What A Home or Business Owner Can Expect From Fire Restoration

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

What A Home or Business Owner Can Expect From Fire Restoration

Fire damage restoration, whether it is for a large business structure or a small residence, is a vital step in getting things back to normal. Fire damage can lead to structural problems, soot damage, an unpleasant smoke smell and other types of long-term issues that must be cleaned up before the structure can be restored to service. Most importantly, fire damage restoration is not something that can be put off, as problems such as smoke damage will only get worse as time goes by. For this reason, securing the services of a skilled restoration company can help avoid the costs associated with long-term home or commercial fire damage.

The First Steps


An effective fire damage restoration process will begin as soon as the firefighters leave the building. The fire damage cleanup process will involve surveying the structure to determine what type of damage has been done, removing water from the premises, and ensuring that the electricity and water are turned off until the fire damage restoration service can be certain that they have not been damaged.

In addition, the company will board up any access points in order to prevent the possibility of theft or vandalism. In many regions, it will also be necessary to board up the structure to avoid further weather damage. When evaluating commercial fire damage, the restoration company will also work to determine what damage has been done to the company’s inventory.

Restoring the Structure


The restoration process will include examining the structure for smoke damage. In many cases, smoke and soot damage can permeate the structure, leaving a smoke smell even after the fire has been extinguished. The restoration company may be able to paint over some interior furnishings, while in other cases, wood and carpets may have to be replaced. In addition, soot damage to HVAC systems may require the cleaning, repair or replacement of ducting in order to eliminate the smoke smell.

Electrical Components


A fire in a home or business can often do serious damage to the electrical systems. This is especially important when looking at commercial fire damage, as many commercial buildings have extensive electrical systems. Direct fire damage can result in the electrical wiring being rendered unsafe, while soot damage can cause sensitive electronic systems to malfunction. In addition, a fire in a business or home that has burned electronic or plastic items may have left toxic chemicals behind in addition to unpleasant smoke smell. In such a case, the fire cleanup process will involve removing any such dangerous chemicals from the building. Fortunately, fire restoration companies are trained in how to handle and dispose of such hazardous materials.

Windows and Doors


In many cases, windows and doors will have to be replaced. Fire damage can destroy them, while firefighters often break down windows or doors in order to gain access to a fire in a home or business. Although these openings will have to be boarded up, the fire cleanup process will involve them being completely removed so that new doors and windows can be installed. Some restoration companies will be able to direct the owner to a contractor who can quickly replace these windows.

Commercial Fire Cleanup Vs. Home Cleanup


A fire in a business is far different from a fire in a home, and a skilled remediation service will understand this. For commercial fire damage, getting the business back up and running can be vital, while fire damage in a home may require a softer touch, so as to ensure that none of the home’s remaining family items are damaged during the process.

More importantly, many businesses, even while soot and smoke damage is being repaired, will be functioning. The restoration service may be required to board up windows and doors while working around employees and customers. A fire in a home, unlike a fire in a business, may allow the restoration service to work while the homeowner remains at alternate accommodations.

Ultimately, securing the service of a restoration company can help victims of a fire in a business or home quickly recover from their misfortune. Whether only a quick fire cleanup is needed, or extensive smoke damage has rendered the structure nearly uninhabitable, the best answer to the owner’s woes is a skilled and experienced fire cleanup service.

Contact SERVPRO Los Gatos/Monte Sereno for more information on fire damage