What Smoke Damage Does to Your Home

Smoke contains acidic compounds that corrode metal, discolor surfaces, and embed in porous materials like drywall, insulation, and fabric. Even if the fire was small, smoke spreads through your entire home via HVAC ducts and air pressure differences. Walls, ceilings, and contents absorb the odor, and without proper treatment, the smell intensifies every time heat and humidity rise. Visible soot is only part of the problem. The real damage is the invisible coating on every surface and the odor molecules embedded deep inside porous materials.

What Your Policy Covers

Most Oregon homeowners policies cover smoke damage from fires, whether the fire started in your home or drifted from a wildfire. Coverage includes structure, contents, and additional living expenses if you need to move out during restoration. However, adjusters sometimes approve only surface cleaning when full remediation is needed. Smoke odor removal requires specialized equipment and chemistry, not just wiping down walls. If your adjuster's estimate does not include odor neutralization, thermal fogging, or duct cleaning, the claim may be incomplete.

How to Document Smoke Damage

Take photos of visible soot, staining, and any damaged contents before cleaning anything. Write down when the fire occurred and which rooms were affected. List everything that smells like smoke, including clothing, furniture, and stored items. Do not throw anything away until your adjuster approves it. Once you file the claim, the insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. We can meet the adjuster on-site, provide technical guidance, and ensure the scope includes all necessary remediation steps.

Professional Smoke Damage Restoration and Claims Assistance

We document all damage, photograph affected areas, and prepare a detailed estimate using Xactimate software that matches what adjusters expect. Then we remove unsalvageable materials, clean and seal surfaces, neutralize odors using hydroxyl generators and thermal fogging, and verify the home is odor-free before closing the claim. Our team works with your adjuster to ensure every necessary step is approved and covered. We also provide daily progress reports and moisture logs that prove work was performed to industry standards.

If smoke damaged your home, call for a free inspection and insurance consultation. We'll assess the damage, explain your coverage, and handle the claim so you can focus on recovery.