Dealing With Oily Soils During Fire Restoration in Rockaway Park Properties

2/9/2025 (Permalink)

Fire damage is difficult to deal with on your own. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for certified technicians and equipment to get the job done.

Battling Against Sticky Messes and Stubborn Odors After Rockaway Park Fires

If you love the vibrancy of coastal communities, Rockaway Park is a slice of paradise for visitors and locals alike with its combination of urban and beach-town vibe. Rockaway Beach is the most popular of its beaches, where people enjoy sandy shores, surfing culture, and its scenic boardwalk. Initially, it served as a beach resort in the 1800s, and today, it has a great food scene, offering everything from casual taco joints to upscale restaurants. Notable local events include Rockaway Beach Surf Club's movie nights. Even a coastal gem like this is not immune to fires.

After successfully quelling a fire, various actions are necessary to restore the affected areas. Cleaning is a critical part of fire restoration in Rockaway Park properties. Oily residues from synthetic materials, grease fires, or cooking oils adhere to walls, floors, and furniture, leaving stains or degraded surfaces. Oily residues also tend to be pungent, creating long-term odor issues in your property. SERVPRO® can help you tackle the threat of fire residues.

Why Oily Fire Residues Are a Nightmare

• They stick to everything
• Spreads easily during cleaning
• Threatens chemical-sensitive surfaces 
• Many cleaning agents are ineffective against them

Two Effective Ways to Remove Oily Fire Residues

Breaking down or dissolving smoke residues makes the work easier. Our SERVPRO fire restoration IICRC-certified technicians use detergents to emulsify residues by breaking them into water-soluble particles. These products are effective because of their dual-molecular structure. The hydrophilic head is attracted to water molecules, and the hydrophobic tail is attracted to oil molecules surrounding them, forming micelles that make them soluble in water. Alternatively, we use solvents to dissolve oils.

Another advantage of involving a professional is the possibility of choosing appropriate cleaning agents. These agents protect your surfaces from damage during cleaning and do not leave behind residues or create a sticky finish that would later attract more soiling. We also prefer biodegradable or eco-friendly products, which eliminate any adverse effects the cleaning process may have on your clients or staff. 

SERVPRO of The Rockaways, Coney Island, is Here to Help® with comprehensive fire restoration solutions to keep your facilities comfortable. Call (718) 400-9051.