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We can never truly prepare for unexpected disasters like a fire raging through our home. It can happen when we least expect it, and even when we aren’t there. However, if we are home when a fire breaks out it can be an incredibly frightening experience and emotionally overwhelming. Getting you and your loved ones out of the home when a fire strikes is the first instinct. Second, your brain might start to drift to all the things in your home that are going up in flames. Next, you might start to wonder who you can call to help to get your home back to normal again.
Disaster recovery is a long process that has very many steps, but the steps are critical to your home being safe for you and your family. Let’s take a look at some of the things you might want to know about home restoration following a fire. Keep in mind that no matter how big or small the fire may be, or its cause, the process is generally the same.
Assessment: Uncovering The Extent of Damage
Before any repairs can begin, a restoration company will want to perform a total assessment first. This can detail the damage done, areas damage is found, and paint a picture of just how impactful the fire was. This is not only useful for the restoration company but also for the insurance company. If you’re filing a claim, they will want to know this information.
One of the very first actions a restoration company will do is check the structural integrity of the property. Your restoration specialist will inspect the foundation, ceilings, floors, and other components that may have been damaged by the fire. Any weekend supports , cracks, or sagging found will need to be addressed before any other process can be underway. Proceeding with repairs and restorations before structural integrity can compromise the building and the safety of the people inside.
How much smoke and soot residue is present? These features can permeate every surface in your home. They can leave behind tough stains, unwanted odors, and even pose a potential health hazard. Evaluating the extent of smoke and soot damage is important especially in hard to reach areas.
Safety First: What is the Status of the Home; Integrity Matters
Safety is paramount during the home restoration process. Before reentering your home or beginning any restoration work, prioritizing safety measures is a must. An overall inspection will need to be done by a qualified professional. They will conduct an assessment of the structural integrity of the home and remark on any safety hazards found in the home. Any potential risks will be outlined, and a strategy for repairs will be made. Take precautions on the premises, especially if structural issues are found.
Next, you’ll want to have the electrical system looked at. A licensed electrician will make sure the wiring is still functional and safe. They will look at the electrical panel and various points throughout the home to ensure the integrity of the system. If wiring is compromised and the electricity is used, it could create another fire.
Working with Restoration Professionals: Choosing the Right Experts
Collaborating with experienced restoration professionals is essential to ensure a successful recovery process. When something shocking happens to your home, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to spend hours looking for a restoration company near you. But, to ensure you get the best results possible it’s important to at least look for the following features.
Credentials and Expertise: Look for certified professionals with experience in fire damage restoration. Industry certifications, such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), indicate expertise in handling fire-related restoration.
Comprehensive Services: Choose a restoration company that offers a wide range of services, including debris removal, smoke, and soot cleanup, odor removal, structural repairs, and content restoration. Selecting a company that can perform all the tasks needed to put your home back to normal can simplify the process and eliminate a ton of stress you may be feeling. After a fire, anything that can streamline the process of putting your home back to a new condition is worth its weight in gold.
Cleaning and Restoring the Property
Tackling smoke and soot damage is a huge part of the restoration process. Whether it was a small fire or one that engulfed most of your home, smoke, and soot damage is likely more extensive than the actual damage from the fiery blaze. Smoke smells simply don’t go away with washing. Smoking beds itself into materials like drywall, wood, wallpaper, etc. That makes it a challenge for any restoration company to completely remove. That being said, if you choose a reputable contractor they will have professional remedies to guarantee the smoke smell is gone.
The aftermath of a fire leaves behind layers of smoke and soot, which require meticulous cleaning and restoration. Follow these key steps:
Your restoration company will set up industrial-grade fans and air filtration systems to improve air quality and remove airborne contaminants. This step is crucial for the health and safety of both workers and occupants.
Cleaning and sanitizing are going to be critical to removing soot. This requires specialized techniques and cleaning products to remove soot and smoke residue from walls, ceilings, furniture, and other affected surfaces. Different materials may require specific cleaning methods to avoid further damage.
Reconstruction and Rebuilding Process
Once the cleaning and restoration process is complete, it’s time to focus on rebuilding your home. This stage of the restoration process will greatly differ depending on how serious the fire was. Smaller fires may not need much rebuilding at all. Other fires that have taken over a whole home may be more extensive.
Your contractor will obtain the necessary permits before commencing any construction work. This is needed for any type of restoration inside city limits.
Next they will address structural damage identified during the assessment phase. Work with skilled contractors to rebuild damaged walls, floors, and other essential components of your home.
In Closing
As you can see the process is quite in depth. But all of these processes need to be completed in order to make your home as if a fire never happened. The choice in restoration contractors is going to be a huge factor in how fast the work it’s done and the quality of work you can expect. Make sure your Restoration company features proper licensing, insurance, and certification needed to handle a house fire appropriately.