Archive for the ‘Fire Damage’ Category

It only takes minutes for a fire to ignite.  As soon as you discover the fire, your focus is putting out the fire.  Whether it is a small fire that is easily extinguished or one that firemen must extinguish, the danger isn’t over.

Fires can be simple or complex.  Simple fires are fueled by pure fuel such as wood, result in clean combustion, and are usually easy to clean up.  Complex fuels, which are the most common house fires, regardless of the initial source, involve synthetic materials in carpets, furniture, toys, wiring and drapes.  This type of fire produces soot and acid deposits, in addition to toxic fumes and gases.

Fire and water are powerful forces that always cause significant structural damage to any building. This is why it is imperative that a structural inspection looking for damage in all areas such as the ceilings, stairwells, roofs and walls as well as the floor is professionally performed before any homeowner or family members are allowed to re-enter the house.

Grease fires are one of the most common fires.  Just a simple distraction can allow grease to catch on fire in the kitchen.  Damage caused by actual flames can be minor compared to the additional damage and repairs due to smoke and water damage.  These expenses can add up quickly because your kitchen is one of the most expensive rooms in your home per square foot.

Smoke and soot can travel and penetrate far from the site of the fire in your home.  Bedrooms and other rooms can have walls, upholstery, bedding and carpets covered with soot and greasy smoke.  Paint, drapes, even clothing and family pictures can be coated as well. Smoke and soot can spread all throughout your house. It can coat your walls, ceilings, floors, doors, cabinets and furniture.

Smoke odor removal from burned structures with water damage must begin within hours after the loss to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.  Next, the damaged portions will be torn out and removed and finally replaced with new materials and finished.

When dealing with fire damage, there are procedures that must be performed in the correct manner in order to prevent future problems from occurring.  Specialty tools and experience are required to restore your home properly.  Cleaning and deodorizing after a fire is a job best left to professionals because of the use of special soot dissolving and removal equipment and chemicals.  Fire restoration experts are trained and have experience in using these chemicals properly in order to preserve as much of your home, furnishings, and personal possessions possible.

After the firemen leave, you need to compose yourself and get your life back together.  You will need a professional fire damage expert to help you do this.  Restoration work after a fire requires certain expertise that most general contractors just do not have.   Restoration experts are trained in cleanup and removal, as well as restoration of the damage.  A restoration specialist can also deal with your insurance company, which may not be as simple as you think. If the damage is not properly documented and repairs estimated correctly, your insurance may reject portions of your claim, causing you to pay out of pocket to restore your home and get you back in the kitchen.  Sometimes the damage is extensive and you will not be able to remain in your home until the repairs have been completed.  A professional restoration contractor can help you negotiate for your insurance company to pay for temporary housing until you can return to your home once again.

FIRE DAMAGE

• 24hr Emergency Response Team
• Board-up, Tarping, Temporary Roofing
• Selective Demolition
• Smoke & Soot removal
• Odor Removal
• Content Cleaning & Restoration
• Structural Drying, Dehumidification, Climatization
• Temporary/Emergency Power
• Total Reconstruction Services