Can Your Ductwork be Salvaged Following a Home Fire?

Home fires can cause significant damage, injury, and death. More than 3,000 individuals perish in fires every year in the United States.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), house fires accounted for over 2,000 deaths and $6.9 billion in damages in five years. Cooking, faulty household equipment, and electrical malfunctions are responsible for most residential fires.

All it takes is a few seconds for a small spark to become a much larger and more serious issue. While the event itself is traumatic, the aftermath of a house fire can be burdensome. The cleanup and restoration process can feel emotionally and financially overwhelming.

While there are many household items and systems that cannot be restored or replaced following a fire, the ductwork can potentially be salvaged. A trained professional can help assess the extent of the damage, determine if the ductwork can be saved, and perform restorative services.

What Is Ductwork?

Ductwork refers to the system that distributes airflow from heating or cooling units throughout a home. Smooth operating ductwork helps to ensure a home is heated and cooled as intended and that things run efficiently. The system also protects a home’s air quality.

When a home’s ductwork is compromised, it can cause serious issues. Climate control and air quality may be affected, which can pose great concerns for a person’s health and wallet.

How is Ductwork Affected by Fires?

A home’s ductwork can be significantly affected by fire or excessive smoke. The system can collect a wide range of potentially harmful particulates including moisture, gaseous matter, smoke residue, and other contaminants.

Acidic compounds left in soot can also accumulate in the air ducts and cause serious health concerns. These elements can impact the system’s long-term performance and an individual’s well-being.

How Can Ductwork be Salvaged Following a Fire?

In many cases, ductwork can be restored following a residential fire. However, only a trained HVAC professional will be able to determine this. While some people tend to forget about the ductwork, it is a critical system to have checked following this type of event. A compromised system can function poorly and pose a risk to one’s health.

After a fire, it is important to contact an expert who specializes in this type of cleanup and restoration. Once on-site, an HVAC professional can perform a full system inspection. If applicable, they will scope out the air conditioning unit, heating system, and air ducts to assess the extent of the damage. From here, they can determine if the ductwork can be saved or replaced altogether.

If it is determined that the system can be salvaged, an expert will perform a full tune-up. This applies to heating and cooling systems. A professional HVAC technician will also have the tools required to perform a complete air duct cleaning to ensure all harmful matter is removed.

Furthermore, if it is found that the damage goes beyond basic cleaning and tune-up, a trained professional will have the resources needed to provide further assistance.