Know the Steps to Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup Processes
A fire broke out in your home. The resulting damage is substantial. These situations are clearly emotional times, but you must think quickly when it comes to restoring the area. The fiery damage can still spread after the flames have been squelched. Familiarize yourself with the proper steps involved in fire and smoke damage cleanup. The remaining residue makes a significant impact on your home’s cleanup process.
Don’t Procrastinate
After the initial flames are put out, your fire emergency seems like it’s hit a stopping point. You merely need to clean up now. This perception isn’t entirely correct, however. Although the fire is out, you now have soot and ash covering your property. These materials aren’t benign. They continue to degrade the surrounding area as they come into contact with metal, drywall and other items.
Don’t procrastinate after the fire engines have left the property. Immediately call your local, fire damage restoration team. They form a plan to remove the soot and ash before it can leave a more permanent mark.
Contact Your Home-Insurance Carrier
Fire and smoke damage cleanup can be an expensive process. Ease your financial concerns by contacting your home insurance carrier. The cleanup crew may offer this service as well. Your insurance covers some or all the repairs, depending on your coverage level. In most cases, your cleanup process won’t be hindered by the insurance company. The fine details can be figured out as the team repairs and cleans up the property. Allow the professionals to deal with the insurance so that you can concentrate on building back your property.
Assess the Damage
Your fire damage restoration team goes through your entire property after the event. They look at exposed beams, metal, and other structural elements. Cabinets, shelving and permanent features are also part of the inspection process.
Fire touches nearly everything in the house. Each layer of the home, from carpets to attic beams, must be evaluated for any damage. As the assessment continues, the experts decide on either replacing or cleaning each impacted item. Follow the replacement suggestions because cleaning everything may not be feasible or safe.
Remove the Ash During Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup
The professionals concentrate on removing the ash as quickly as possible. Chemical elements within the ash can discolor and outright damage surrounding materials if it remains on surfaces. If it builds up in layers, it hardens in place. The professionals should systematically move through the building and remove the ash with specialized tools. They’re trying to reduce the occurrence of ash flying into the air. Without the tools, they only spread the ash around. This scenario compounds the complexity of the situation. The team can then focus on other matters.
Air Out and Secure the Building
Harmful fumes build up within a structure after a fire. After securing the ash, the professionals air out the building by using fans. With the air moving, the team cleans items that are salvageable. They tear out bad materials so that replacement protocols can begin.
Your fire restoration team also secures the building with wood and tarps as necessary. Windows and roofs may be compromised. Securing the building keeps the property safe until it’s repaired.
When you need a strong, fire damage restoration team, look no further than Vintage Reconstruction. These professionals work both emergency and scheduled service calls to protect your property’s value. Get the most out of your fire and smoke damage cleanup processes by trusting in industry professionals. Fiery situations can recede to the back of your mind as the entire family moves forward with a clean home in the meantime.