Why You Need Professionals for Puffback Damage Cleanup

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire it may be necessary to clean the smoke and water before the building can be used again, at SERVPRO, we are ready to help you, call us!

Why Do You Need Professionals To Clean Up Puffback Damage?

The furnace puffback happens when the furnace malfunctions, causing an explosion within the furnace. As a result of that explosion, puffback damage spreads on every surface exposed to smoke and soot. The resulting material is often acidic, sticky, and oily. It can spread quickly into small spaces, such as throughout your ductwork, inside electric outlets, and behind closed doors.

The cleanup process is tedious and time-consuming. It is also a process best left to experienced cleaning and restoration technicians in Olympia, WA.

1. Inspect Your Property

Soot released by the furnace explosion could spread through the ventilation system, reaching corners of rooms on the other side of the building. Keep a detailed record of the damage. Be aware that you could spread soot if you track it on your shoes or clothing. Take precautions to prevent this.

2. Report the Puffback Damage to Your Insurance Provider

Reach out to your insurance company as quickly as possible to get a referral to cleanup professionals. This type of damage is often addressed in insurance policies for commercial properties. Don't forget to take pictures of the affected rooms before any cleanup is done. Don't try to clean the property yourself; you may cause secondary damage.

3. Contact Technicians for Cleanup and Repairs

A puffback is a clear indication that something is wrong with your oil furnace. You need a reputable HVAC repair technician to complete repairs, or you could end up with another puffback. It's also important that cleanup services begin right away. As soot sits on the surfaces of your building and belongings, its chemicals interact with those surfaces, causing staining, deterioration, and increased wear and tear.

Professionals have the training, equipment, and protective gear necessary to thoroughly address puffback damage. As a property owner or manager, you want the best results possible. These come from a professional response.