Prevention is, of course, essential. This means well-maintained fire detectors and charged batteries. Create a routine for yourself whereby you check the fire detector system and batteries regularly. You won’t regret the extra effort put in.
Unfortunately, fires still happen even in the safest and most well-prepared properties. So ensure that you have an escape plan set out for your family or employees.
You will need a plan for every room in the house or office, and your family and staff should be able to respond immediately regardless of where they are in the building.
This post takes a look at some important facts about fire and smoke damage restoration.
Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Services
Fire restoration companies are run by professionals who deal in restoring a property to its previously undamaged state. They are experts who deal with hundreds of homes or business facilities damaged by fire. They are ready, willing, and able to react as soon as you give them a call. Usually working 24/7 all year round, they can help you get your home or commercial building back to normal.
Firstly, they will visit your property and inspect the damage in order to create an estimate and scope of work for the repairs and restoration needed.
They will also share a detailed assessment and explanation of the repair process, so you understand how it will all be done.
Fire restoration companies can coordinate with insurance companies and liaise with you over any insurance issues.
Of course, some things can’t be repaired or aren’t worth the effort and the cost. A reputable fire damage restoration company will make this clear to you and your insurance adjuster.
The Damage from Fire and Smoke
The first course of action for fire restoration services is to ensure the property’s foundation and structure are both secure, and perform any emergency repairs to prevent secondary damage. Cleaning up after a fire is almost impossible without professional help.
The team will then remove any standing water, via extraction methods, and eliminate moisture in the affected areas by utilizing dehumidification processes. Then the smoke and soot will need to be handled.
Smoke from a fire contains a dangerous mixture of chemicals and toxins that can be harmful to your health, as well as your property.
And smoke damage cleanup is complicated. Inhaling smoke can be damaging to your lungs, and smoke will not only leave a dreadful odor, it can cause discoloration and corrosion of materials that will be extremely difficult to remedy.
The extent of the smoke damage is often due to the smoke’s origin, be it wet, dry, protein and/or fuel or oil.
- As a result of low heat, wet smoke is exceedingly difficult to clean.
- A fire at high temperatures will result from a fast-burning fire.
- Invisible, protein smoke will cause the most discoloration to varnishes and has a nasty odor.
- As a result of a furnace malfunction, fuel-oil smoke will create soot.
What You Can Do Straight After Fire & Smoke Damage
Once you know it is safe to enter your property:
- Remove as many things as possible that do not appear to be damaged by flames or water.
- Open all the windows and doors, and turn on all fans. This will help to vent the smoke and start to dry some of your surfaces.
- Take out all your clothing and take them to a dry cleaner or laundromat.
- Wipe all surfaces and counters where you see soot.
5 Things to Consider When Dealing with Fire and Smoke Damage
It’s always best to contact a professional fire and smoke damage restoration company immediately, as they can help you get your property on the road towards recovery.
Even small fires can cause significant issues due to the water intrusion left behind from firefighting efforts, damaged furniture and other belongings, and the soot left behind.
Here are a few facts to consider when dealing with fire and smoke damage restoration:
1. Safety First
The damage from a fire can affect the structural integrity of your home or office building, so you should be extremely cautious to enter the property before professionals let you know it is safe to enter.
2. The Damage Occurs Quick
Fire and smoke can rapidly cause severe damage to your property. Soot residue settles immediately after a fire, and it can cause permanent discoloration.
Also, just hours after a fire, the finishings on wood furniture can be ruined, metals can rust, and clothing could be permanently discolored.
And walls and floors are likely to be damaged too, from peeling and discolored paint to warped floors and drywall. The longer you wait to act, the more expensive and challenging restoration will be.
3. The Professionals are Invaluable
Contacting the experts immediately may seem unnecessary, but they can help to limit further issues as you deal with the fire and smoke damage restoration process.
They can assess the damage, determine items that can be saved, and work to remove the water, along with other odors, from your home or building. With the right equipment and expertise, they know how to act effectively and quickly.
4. Dealing with Textiles
It is certainly not easy to restore fabrics and remove smoke and soot odors from textiles. This includes clothing, carpet, and other materials. An expert cleaner can assist with more challenging items, especially carpet and delicate clothing.
After the smell has been dealt with, you’ll still need several wash cycles to get your clothing and your carpet clean.
5. And, Often There’s Water Damage too<
Fire suppression efforts can ruin your possessions as well. Water used to put out the fire can result in water damage. And water damage left untreated can lead to mold growth. Typical firefighting chemicals can also leave behind a mess. In most cases, dealing with these issues requires the experts to be called in to help.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to restoring your property after a fire. Hopefully, this information will help you on your way to dealing with fire and smoke damage safely.
Fire Damage Restoration Consultation
As you can see, fire damage restoration is more than just cleaning and repairing places that the fire has touched. You have to take into account how fire and smoke transforms the foundation of the property and the contents within.
Find a company that provides you with all the tools and options that you need to get your property back to its original state. At Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT, we take care of the entire restoration process beyond what can be seen at a glance.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn why homeowners and big businesses trust us during natural disasters and everyday emergencies.