Useful Information and Tips about Fire Restoration

Rebuilding after a fire is a long and complicated process. From total rebuilds to simply getting that persistent smoke smell out of the space, there are a lot of things to consider. If you have experienced a fire and need to recover, then you are likely in need of fire damage restoration services. What exactly are fire restoration services, who offers them, and what are some tips for rebuilding after a fire? Read on to learn where to start after a fire has ripped through your property.

What are Fire Damage Restoration Services?

Fire damage restoration services start within an hour after the flames have been put out. The trained and certified experts that offer these services are knowledgeable in next steps. Oftentimes, you can break down the process into eight steps. Let’s look at each in detail.

Step 1: Initial Cleanup. This first step often happens immediately after the fire crews have put out the flames. An expert can be on-site quickly to help with that initial cleanup, gathering property and helping make the space safe for further work.

Step 2: Safeguarding the Property. Once the initial cleanup is finished, then it’s time to secure and safeguard the property. This usually involves steps to prevent looting and protect against weather events, such as boarding up windows and doors, putting up a security fence and covering any holes made by the firefighting process.

Step 3: Starting the Paperwork. One of the reasons why you will want to get fire damage restoration services as soon as possible is to help with the paperwork and documentation. The professionals will come to take photos and videos of absolutely everything. These are used for their own services but also give you additional documentation for any insurance claims you will need to make. During this step, fire restoration crews will remove damaged items that need to be cleaned or repaired.

Step 4: Damage and Mold Growth Prevention. By this point, the initial dangers and problems have all been addressed. Now it’s time to prevent further damage. Because water is used for firefighting, the space will likely be waterlogged and primed for mold growth. This secondary damage done by water and mold will need to be mitigated quickly. The fire restoration crews will use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the building quickly to prevent further damage.

Step 5: Mold Remediation. Depending on how quickly the fire restoration crew is allowed on the property, and how long the space goes undisturbed, mold growth can occur regardless. This fifth step will focus on removing that mold to help with the next steps.

Step 6: Smoke and Soot Cleaning. The first major step after the mitigation strategies is cleaning the smoke and soot residue. This step is key to saving as many of your things as possible and to remove any stains before they become permanent.

Step 7: Odor Removal. One of the most noticeable aspects of any fire damage is the smell. It can be almost impossible to remove without the right training and equipment. Your fire damage restoration services professional will use a number of strategies to get rid of the smell, including traditional cleaning, paint sealing and treatment with hydroxyl radicals or ozone.

Step 8: Rebuilding. This final step is the big one. Building your home back to what it was before the fire occurred. You should always choose professionals that are also general contractors or have a list of trusted subcontractors that they work with. That way, you can get the fire damage restoration services you need complete with a rebuild, all from the same company. Sometimes, depending on the situation, this part can be as simple as small electrical repairs or replacing a kitchen, or as big as building from the ground up. Either way, relying on the professionals is an absolute must.

How to Find the Right Fire Damage Restoration Team

When it comes to rebuilding after a fire, you will want a team of experts on your side. If you are looking at companies that offer fire damage restoration services, make sure you look for ones that can do everything. As you can see, the process involves a number of different types of expertise. When you choose the right team, they can handle everything, from that initial cleanup right through to handing you the keys of your completely rebuilt home.