Fire Damage Restoration
Fire damage restoration involves returning a property affected by fire and smoke back to its pre-loss condition. Due to the extensive damage caused by fire, the restoration process can take weeks or even months to complete.
Unlike water damage restoration, which primarily focuses on water mitigation and drying out the property in a matter of days, fire restoration is more complex. It often includes tasks like property board-up, demolition, and reconstruction, along with debris removal, odor and soot cleanup, contents cleaning, and handling disturbed hazards such as lead and asbestos.
It’s important to note that fire and water damage frequently occur together. Firefighting efforts typically involve large amounts of water to extinguish the blaze, which can lead to additional water damage. Additionally, pipes may burst or melt during a fire, causing further water leakage within the structure. In some cases, the combination of fire and water damage can render a property unsalvageable.
The first step in fire damage restoration, after securing the property, is water removal to prevent further damage. Let’s dive deeper into the fire damage restoration process.
Steps to Restore Fire Damage
Before a fire damage restoration contractor can assess the extent of the damage, they must first obtain clearance from a licensed authority to ensure it's safe to enter the property. Entering without this clearance could put the contractor at serious risk. Once access is granted, the fire damage restoration process typically unfolds as follows:
1. **Damage Assessment**
After confirming the property is safe to enter, the contractor will assess the extent of the fire and water damage. This involves examining how deeply flames and smoke have penetrated the structure and estimating the scope of cleanup required. The contractor will also evaluate the contents of the property to decide what can be restored and what needs to be discarded. Following a thorough assessment, the restoration team will have a clearer understanding of the work required, the time needed, and can begin preparing a cost estimate.
2. **Property Security & Debris Removal**
The next step involves securing the property, which includes setting up fencing, removing debris from the perimeter, boarding up openings, and covering or sealing parts of the roof to protect the property from the elements. If any areas of the property were not impacted by the fire, they will be sealed off to prevent cross-contamination from affected areas.
3. **Demolition, Water Removal & Dry Out**
During this stage, the focus is on preventing further damage from mold or corrosion by removing any remaining water and thoroughly drying out the property. Personal items will be removed, and damaged materials such as drywall and flooring will be stripped down to the studs if necessary. Water extraction teams will use commercial equipment to dry the structure, and roof tarps will be maintained to prevent additional water intrusion.
4. **Cleanup & Smoke Removal**
This phase is one of the most labor-intensive, involving the manual cleaning of smoke and soot from all affected interior and exterior surfaces. Every inch of the impacted area will need to be cleaned, and deodorizing agents will be applied to eliminate lingering smoke odors. If water damage restoration was also needed, antimicrobial treatments may be applied to prevent mold growth. Off-site, items that were packed out for restoration will be cleaned and restored. Additionally, duct cleaning may be performed to remove any soot, smoke, or debris that has settled within the ventilation system.
5. **Construction & Restoration**
The final step in restoring the property to its pre-loss condition involves making any necessary repairs or rebuilding fire-damaged areas. Some parts of the structure may be unsalvageable and will need to be completely replaced. This could include rebuilding the roof, replacing electrical systems, installing new drywall, flooring, counters, fixtures, and repainting. The goal is to fully restore the property to its original state.
What a Fire Damage Restoration Company Does
A fire damage restoration company like DWDR Construction is ready to respond to fire emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year. Trusted restoration companies are always on call, prepared to arrive the same day to assess the damage, secure your property, and start water removal services immediately. They work closely with your insurance company to streamline the claims process, acting as a true partner throughout your restoration journey.
A reliable restoration team will keep you informed at every stage, providing constant updates on the progress. Leading restoration professionals are equipped to handle more than just fire damage; they offer comprehensive services, including cleanup, water removal, mold remediation, smoke and fire damage restoration, roofing, and interior and exterior construction.
DWDR Construction is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring your property is fully restored to its pre-loss condition.