Dealing with a house fire is stressful, but fire damage restoration is vital to restoring peace of mind. According to recent statistics, house fires cause $12 billion in damage every year.
Once the smoke is cleared, it’s crucial to understand the proper processes of fire damage restoration.
This guide has some helpful tips so you know how to best deal with fire damage at home.
Ensure the Structure is Safe
Fire and water damage can wreak havoc on your home’s structure. Make sure that it’s safe to re-enter your home after a fire, which is usually a task best left to local fire inspectors or a fire damage restoration company.
You should never attempt to go back inside your home after a serious fire. The fire can tear through the roof, walls, and important structural supports, leaving you vulnerable to injury.
Call a professional inspector to come and inspect your property first. They will look for exposed electrical wires, weak areas of the floors, and overall structural damage.
Remove Immediate Areas of Damage
Water, smoke, and soot can cause major damage to your home and personal belongings. Start by removing items that are contaminated to improve air quality, remove odors, and improve safety.
Water damage is common after a fire, and it can puddle onto the floors or saturate the drywall. Not only should you remove any standing water, but saturated drywall should either be removed or cut out from the walls.
Make sure the home is properly ventilated to remove airborne particles, mold, and mildew. All of the areas that are immediately damaged should be removed first so that the actual damage restoration process can safely begin.
Do a Fire Damage Restoration Assessment
Once the waterlogged and soot-covered components of your home are removed, it’s time to do a thorough fire damage restoration assessment. Your restoration team will look carefully at the overall condition of your home and evaluate the cost to make repairs.
In most cases, you’ll need to get rid of things like carpeting and furniture since these items are typically well beyond repair. Don’t forget to take photographs of damages to give to your insurance company when you file a claim.
It’s also advised to remove any un-damaged items so you can salvage them. Your fire damage restoration company can help you determine which items are safe to keep.
Fire damage at home is costly, but it’s also good to clean your home after a fire. Sanitize and deodorize all salvaged areas before reconstruction starts.
Contact the Damage Restoration Professionals
If you’re a victim of a house fire, you need fire damage restoration professionals who understand the process. Home repairs are easier when you have experienced pros by your side to help you recover.
Christian Brothers Emergency Building Services is here to help, so be sure to get in touch with us today to find out more.