Fire Restoration involves more than a quick clean-up of walls, ceilings, and floors. The acidic residue left by soot and smoke must be removed quickly or materials will deteriorate, and the lingering odor must be eliminated.
Experts inspect and evaluate the damage, identify affected areas and items, and make recommendations. They may address water damage caused by firefighting efforts, perform odor elimination, and rebuild and restore areas and items as needed.
Fires are among the most devastating disasters that can affect homes and businesses. They destroy property, take away belongings, and even leave families homeless or struggling to find a place to live in the aftermath. And unfortunately, the damage caused by a fire doesn’t stop once the flames have been extinguished and the firefighters have left. There is still a lot of work to be done, and the best way to minimize damage is to call a professional immediately after the fire occurs.
Once restoration professionals arrive at the scene, they will assess the situation and determine what can be saved from the fire and what needs to be replaced. This is usually done through a process called triage, where the restoration company will evaluate all affected areas and prioritize what needs to be addressed first.
One of the most important things that restoration experts do during this phase is to secure the site and protect it from further damage. This involves creating a fence around the area, boarding up openings, and possibly tarping or sealing off parts of the roof. This will ensure that no debris falls onto the structure and that no unwanted critters make their way in.
Another thing that restoration companies do is to address any water damage that may have occurred as a result of firefighting efforts. It is estimated that the average house fire uses about 3,000 gallons of water to put it out, and this water can cause serious damage if it is not cleaned up properly. The restoration team will remove any standing water, and then use specialized equipment to dry and dehumidify the area.
Finally, restoration professionals will begin cleaning the space. This includes sanitizing walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture and using specialized cleaning products to remove any smoke residue and odors. They will also clean appliances and remove any stains or discoloration from the surface.
This step is often the most difficult for families, as it means they will have to move out of their home while the restoration is taking place. However, it is important for restoration experts to be sensitive and understanding to their clients during this time. They will work quickly and efficiently, and they will do everything they can to minimize the impact on their customers and their families.
Cleaning
Once the property has been deemed safe for occupancy, restoration work can begin. Fire and smoke damage restoration involves many different services, processes and techniques to return a structure back to pre-loss condition.
The cleaning and deodorization phase includes removing damaged items from the affected area and reducing the lingering smoke odor. Deodorization is done by implementing advanced ozone technologies that break down volatile organic compounds and eliminate odors at their source.
Soot and other char residue are also removed in this phase using high-pressured soda blasting. This method removes the contaminated surface, while deodorizing and prepping it to accept a penetrating stain or other finishing material. This step is particularly important on log structures and other natural wood surfaces.
In addition to removing and disposing of any damaged items, restoration technicians will also wash all walls and ceilings affected by the fire. A thorough cleaning can prevent the onset of mold and mildew which may be caused by the acids and other contaminants released during the fire and by water used to extinguish the flames.
The amount of cleaning required depends on the severity of the fire and the extent of the smoke damage. The fire can be classified as minor, moderate or major depending on the amount of damage and how long it raged before being put out.
During the cleaning process, a professional restoration company can also determine the cause of the fire and if it was accidental or arson. This information can help in determining the extent of insurance coverage.
If the fire was arson, the insurance company will require a full scope of work to determine if the damages are covered. Often, the insurance company will cover all invoices up to the policy limit, leaving homeowners responsible for their deductible. A restoration company can recommend a general contractor and other specialists to assist in repairing the damage. It is essential to address moisture control issues right away if the fire was extinguished with water, as this can lead to invasive mold and rot which will not only damage the home’s value but also pose health risks for homeowners and workers.
Deodorization
Fire damage restoration involves a lot more than just removing the remains of burned wood and fabric. Restoring a home after a fire often includes tackling water damage, cleaning up soot and smoke stains, and deodorizing. ARI’s central Arkansas fire restoration pros will work with your insurance company to get the best possible prices on all the services you need for a full and complete recovery.
When a fire damages your home, it’s a good idea to contact a local fire and smoke restoration pro right away. These professionals will have access to more advanced tools and techniques than you, and they can also help guide you through the process. They’ll start by asking you questions about the cause of the fire, how much soot and smoke there is in your home, and what kind of items were affected by the flames.
Once the restoration professionals have finished with their assessment and evaluation, they’ll start working on the clean up. This is usually the most time-consuming aspect of the job. The team will remove all traces of soot from walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as any stains that were caused by the fire or the water used to extinguish it.
They may also need to dry and repair any damage caused by the water that was used to extinguish the fire, which can lead to a variety of problems, including mold and rot. They’ll also remove any charred debris that was burned in the fire and restore any damaged items as needed.
Smoke damage typically lingers for days after a fire, and it can leave behind discoloration on walls and floors as well as a strong odor. A restoration professional will use a variety of techniques to remove the odor, including ozone, thermal fogging, and other deodorization methods.
The odor removal phase is an important part of any restoration project because it can help prevent further damage to your home and ensure that you’re able to return to your normal routine as quickly as possible. It’s always best to leave the deodorization process to a restoration professional, as they will have the best chance of achieving the results you want.
Reconstruction
During this step, professionals restore everything that can be saved from fire damage. They repair walls and ceilings, replace flooring and carpeting, and clean any items that may have been contaminated by smoke. This is a very involved process that takes weeks to complete. It can be difficult to predict how long this part of the fire restoration will take because each home is unique. However, a professional fire damage cleanup and restoration company will provide an estimated timeline of all repairs to keep you informed throughout the project.
Before the restoration team begins working on a home, they will isolate the work area by blocking off access to areas that may be too damaged for them to restore safely. They will also cover windows and doors with tarps to prevent rain from entering the home. This process will ensure that no one outside of the restoration team can get into the home and cause further damage. Additionally, the restoration team will clear out any water that was used to extinguish the fire. This is important because standing water can lead to mold and mildew, which can further damage the home.
The cleaning phase is one of the most time-consuming parts of the fire damage restoration process. The restoration team will use specialized cleaning products to remove any residue from the items in your home that were affected by the fire. They will also clean the contaminated areas and apply deodorizers to eliminate any unpleasant odors caused by the fire and smoke damage.
When this phase of the fire damage restoration is complete, the restoration team will walk through the home with you to ensure that they have finished all of the tasks on their list. They will also provide you with a detailed scope of work to show to your insurance company. If necessary, the restoration team will contact your insurance adjuster to update them on the progress of the project.
Fire damage is a devastating event that can affect your home and the lives of your loved ones. The fire damage restoration process is a complex one that requires the coordinated efforts of experts from a variety of industries.