The Steps Involved in Fire Damage Restoration

1/26/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup isn't as simple as picking up debris. There's a process that's proven and effective.

Fire damage restoration is a process that cannot be rushed. Although the damage caused by fire can be worked on directly, it requires a lot of patience and planning. When it comes to fire damage restoration, understanding the process is essential, which will allow you to decide when professional help should be sought. The following is a rough guide to the process of fire damage restoration.

Step 1: Assessment of Damage

The first step in the fire damage restoration process is to assess the damage. A technician will inspect your property and give an estimate of how much time it will take for the restoration process to be completed, as well as its cost.

Although some homeowners choose to do the renovation themselves, hiring a fire damage restoration company capable of catching problems you might not notice is smart.

Step 2: Isolation

A home should be secured before beginning any renovations to prevent additional damage that might occur due to holes, weakened beams, or other structural problems.

Home renovation experts may reinforce structures and secure open doors, windows, or roofing structures by tarping them. Depending on the property's size, this process may take a few days or extend over weeks.

Step 3: Water Assessment and Removal

In many cases, water is used to extinguish a fire during the course of putting it out. Inspection for water damage and drying the interior of a house may precede cleaning up debris. This can be a delicate process, as water can cause damage to the structure of a house. The home inspector will look for signs of flooding, like standing water in the basement or ground-level floors.

Fire damage restoration companies employ industrial-sized dehumidifiers and air movers to dry your premises. This lowers the chances of mold production and helps to prevent structural damage.

Step 4: Smoke Removal

The longer smoke is allowed to linger, the more damage it can cause. The smoke can cause severe respiratory problems and discoloration of walls and ceilings. Smoke damage restoration is a specialized service that requires special equipment, training, and experience.

It is important to remember that smoke damage restoration is not the same as smoke cleaning. Smoke cleaning involves removing soot from surfaces, while smoke damage restoration involves restoring the damaged areas to their pre-fire condition. It also involves removing odors, which can take some time and effort.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitation

After the smoke damage restoration process, it is crucial to thoroughly clean and sanitize the area. This step ensures that no bacteria or mold remains in your home or business. For this step, commercial-grade equipment and the knowledge and expertise to use it properly are required.

Step 6: Repairing and Renovations

After the smoke damage restoration process is complete, it is essential to repair and renovate the damaged areas. This step ensures that your home or business looks as good as new after a fire. You may need help from a professional contractor with this step if the damage is extensive.

Step 7: Preventative Measures

In addition to the above steps, it is essential to take preventative measures to avoid future fires in your home or business. This step can be done on your own by checking smoke detectors and updating any faulty wiring or equipment.

You can also help prevent fires by keeping an eye on your heating system, ensuring that it is properly maintained and inspected by a professional.

Step 8: Claiming Insurance

You should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. They will send an adjuster to review the damage and determine how much you are due for reimbursement.

Sometimes, fire damage is hard to spot. Often the people most affected by fire damage are distracted by other things. That's why it's always essential to have a professional look over your property after a fire to help you understand what you're dealing with and what your next step should be. SERVPRO of South and Northwest Grand Rapids is ready to help with any fire damage needs that you may have. To speak with one of our professionals, call us at (616) 662-9700 today.