After a fire, a property needs to be restored as quickly as possible. This includes removing harmful byproducts and water damage, ensuring the structure is safe to re-enter and addressing issues such as burst plumbing.
Major fire disasters are not only destructive, but the methods used to extinguish them cause significant water damage as well. If a fire is put out with high-pressure fire hoses or home sprinkler systems, it can leave areas thoroughly soaked.
Water Damage
When high-pressure fire hoses are used to put out a blaze, the resulting water damage can be severe. It can saturate building materials, including walls, carpeting, insulation, and furniture. Excessive moisture weakens structures, which leads to warping and buckling. It can also lead to mold growth, which poses serious health risks for occupants.
While water damage can occur for a number of reasons, such as floods, burst pipes, or appliance malfunctions, it often occurs as a result of fire damage. The two issues are not separate, and attempting to restore the property without addressing both conditions can cause further harm and cost more money in the long run.
Professionals assess the damage, treat it as needed, and dry out the affected areas. This may include removing and replacing damaged drywall, carpeting, and other materials. It may also involve sanitizing surfaces and odor removal. If necessary, they can even handle structural repairs and insurance claims. This is why it is essential to contact professionals as soon as possible after a fire.
Smoke Damage
Smoke damage is caused by a multitude of different factors, from the temperature and fuel source to lingering odors and corrosion. The restoration process varies from case to case, but it always involves cleaning, deodorizing, and testing the affected materials.
One of the main concerns is soot, a powdery black substance that irritates the nose, eyes, throat, and lungs and can cause other health issues if inhaled. Soot ionizes and can stick to surfaces, leaving behind a thick residue that is very difficult to clean.
Wet smoke damage, which occurs from low-heat fires that smolder for long periods of time, is also a concern. This type of smoke damages porous materials and can discolor paint and varnished surfaces. Protein residue and petroleum (or oil) residue can also discolor surfaces, and the smell of these types of materials is extremely unpleasant. The best way to determine how serious your smoke damage is is to consult a professional.
Soot Damage
A black, powdery substance that results from incomplete combustion, soot has a tendency to cling to walls and ceilings, staining surfaces in a way that is not easily cleaned. It also has corrosive properties that can damage materials such as walls, insulation, wood, metal and drywall.
Soot residue stains and discolors, deteriorates materials such as drywall and tarnishes metal items like kitchen fittings. It can also soak into carpets, rugs, drapes and furniture, leaving a foul smell that lingers.
Getting rid of smoke and soot damage requires special cleaning products that are not typically available to homeowners. It’s best to leave this job to professionals who have the proper training and equipment for a thorough and successful cleanup. They can also sanitize and deodorize the property to get rid of lingering odors. In this way, they can make the property safe and livable again. They can also address structural concerns and perform emergency repairs as necessary.
Mold Damage
During fire extinguishing, water can soak into walls, floorboards and carpets. Over time, excessive moisture can cause the materials to warp and buckle, resulting in structural damage. It can also create an environment in which mold thrives, causing health risks for the occupants.
Water damaged items need to be dried as soon as possible in order to prevent irreparable damage and to reduce the odor. Dehumidification and air movers are used to accelerate the drying process.
Restoration specialists will sort through debris to determine what can be salvaged. If items can be saved, they will be cleaned of soot and smoke stains and deodorized to remove the unpleasant smell. If necessary, roof tarping and board up services are provided to stabilize the structure. Taking immediate action minimizes damages, protects the investment in a home or commercial property and allows for safe re-entry. It also lowers repair costs and increases the chances of a positive outcome when dealing with insurance claims for both fire and water damage.fire and water restoration