Controlling the damage a fire leaves in its wake is a priority. The US loses billions of dollars every year due to these fires. Fire damage restoration is one of the most important processes to salvage and secure what’s left whilst developing the property to its original form. To help you and your property recover from the damages made by fire, essential steps to follow have been jotted down.
Peeking Into The Process of Fire Damage Restoration:
The fire has already damaged much of your property. So the first step should be to secure and recover what’s left of it. Acting swiftly is the key. Here’s why:
Securing what’s left:
A professional fire damage restoration company immediately sets a parameter and begins securing whatever’s left first. This can include things like personal valuables or unaffected furniture and walls, etc.
Getting rid of smoke:
A fire leaves out an ungodly amount of smoke in its wake. It also damages the air quality and harms everyone who breathes. Proper ventilation and cleaning up wet or dry smoke is essential. Professional fire damage restorers get down to it immediately.
Controlling the fire:
A fire doesn’t stop on its own. If no measures are taken or worse, there are no professionals at the scene, it can go from bad to worse, which can multiply the initial damage. Immediate fire restoration measures prevent this and help control the already devastating situation.
Structural Restoration:
After setting a parameter, securing valuables and controlling the fire, the process of restoration begins. It helps slowly reform the property and bring it to its original condition. Although this takes time, that’s the whole point of fire damage restoration – turning the property back into its original form.
This necessitates evaluating your property and starting the process of structural evaluation. Take a look at how it goes:
The Process of Structural Evaluation
After setting up parameters, the professionals assess the structural damage and set on to restore it best, within a short amount of time.
Here’s how it’s done:
Securing the Roof:
The roof is sensitive in these situations so it’s checked first. The professional restorers use the roof to navigate around the property, so it’s one of the first things to be checked before the windows.
Managing the Property Foundation
In case a fire persists or there are no professionals on the scene the property foundation can be badly damaged. This leaves the entire standing structure at risk of collapsing. So it’s a best practice to contact fire damage professionals immediately and prevent your property from collapsing completely.
Improving the Air Quality Index
A fire destroys the air quality index thus making it hazardous for anyone to breathe. Opening the windows or doors and clearing all sorts of smoke (wet or dry) is a priority. They also check for any signs of damage on widows and doors simultaneously for restoration.
Identifying and Cleaning Smoke
Once the fire starts, damage is inevitable. But your entire property is covered with billowing smoke alongside that. Even if the fire doesn’t hit every corner of your property the smoke most probably will, destroying the air quality index in its wake too.
Here’s how professionals control the smoke in such a situation:
Assessing the type of smoke
Smoke is of two types. Wet and dry. Wet smoke comes from fire on rubber or plastic and leaves a bad smell too. It’s much harder to clean. On the other hand, dry smoke comes from the fire hitting paper or wood. It’s easier to clean and doesn’t leave a bad smell in its wake.
Cleaning the Soot
Fire leaves smoke and soot in its wake. Professional fire damage restorers are set up to get clean and get rid of it. Soot can be visible and hidden so the professionals help locate and clean both.
Visible Soot
The one that is easier to locate and clean. It’s mostly clinging on to furniture, a fireplace or walls. The professional restorers clean it first and then go on to locate the hidden soot.
Hidden Soot
Unfortunately, soot particles are free-falling and can land anywhere. This includes inside electric or kitchen appliances or under tricky surfaces. A considerable amount of time is required to locate and then clean this type of soot particles. In most cases, it’s done after cleaning the visible soot on your property.
Conclusion:
In an unfortunate case your property catches fire it’s a best practice to call fire damage restoration professionals immediately on the scene. They handle such cases often and are familiar with the steps needed to secure your property. Their main goal is to secure your property, end the fire and start the process of restoration. This makes your home return to its original shape as soon as possible!
FAQs
What is fire damage restoration?
The process of repairing, cleaning and restoring your home or property. While restoring it to its original form within a few days or weeks depending on the size of your property.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Depending on the scale and impact the fire has, the restoration process can take a few days or sometimes even weeks. The property size matters too in this regard.
How do professionals clean soot after a fire?
Professional fire damage restorers use specialized equipment to locate and clean visible or hidden soot within your property.
How will I know if my property foundation has been damaged?
The team of professionals will immediately check it after arriving and inform you as well. So you’re aware of everything that’s happening.
What steps should I take in case my property catches fire?
Make sure that everyone is safe and outside the property in case of such a situation. Once done, immediately call fire damage restoration professionals.
Is fire damage restoration helpful to stop future fires on my property?
Although fire damage restoration addresses the current fire damage, it can’t prevent any future fires. But the professionals will provide you with actionable tips to prevent this.
