Smoke damage from a wildfire is often invisible but can still be enormously harmful to the home, its furnishings and personal belongings. Even if your property didn’t suffer direct flame damage, it may still have damage from smoke. Knowing how to recognize the signs of wildfire smoke damage is important so that you can include it on a claim and seek fair insurance benefits.
Odors
Even when smoke doesn’t cause physical signs, it leaves behind a lingering acrid odor. If you notice the smell of smoke or a burnt odor while walking through your home or building after a wildfire, it has likely suffered smoke damage.
Smoke particles can embed themselves into porous materials, including the walls of your home, carpets and furnishings. This odor often gets stronger with damp weather or humidity and can be difficult to remove even after airing out the space.
Residue
Smoke is made up of particles of materials that were burned in the fire. Once the smoke has settled, it can leave behind a residue of soot that can accumulate on surfaces and may contain toxic chemicals. Gray or black residue and ash deposits may be found any place where smoke has infiltrated. Check furniture, tables and windowsills for black dust or a sticky residue that may point to smoke damage.
Discoloration
Smoke has the power to stain and discolor materials. You may notice yellow or brown stains, a dull or dingy appearance, or more subtle discolorations on your carpets, rugs, furniture, bedspreads, clothing, and walls or wallpaper. Depending on how close the wildfire was to your home, you may also notice burn marks or other physical signs of heat damage. Check for discoloration in your attic insulation, as smoke rises.
Malfunctioning Appliances
Wildfire smoke can infiltrate electronics and appliances, corroding the internal components and causing malfunctions. If your devices suddenly glitch, behave erratically or stop working after a fire in or near your home, it may be due to smoke exposure.
Respiratory Problems
Smoke can affect indoor air quality and lead to buildups of residue in HVAC systems. Even after ventilation of the home, smoke particles can clog air filters and decrease air quality. This can lead to health problems such as respiratory irritation, asthma attacks, persistent coughing, headaches or signs of toxic exposure.
How to Seek Compensation for Smoke Damage After a Wildfire
Smoke from a wildfire can cause enough physical damage to require the replacement of many items within your home, even if there is no direct fire damage. Smoke also presents a health hazard, especially to vulnerable populations.
If there are signs that smoke has impacted your property or health, be sure to seek fair financial compensation for this specific loss during the wildfire claims process. You may need to rely upon a third-party assessor to come to your property and confirm smoke damage as well as accurately estimate the cost of repairs.
Protect yourself during a property insurance claim or wildfire lawsuit by hiring a qualified fire damage attorney to represent you. A lawyer can take over claim negotiations with an insurance company for you to achieve a fair settlement or take your case to trial, if necessary.