What Is Wall Ghosting?

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage comes in many shapes and sizes. Obviously, a large fire in a home or business can cause structural damage, water damage from firefighting efforts, and loss of personal items. But a smaller fire can also cause issues that may be annoying and unsightly. You don't even need to have an open flame for this type of fire damage to occur.

One such instance is discoloration on ceilings and walls, that may present itself as lines or dots, often along studs behind the drywall. This is called “ghosting” or “thermal tracking.” Soot from a small fire will adhere to points on ceilings and walls where the temperature is cooler. When a fire occurs, the soot output is very high, so there is an abundance of carbon particles that will discolor the material that it lands on.

As mentioned above, you don't need to have an emergency to experience ghosting. Common household causes include candles, fireplaces, wood stoves, and tobacco smoke. All of these put soot into the air, and over time, can lead to discoloration of surfaces in your home or business.

Whatever the reason that your walls become discolored, SERVPRO of Stamford can help. We are experienced in remediating all types of discoloration that occurs from any heat source, whether it is an emergency or not. Give us a call at 203.324.1642 today.