Why Wildfire Smoke Odor Persists

Wildfire smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds that vaporize during combustion and condense on cooler surfaces once they enter your home. These compounds penetrate drywall, carpet, upholstery, and any porous material. Even if you open windows and run fans, the smell remains because the molecules are embedded deep inside materials. HVAC systems also circulate smoke particles throughout the house, coating the inside of ductwork and distributing odor to every room.

How Wildfire Smoke Enters Homes

Smoke enters through open windows, doors, HVAC intakes, and gaps around the building envelope. If your home was closed up during a smoke event, the air pressure differences caused by HVAC operation can pull smoke inside through small cracks and unsealed penetrations. Even homes with closed windows and doors can smell like smoke after a wildfire because the particulates are small enough to infiltrate through gaps.

Professional Wildfire Smoke Odor Removal

We start by identifying which materials absorbed smoke and which can be saved. Then we HEPA-vacuum all surfaces to remove loose particulates, and clean walls, ceilings, and contents using specialized smoke neutralizers that break down odor molecules at a chemical level. We clean or replace HVAC filters and inspect ductwork to prevent recontamination. Thermal fogging and hydroxyl generators neutralize airborne and embedded odors by releasing compounds that bond with smoke molecules and render them odorless. Finally, we seal porous surfaces like wood and drywall with odor-blocking primers if needed.

Insurance Coverage for Wildfire Smoke Damage

Wildfire smoke damage is covered under most Oregon homeowners policies. We document all affected areas, provide detailed odor remediation protocols, and work with your adjuster to ensure every necessary step is approved. Our team prepares estimates using Xactimate to match adjuster expectations and expedite claim processing.

If wildfire smoke damaged your home and the odor will not go away, call for a free inspection. We'll remove the odor, restore your air quality, and handle your insurance claim.