Where there is fire, there will always be smoke. These two– together– can cause serious property damage. Ruins include charred furniture, destroyed stairs and holes left by burned roofs. Both business owners and homeowners can be devastated by the effects of a fire.
Fire Damage Restoration: What Is It?
Fire restoration is the restoration of a building damaged by fire or smoke to its pre-damage state. Due to the devastation caused by the accident, post-fire cleanup can take weeks or months. In addition to removing debris, removing odors and soot, cleaning contents and removing nasty hazards such as lead and asbestos, fire repair includes nailing, demolition and the rebuilding of property. Finally, it’s important to remember that water damage and fire damage often occur at the same time.
Fire Damage Repair Methods
Fire damage repair contractors must obtain formal authorization from a licensed agency before entering the premises to assess the extent of fire damage. Without this, contractors may enter unsafe areas and risk injury. Here are some steps on how to complete the fire damage repair process…
#1 Damage Assessment
A fire damage contractor‘s first task, after ensuring safe access to the property, is to assess the damage caused by the fire and subsequent flooding. This typically involves determining the extent to which smoke and flames have penetrated the building and the extent of remedial work required. This process also evaluates the interior of the property to determine what needs to be discarded and what can be packed and restored. Restoration companies have a better understanding of the scope and duration of the work, and after a thorough investigation, can begin estimating costs.
#2 Removal Of Massive Debris And Sealing Of The Property
The property is secured after the appraisal is completed. This includes installing a fence around the building, removing debris, sealing gaps in the building and scraping or caulking the roof to protect the rest of the building from the elements. To avoid cross-contamination, restoration professionals must ensure that all parts of the property that survived a fire are completely sealed.
#3 Water Mitigation, Demolition And Dry Out
Removing moisture and drying the property are intended to prevent future damage from corrosion and mildew. The interior of the structure is cleared of all personal items. Damaged floors, drywall and other materials are brought to the studs as needed. Commercial equipment is used by water extraction personnel to dry the building. At this stage, the roof tarp is held in place to prevent additional water ingress.
#4 Remediation And Smoke Removal
Cleaning up after a fire is the most difficult aspect of the recovery process. To properly remove smoke and soot from internal and external surfaces, this stage usually requires a lot of manual work. In many cases, the entire affected area must be cleaned. A deodorizing solution is used to remove residual smoke odor after a thorough cleaning. If water damage is also repaired, you may need to clean the area or use an antibacterial to prevent future mold growth. Any unpackaged off-site material can also be returned in the condition it was lost. Duct cleaning is also part of the cleaning process to remove soot, fumes or dirt that may have entered the ducts.
#5 Building And Restoration
The final step in restoring the property to its pre-loss condition is to make necessary repairs to any fire-damaged or rebuilt areas that have burned. After a fire, some parts of the building may not be repairable at all and must be removed and replaced. Restoration of the property to its pre-loss condition may include renovation and repair of roofs, replacement of electrical systems, replacement and painting of drywall, replacement of floors, replacement of countertops and interior fixtures, etc.
Summary:
If and when you’re faced with a home or building that has been damaged by fire, time is of the essence. Call for help, quickly. In Minnesota, call Arko Restoration at 763-434-2756 for fire damage restoration services.