It can be overwhelming seeing your home being gutted down by a fire. Even when not everything burns to the ground, a small fire can still cause untold damage to your home because of the heat, soot, water, and smoke that results from trying to put it out.
After a fire, you may need to undertake restoration tasks. Read on to see what’s involved in the restoration of your property after fire damage.
Choose the Right Company for Your Home Restoration.
Although your insurance adjuster might recommend a restoration company to you, choose one that you are comfortable working with. Here are certain things to consider before signing into a contract with a company:
- Check the company’s review.
- Ensure that the firm is accredited by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The certification shows that the company is insured, has a documented customer compliant policy, and gives training and education to its technicians.
- Go through the contract carefully until you feel satisfied by its terms.
- Only pay for services that cover the uninsured.
- Ensure that the restoration company starts working immediately since delays could prove to be costly.
Here are some of the services you can get from a Fire Damage Restoration Company.
1. Securing The Home
Immediately after a fire, the fire damage restoration professionals cover the roofs with tarps to prevent additional damage from harsh weather.
2. Evaluating The Damage
They then perform an inspection on all rooms to gauge the damage caused by fire, soot, water, and smoke.
3. Drying and Water Removal
It is essential to dry the house completely and immediately to prevent mildew and mold from occurring. Use heavy-duty air movers, dehumidifiers, and heavy-duty vacuum to get rid of soot that may stain the surfaces.
4. Cleaning
Even if the fire was extinguished quickly, damage caused by smoke, soot, and water can be pervasive. Every item including ceilings, furniture, flooring, personal items, and walls will require cleaning. Hire a company that has the necessary skills and tools to accomplish these tasks and to ensure that your property return to their pre-fire condition
5. Treatment of Odors
Since smoke may odors permeate the textile materials in a room, they have to be deodorized. An ozone generator, which produces an oxidizing agent, is used to eliminate the odor. Do not clean fabric or clothing before they are deodorized since the odor might set into the drapery.
When heat from the fire opens pores in the wallboard, smoke fills in. As the house cools down, the smoke gets entrapped in the wallboards. The thermal fogging process can be used to open the pores to neutralize any odor. However, if the odor gets into the insulation of the attic, the insulation will need replacement since neutralization is not possible.
6. Restoration
Most companies are licensed to perform home improvements including minor repairs such as installing carpeting and replacing wallboard. Afterward, you can return to enjoy your normal life.