly to flooring. The corrosive soot from combustion can begin deteriorating all types of flooring, including hardwood, carpet, and tile. Knowing how soot impacts these surfaces is often the first step toward recognizing when professional cleaning is necessary.

How Corrosive Soot Deposits Affect the Floors

Soot and smoke damage are the number one target of fire damage restoration in Cumming homes after a disaster. Soot is an acidic byproduct of incomplete combustion, making it prone to embed in porous surfaces. Even on less porous flooring types, the soot forms stains and odors that are difficult to clean.

  • Hardwood Flooring: Hardwood flooring is highly vulnerable to soot damage because of the material's porous nature. Soot may seep into the grain of the wood, leading to permanent discoloration, warping, and a pervading burnt smell. If not promptly dealt with, it may involve refinishing hardwood floors or lead to total replacement.

  • Carpet Flooring: Carpets act like sponges for the soot and smoke particles generated during a fire. If not cleaned thoroughly, the soot settles deep inside the carpet fibers, staining them and imparting a disagreeable, toxic smell. Soot contamination can shorten carpets' life expectancy by accelerating their wear.

  • Tile and Grout: While soot is less likely to stain the tiles, the grout lines are different. Soot exposure leaves them with stubborn discolorations that are difficult to remove. Over time, soot can degrade grout through its corrosive nature to the point that it crumbles. When this occurs, the risk of the tiles loosening or cracking also arises.

Professional Help Can Rescue Your Flooring

AdvantaClean of Norcross and Buford best handles soot and smoke damage. From deep cleaning or refinishing to replacing flooring, our experienced team has the vast experience and equipment required to restore your floor to its pre-fire state.

Our Floor Restoration Services:

  • Soot Removal: Our sophisticated cleaning methods remove deeply embedded soot particles from hardwood, tile, and carpets.

  • Odor Removal: We utilize powerful deodorizers to eliminate smoky odors clinging to carpet fibers, wood grains, and grout.

  • Damage Repair/Replacement: For floors beyond soot damage repair, we refinish wood and, when necessary, replace it to return your flooring to its original appearance and functionality.

Trust the Experts at AdvantaClean of Norcross and Buford

When soot threatens the interior of your home, don't wait—take action. Our team at AdvantaClean of Norcross and Buford has the capability and equipment to restore your floors completely. Assistance is just a phone call away at (470) 819-2070.

Schedule an Appointment or Call (470) 819-2070

To request a service call, please fill out the form below and we will contact you via phone, email or text as soon as possible to confirm an appointment time. You will receive an email confirming your service request. 

*All fields required. By submitting this form, you agree to receive calls, text messages, or emails at the contact information provided. Message rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out at any time. We won’t share your information. Not all locations provide the same services. View our Privacy Policy.

(470) 819-2070
Categories