When a home is damaged by fire, restoration services are essential to get the property back in good shape. This includes repairing electrical systems, assessing and addressing structural damage, and restoring personal belongings that may have been affected by smoke or water used to put out the fire.
The first step is ensuring that the property is safe for entry. Once that is done, the restoration professionals can begin their work. And while we’re talking about the pros, when choosing a restoration company, look for one with years of experience and a record of satisfied clients. Ask about their restoration process and if they work with insurance agencies to handle claims, such as our example https://valleydrc.com/ who are experts in all fields of fire restoration services.
Boarding Up
The intense heat of a house fire can melt or damage doors, windows, and roofs. Boarding up a damaged home protects it from further weather and structural damage. It also helps prevent squatters and vandalism. A good home restoration service will immediately start boarding up any doors, windows, or roofs destroyed by the fire. They will use boards cut to size and secure them with carriage bolts. This is especially important if the home will be vacant for a while. The boarding will help keep out the elements and squatters.
Drying Out
After the fire is out, a home restoration company will start to dry out the structures. They do this by using air movers (giant fans) and dehumidifiers. They will also use various techniques to clean salvageable items and remove smoke and soot from surfaces.
It would help if you did not attempt to wash walls or surfaces or shampoo carpeting and upholstery without consulting a professional, as this can cause irreparable damage. Doing so could also pose health risks and void your insurance coverage, so definitely get an expert on location first before making any decision.
A reputable and licensed fire restoration company will inspect the property to assess the amount of damage and make recommendations for repairs. They also handle insurance claims, which makes the whole process easier for homeowners. They can even perform additional services, such as ozone deodorization and fogging.
Deodorizing
Fire restoration professionals use deodorizers and air scrubbers to remove any lingering odors. This is one of the most important parts of restoration because soot and smoke residue can cause long-term damage to structures and pose health risks for occupants. The team should remove charred structural materials and clean the walls, floors, ceilings, and other surfaces. They should also use ventilation equipment to clean the air, including going through ductwork.
A good house fire repair company will start work as soon as it is safe, even if the fire department hasn’t declared that entering your home is okay. You should also choose a restoration company that provides turnkey services and can work directly with your insurance agent to save time and hassle.
Cleaning Up
A home fire can leave behind a lot of damage, not just from the flames but also from smoke, soot, and water used to extinguish the flames. Cleaning up is one of the most intense parts of a fire restoration job and may involve much manual labor.
The team will start by sanding, cleaning, and deodorizing surfaces with mild to moderate damage. This includes ceilings, walls and floors. They may need to refinish wood surfaces and repaint rooms as well.
Items not damaged by the fire will be cleaned off-site and returned to the home after restoration. This could include draperies, rugs, and clothing. They will also clean ducts to remove any soot, smoke and debris that has settled in them.
Assessing
A restoration professional will assess the damage and determine the extent of any repairs to be made. This process usually starts with the load-bearing structures of the property, such as attic joists and basement retaining walls. These components may require replacement if they’ve sustained irreparable damage from fire.
Next, they’ll comb through the building, looking for any additional damage caused by smoke and water. This includes assessing whether anything is salvageable or not. This step also helps the fire restoration company get a clearer picture of how long it will take to restore the property and how much it will cost.
If an item isn’t salvageable, it will be disposed of or stored safely. They’ll clean up areas contaminated with soot and water and neutralize any lingering odors.
