Fire Damage Restoration is the process of repairing and restoring property after a house fire. It includes securing the structure and its contents, inventorying items and removing them as necessary, cleaning soot, ash and debris, ventilating the home to improve air quality and deodorizing.
It also involves addressing any water damage caused by firefighters putting out the fire, and cleaning and restoring surfaces and contents including walls, floors, light fixtures, furniture, etc.
Assessing the Damage
Fire Damage Restoration in Chesapeake VA involves many steps, including assessment of the property, mitigation and cleaning, and repair work. The first step is to assess the fire damage, and this is a vital process that can have long-term effects on the home or business.
An expert in fire and smoke damage assessment can use a variety of techniques to find the source of the problem. The most important factor is to ensure that the safety of everyone involved in the project is assured. This may include a review of security/surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts.
The next step is to determine the extent of the damage. This can be done by assessing the property room by room. This will help you decide what can be salvaged and repaired, and what is beyond repair. It will also help you create a detailed fire damage report that can be used for insurance claims.
Using a floor plan app on your phone or tablet can be helpful for doing this quickly and accurately. These apps allow you to sketch out the property, add annotations and even take photos.
Cleaning
The cleaning phase of fire damage restoration involves removing all remaining ash, smoke residue and odor from surfaces. This includes drywall, wood floors and even carpeting. The team may use high-pressure washers to remove heavy soiling, along with chemical solutions and advanced scrubbers for more delicate areas.
This is a critical part of the fire cleanup process, as it prevents future issues caused by the corrosive elements in soot and ash. For example, ash and soot can cause metal and fiberglass surfaces to oxidize and discolor, and can also leave behind a sticky, smoky residue that stains and erodes surfaces.
J&M Keystone, Inc. experts separate salvageable materials from those that cannot be saved and employ advanced cleaning techniques to ensure that all ash residue and odor is removed from contents, furnishings and structures. They can also treat for water damage, which may be present from firefighting efforts or due to rain or flooding after the fire. This could require air cleaning, mold remediation or other treatment as needed. This is another reason why it is so important to have professionals handle this type of cleanup.
Deodorizing
The cleaning and deodorizing phase of fire damage restoration involves removing any residue left behind from the smoke and odours. This can be done with wet cleaning, which uses water-based cleaning solutions, or dry soil cleaning, which includes using items like vacuums, sponges and dry rags. The source of the odours is also addressed, which may require the use of ozone machines or hydroxyl cleaners.
When tackling the cleaning and deodorizing process, it is important to consider the safety of the building’s occupants. It is a stressful time for them, and the airborne debris can pose health hazards. For this reason, it is a good idea to remove all belongings from the affected areas as much as possible before the team arrives.
It is also a good idea to organize personal documents, finances and any other information that may need to be kept secure while the fire restoration process takes place. This can make the entire experience more bearable for everyone involved. It can also help prevent odours from lingering in the area once the restoration is complete.
Structural Repairs
Structural repairs are necessary when a building or structure is damaged to the point where it threatens its stability and safety. The repairs can be minor or extensive and involve anything from fixing a cracked foundation to replacing damaged beams. These repairs should only be done by a professional, as errors could lead to further damage or even structural collapse.
When you are ready to reenter your home after a fire, check for structural damage. Look for things like sagging ceilings and floors, which may have been weakened by smoke or water during the fire. Check also for charred or discolored wood, which is at risk of collapsing or warping over time.
Smoke can corrode metals, and leave permanent discoloration on surfaces. It can also discolor porous materials, such as drywall and some types of marble. It can also leave greasy yellow residue on contents and surfaces, and create unpleasant odors. Smoke odors and residue can stay in a house for a long time, so it is important to clean them thoroughly. A good fire restoration company will include a thorough cleaning of all structures in the house.
Redecorating
As a property owner, you may be keen to get your home or commercial property back to normal as quickly as possible following fire damage restoration. However, it is vital to understand the full extent of the damage before rebuilding or redecorating a building.
Even if the surface damage seems cosmetic, it can affect the structural integrity of a building or condo. It can also lead to additional issues like corrosion, discoloration, and odours. Furthermore, if not addressed promptly, it can create a breeding ground for mould, which presents health risks for inhabitants.
It is also important to note that it is not safe to merely paint or plaster over the damaged surfaces. This is because odours and carcinogens can bleed through the paint/plaster, causing a build-up of these contaminants within your property. Instead, the best way to eliminate the smell and odours is to have a chemical wash down performed on the walls, ceilings and floors. This process drastically reduces odour and removes contaminants before redecorating can take place. This will make the property sanitary and safe for occupation once again.