When a fire reaches a certain point and becomes a threat to life, there is not much time to think about anything else other than protecting your loved ones and employees. There are hundreds of thousands of fires that occur in the US each year, causing thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in damage. Once the fire has been extinguished though, realistic thoughts can begin to race around in your mind regarding what comes next. Fires are not a regularly reoccurring event and can be a confusing situation to manage both physically and mentally. Depending on the severity of the fire, what happens in a fire damage restoration process can vary.
The Process
Although there are many steps involved in a successful fire damage restoration, the main focus is providing families and businesses with the utmost professionalism and quality while helping them get their lives back together after a fire. Upon arrival, all measures will be taken to start aerating the environment to minimize smoke damage and reduce the risk of mold or structural damage due to excess water build up.
After the building has been cleared for all safety measures, a professional fire damage restoration company usually works with the building owner to decide what is worth restoring and what will be discarded from the repair. While mold and mildew can quickly creep into cracks and fibers within the building, an experienced team works fast to prevent further damage and get started on replacing equipment and furniture as needed. Depending on the extent of the fire damage; walls, ceilings, or floors may need to be repaired to guarantee structural integrity. Once all the cleaning and repairs are done, the air quality is rigorously tested to guarantee a safe working or living environment.
Safety Precautions
After a building has succumbed to fire damage, this can just be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to renovations and repair. Fires tend to cause other problems within the building such as poor air quality, mold build up, and structural issues. It’s best to start the renovations as quickly as possible to prevent further damage from water or mold. Water buildup can occur from small holes or weak points caused by the fire and only become worse over time, this subsequently results in mold making it unsafe for employees or family members.
Smoke creeps into even the smallest of cracks in all surfaces and can be the hardest to remove from furniture or fabrics. Smoke damage can happen long after the fire has been quenched, so it is best to remove all belongings within the building as soon as possible and not replace them until the renovations have been completed. Fire damage restoration can be a time consuming process, but it is very important to go through all the required steps for utmost safety and clean health.
Clean Up
Above smoke damage, water damage is a part of extinguishing the fire and can be a very destructive and expensive endeavor. It is important to act as quickly as possible to extract all excess water build up, dry out the entire building, and get started on repairs. Powerful fans aerate the building and help push water out, while greatly reducing the risk of mold.
In order to combat internal smoke damage, all remaining surfaces are deep scrubbed and sanded down to remove any soot buildup. All salvageable items will be cleaned and sanitized thoroughly before being cleared for the newly renovated building. Although losing valuable items due to smoke damage is disheartening, the ever lasting effects of keeping those items in a house or business can be quite harmful.
Rebuilding
Fire damage restoration includes much more than just repairing what the flames have done, the last effects can be hazardous and expensive; so it’s best to take care of them right away in a timely manner. Services that may be required based on the extent of the fire and smoke damage include:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Disinfection Services
- Reconstruction Services
Every situation is different, therefore it’s best to get an accurate appraisal of the extent of the services needed and how long the fire damage restoration process will take. Depending on what the customer wants, it can be a great relief to have a team of professionals on standby to get started right away on repairs.
Fire damage restoration can be a daunting and expensive endeavor, but it does not have to be. The first step is always the hardest but customers can feel confident knowing that a professional restoration company is doing all that they can to provide a fast and comfortable repair process while being transparent about their services and turnaround time. Many aspects are taken into consideration during an in person assessment including air quality, structural integrity, mold, smoke damage, and water damage; ensuring no stone goes unturned during the restoration process. From start to finish, Big Wave Restoration provides all the services to bring your home or business back from the ashes while paying careful attention to safety and overall quality.
For a free consultation and quote contact us today at 813-244-9283
