Smoke Damage & Puffback Insurance Claims
Smoke and soot can infiltrate every corner of your home. We ensure your insurance claim covers complete remediation, not just surface cleaning.
Understanding Smoke and Puffback Damage
Smoke damage extends far beyond what's visible. Soot particles are microscopic and can penetrate deep into fabrics, HVAC systems, wall cavities, and personal belongings. A furnace puffback can spread oily soot throughout your entire home.
Insurance companies often underestimate the extent of smoke damage, offering to pay for surface cleaning when complete remediation or replacement is needed. Smoke odors and residue that aren't properly addressed will return.
As your public adjuster, we work with certified smoke damage restoration specialists to document the full extent of contamination and ensure your claim covers proper professional remediation.
Smoke Damage We Document
Long Island Puffback Claims
Many Long Island homes rely on oil heating systems that can experience puffbacks — sudden backfires that send oily soot throughout the home. These incidents are covered events but require proper documentation to receive adequate compensation.
We understand the unique challenges of puffback claims and ensure all affected areas are properly documented, from visible soot staining to hidden contamination in ductwork and wall cavities.
After Smoke Damage
- Turn off HVAC to prevent spread
- Document all visible soot damage
- Don't attempt DIY cleaning
- Inventory affected belongings
- Call us for professional guidance
Smoke or Puffback Damage?
Don't let insurers minimize your smoke damage claim. Get expert help documenting all contamination.
Call 516-410-0164Areas We Serve
We handle smoke damage claims throughout Long Island including:
See More Areas We CoverQuick answers
Key Facts for Long Island Homeowners
- Do you check for hidden damage after a fire?
- Yes. Every fire job gets a thermal imaging scan to find water from firefighting trapped in walls and floors, plus a room-by-room smoke and soot review.
- What is the maximum fee a public adjuster can charge in New York?
- 12.5% of the claim settlement under New York State law. Long Island Public Adjusters charges 6–12% on a sliding scale, with no upfront cost.
- Is Long Island Public Adjusters licensed?
- Yes. New York State Public Adjuster License PA-1156995, with 22+ years of claims experience.
- Who does a public adjuster work for?
- Only the policyholder. The insurance company's adjuster works for the insurer.
- What areas do you serve?
- All of Nassau County and Suffolk County, plus the five New York City boroughs.
Our methods
How We Inspect Your Damage
The insurer's estimate is only as good as its inspection. Ours is built to find what theirs leaves out.
1. Thermal imaging
On every water and fire job we scan walls, ceilings and floors with a thermal camera to find hidden moisture you can't see.
2. Moisture readings
We confirm what the camera shows with moisture meter readings and record them, so wet areas are documented, not guessed.
3. Photo documentation
Every damaged area is photographed and labeled room by room, so the insurer can't say an item wasn't damaged.
4. Line-by-line Xactimate estimate
We write our own estimate in Xactimate — the same software insurers use — priced at real Long Island rates.
5. Side-by-side comparison
We compare our estimate to the insurer's line by line and show every missing item and low price, then negotiate the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions about Smoke Damage Claims
Get answers to common questions about smoke and puffback insurance claims.
Get Complete Coverage for Smoke Damage
Surface cleaning isn't enough. Get a free consultation about proper smoke damage remediation coverage.
Get Your Free Claim Review