Snowed-In Vent Can Cause Fire Damage In Ham Lake

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Snow and Fire Damage in Ham Lake? Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Ham Lake Fire & Smoke Damage Occurs from Many Sources

Winter in Ham Lake means the probability of lots of snow. Snowbanks along the perimeter of your home increase the possibility of your ventilation systems working improperly because of a blocked exhaust or intake vent, sometimes causing a backup of volatile gases and debris that impair air quality or even spark a fire. When the wind howls and unexpected flames and smoke roll into your home, we are ready to help.

High winds exacerbate the snowfall totals in Ham Lake, creating significant drifts that can result in fire damage. This combination of bad weather and unfortunate luck can come as a surprise, but the drifting prevents your dryer from discharging the heat and lint. The hot air and flammable bits of linens and clothing combust as they clog the vent. Because the fire has limited oxygen, it smolders, sending dark, sticky smoke and soot throughout your dwelling. Cleanup of this kind of a fire, although it seems limited in scope, is most successfully done by our team of professionals.
 
The challenge here is the soot that is thicker and more tenacious than the ashes created by a hotter and faster burning fire. It infiltrates the laundry area and can move through your HVAC system if vents are nearby. Clothing, both clean and dirty, in the laundry room now needs a thorough cleaning with which SERVPRO's trained staff assists.
 
This type of soot also coats solid surfaces requires scrubbing with a spray and wipe method or abrasive cleaners or sponges. Porous items such as upholstery, window treatments, and carpeting need professional cleaning on site by SERVPRO technicians or off-site at a dry cleaner familiar with fire damage or in our facility. Items such as window blinds and intricately detailed light shades and knick-knacks benefit from immersion cleaning or treatment with an ultrasonic machine which uses sound waves to dislodge dirt. Our deodorization specialists also perform a series of tasks ranging from cleaning and disposing of burned items to employing technologically advanced thermal fogging or hydroxyl generators to eradicate the smell of the slow-burning fire.
 
The dryer vent and your HVAC system both require an inspection by our duct cleaning specialists. Some sections of the dryer vent might need replacement, but the heating and cooling system ductwork respond well to our professional cleaning. At a minimum, the filters in the HVAC system need replacing. SERVPRO workers also evaluate the snowpack around the offending and clogged dryer vent, arranging for snow and ice to be removed and recommending the area be maintained snow-free in the future.
 
If packed cold and wet snow is the cause of a dryer vent fire, SERVPRO of Coon Rapids / Central Anoka County is just a call away. Dial (763) 712-9712 for a speedy inspection and expert service from our fire damage technicians.

Keep an eye on the local weather here.