What is a “Puff back”?

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Our dedicated and meticulous Charlottesville team cleaning soot-begrimed pack outs.

How can something that sounds so cute, like “Puff back”, wreak so much havoc, and cause such a greasy, sooty, smokey mess?

It should be called “Yukky, Smeary, Begrimed Backfire Blast” instead!

In a nutshell, a puff back is when greasy smoke and soot backfire into a home from an oil burning appliance such as an oil furnace, water heater, or boiler. This residue is distributed through the duct system and living space, covering everything: drapes, bedding, furniture, computers, books, art, rugs, electronics, cabinets, ceiling, walls…

 A similar phenomenon can occur from a fireplace or wood stove, where soot is released into the room, but it is not considered a “puff back.”

If this happens to you:

• Don’t attempt to clean the smoke or soot residue yourself. These stains spread easily and set quickly.
• Don’t use the furniture or walk on the carpet.
• Don’t turn on computers and other electronic devices; They can be ruined from this corrosive soot.
• This oily soot can cause health issues.

Puff backs can be prevented with furnace and chimney yearly maintenance and cleaning.

SERVPRO of Charlottesville is an IICRC Certified Firm with the proper techniques, training, products and equipment to clean everything affected by a “puff back”, or “yukky, smeary, begrimed backfire blast.”

For information on our fire/soot damage restoration process, click here.

For videos about our soot damage cleanup and restoration, click here.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today at 434-977-5850