What Are Soot Webs? | SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County

11/2/2023 (Permalink)

What are these black webs on my window shades?

When you are in the Fire Restoration business, you see a lot of damage caused by fires. Sometimes, fire damage is hidden behind walls or in attic spaces, while other Charlotte, NC fires cause more visible damage. We’ve seen all levels of damage over the years, and one phenomenon that mystifies some of our customers is soot webs. Soot webs, also called soot tags, are nothing to fear.

What are soot tags?

While it might look like a gigantic “fire spider” has come into your home, we can assure you that is untrue. Soot tags have nothing to do with spiders and are caused by air circulation and soot.

Soot tags happen when petroleum or synthetic-based sources burn in areas with low circulation. When a fire burns in your Pineville, NC, home or business, the hot air will move to cooler areas to create an equilibrium. As the soot from these petroleum or synthetic sources rises, it travels with the air into colder areas with lower circulation. As the soot concentrates in these low-circulation areas, they can create long chains of soot. The long chains are created because the soot is charged from the combustion process, making it attract other similar particles.

While you might be worried that soot has coated an existing spider web or the elusive “fire spider” has been in your home, the reality is much simpler.

Have you had a fire emergency?

If your home or business in Matthews, NC, and the surrounding areas experience a fire emergency, be sure to call SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County. We are always Faster to Any Size Disaster to help restore your home or business to its original state.

If you have more questions about soot tags or other fire-related damages, please email us at admin@SERVPRO10981.com or call us at (704) 840-6112.

Find more fire-related information from the National Fire Protection Association, the Charlotte Fire Department, or the Pineville Fire Department.