28 Sep A Complete Guide to Exterior Fire Damage Cleaning for Property Owners and Managers By 19PFM
The first thing that often comes to mind when we think of fire damage is the destruction inside a property. It’s the lost belongings, blackened walls, smoke-logged rooms, and the smell of burning. As an exterior cleaning company, we tend to think of the damage that fire and smoke does to the outside of buildings. It’s smoke damage and soot on brickwork and stone, or charred cladding and glass. All materials behave differently when exposed to fire, and cleaning external surfaces is key to assessing the condition of a property and identifying any potential structural damage.
This guide explains what property owners and managers need to know about exterior fire damage cleaning, including some of the methods used, why speed matters, and how to choose the right contractor.
Understanding Exterior Fire Damage
The effects of fire on a property exterior can vary widely depending on the intensity and duration of the blaze. Common issues include:
Soot and smoke staining manifest as black deposits that cling to porous surfaces like brick, render, or stone.
Residue and corrosion caused by the acidic compounds in smoke that attack metals, concrete, and finishes.
Charring and discolouration generated from high heat exposure can permanently alter the appearance of surfaces.
Lingering odours can even stick around outdoors, especially as smoke smells can remain trapped in porous materials.
It’s easy to appreciate how the outside of a property is affected during a fire. Intense heat can crack masonry, blister render, and warp cladding or paintwork. Furthermore, smoke and soot spread quickly across facades, leaving deep stains that impact the aesthetics of a property exterior, and can also corrode brick, stone, glass, and metal over time.
Firefighting efforts add another layer of damage. Water can drive soot deeper into porous surfaces, creating staining and long-term moisture issues. In addition, chemical extinguishers may leave residues behind too.
It’s important to understand that exterior fire damage is more than a cosmetic problem. It can accelerate material deterioration and should be addressed quickly to prevent lasting harm. Therefore, one of the primary aims of exterior fire damage cleaning is to restore surfaces to assess condition and prevent further damage..
Professional Exterior Cleaning Matters For Fire Damage
Exterior fire cleaning is rarely a DIY job. Attempting to scrub or jet-wash soot deposits without the right approach can cause more harm than good. Key reasons to call a specialist include:
Material protection
We understand different materials and know how porous brick or stone surfaces can actually absorb stains deeper if they are treated incorrectly using the wrong techniques.
Health and safety
Cleaning often involves working at height, handling contaminated residues, and using specialist equipment. We hold a number of professional accreditations, such as IPAF, that allow us to work safely and responsibly at all times.
Insurance and compliance
Professional documentation may be required for claims and safety records. This is something that you will not be able to obtain if you have attempted to clean your exterior after a fire.
Time sensitivity
We offer a rapid response fire damage cleaning service. This is because the longer soot and smoke remain in place, the harder they are to remove and the greater the risk of long-term staining or corrosion.
What Are the Steps Involved in Effective Exterior Fire Damage Cleaning
Firstly, it’s important to keep in mind that every property is different, so we always tailor our methods to suit the specifics of each exterior cleaning requirement. Generally speaking, the cleaning process usually follows these stages.
Initial Assessment and Site Safety
We start by inspecting the building for structural issues, identifying surface types, and assessing the extent of smoke and soot contamination. Site safety measures, such as scaffolding, access controls, and PPE, are put in place so that we can work safely with risks considered.
Soot and Smoke Residue Removal
Loose deposits are carefully removed using dry methods such as brushing or HEPA vacuuming. When it comes to more stubborn stains we use wet-cleaning methods, low-pressure washing and specialist cleaning agents that are designed to lift soot without damaging surfaces.
What is Our Approach Cleaning Specific Surfaces?
Brick and stone can often be steam cleaned, but we can use soda blasting to lift deep-set stains without eroding the surface.
When it comes to cleaning render and cladding it is important to use gentle, non-abrasive methods to avoid damaging the surface of the material.
Metal and glass require corrosion inhibitors and chemical cleaners to restore appearance and prevent deterioration.
In some cases, we apply odour-neutralising treatments to eliminate lingering smoke smells. Our service can also include the application of protective sealants for porous surfaces to prevent future staining and improve durability.
How Does Exterior Fire Damage Cleaning Prevent Long-Term Damage?
The main thing to keep in mind is that fast action is crucial after a fire. Left untreated, smoke and soot can:
- Permanently discolour surfaces
- Weaken structural materials.
- Encourage mould growth where moisture is present.
- Create ongoing insurance and valuation issues.
Our professional clean is ideal for safeguarding against future problems. We have experience working for property managers, housing associations and homeowners after a fire event. It’s a sensitive time for all and we ensure our services will help when and where it’s needed. Our teams have specialist training, equipment and cleaning products that enable us to deliver professional external fire damage cleaning services. We are also fully insured and have over 15 years experience providing exterior cleaning services.
There is so much to think about if you’re facing the aftermath of a fire. Let us take care of the exterior cleaning by getting in touch to discuss the property and arrange a professional assessment. Acting quickly makes all the difference and our team are happy to help.
