Monday, April 4, 2016

7 Steps to Fire Damage Restoration

The fire trucks are gone, the damage is done and you are anxious to get back to your everyday life but you face the difficult task of picking up the pieces.  Fire damage repairs need to be done quickly and professionally to maximize their effectiveness and salvage items that may otherwise be ruined by prolonged exposure. There are several ways that a restoration company can help you after the devastating effects of a fire- from cleaning your home to fully restoring it back to life. 
                                
 Damage Assessment
When you look around your home, most of the damage is easy to spot: charred wood, soot covered surfaces and darkened walls and floors. Another thing you notice is the lingering smoke odor everywhere.  This damage needs to be assessed by a professional so that you know what can be repaired, cleaned or replaced.  In addition to assessing the damage, the restoration company will deal directly with your insurance company and handle all claims so that you can focus on getting back to your everyday life. 

Secure Property
One of your main concerns after a fire is your home structure itself.  Is it safe?  Is it secure?  Your restoration company can help you with these answers within 4 hours of the fire, day or night.  First, they will assess and safely stabilize the damaged structure.  Your home and property will also be properly boarded up and secured.  Once these necessary tasks are complete, the real clean up can begin.

Remove Water
The water used to extinguish the fire needs to be cleaned up first.  Industrial grade water extractors, air circulators, dehumidifiers and other professional equipment will be used to remove all of the water.   Then disinfectant with antimicrobials will be used to prevent possible mold and mildew caused by the dampness. 

Salvage
Next your furniture, appliances, home décor, and other personal household items affected by the fire will be assessed to determine if they can be salvaged.  All salvaged items will be removed in order to be properly cleaned and restored. 

Purify Air
Smoke odor can affect every area of your home and therefore this is an important step in recovery.  The air in your home needs to be circulated through an industrial grade air purifier in order to remove the smoke odor.
 
Clean Surfaces
Many of the surfaces in and around the source of the fire will be damaged by the fire itself or by soot and smoke residue.  Carpets, window treatments, walls, furniture, appliances, etc. will all trap the odor and soot.  These surfaces need to be cleaned properly and promptly because prolonged exposure will increase the damage. 

Repair, Restore, Reconstruct
Once your home has been secured and cleaned, you can concentrate on repairing and restoring the damage.  If there is damage to walls, cabinets or other non moveable surfaces, repairs can be made by your restoration company.  Also, if any items can be salvaged, such as wood furniture, they can be restored to their former condition.  All of the odors will be removed as well as any damage.  If a larger area of your home has been damaged, you may need full reconstruction.  For example, an entire kitchen can be reconstructed by the same company that helped you with clean up. 

A fire in your home can be devastating.  You need help to quickly secure, salvage, clean, repair and reconstruct your home.   Your professional restoration company is available 24/7 to help you get back to your everyday life as quickly as possible. Paul Davis Remodeling is at your service 24/7/365 at 207-774-4150