The Soot Tag Phenomenon

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

How Do Soot Tags Form?

Being fire restoration specialists, we have seen a lot of fire damaged homes and businesses in Chattanooga, TN over the years. Sometimes, the extent of the damage is very evident- especially when the damage is on the walls and ceilings of homes. Other times, the most extensive part of the damage is in the attics or trapped between walls where it is unseen until we dig in with our inspection. 

One of the most common visible instances of fire damage are the black spider webs that seem to spring out of nowhere after a fire. These spider webs are actually called “soot tags” and are not actually related to spider webs at all. 

Soot tags form in areas of low circulation when petroleum/synthetic based sources burn. In a fire, the heat of the fire moves into colder areas since the air seeks to create equilibrium. The soot particles follow the heat into the colder areas with low circulation. Because soot is a product of combustion, the particles themselves are charged which makes it quite easy for them to create long chains of soot or soot tags. It may look like soot is stuck on existing cob webs, but it is actually an entirely new structure. Pretty creepy! 

If your home of business in Chattanooga is affected by smoke or fire damage, give us a call at (423) 326-1406. We are available 24/7 to help when needed.