3 Ways Water Can Damage Your Home After a Fire

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a home in Monte Sereno, CA.

Three Ways Water Can Cause Damage To Your Home After a Fire

A fire can wreak havoc on your home, but the flames aren’t the only things that can cause destruction to your property. Often times, water can cause as many or, in some cases, more problems as the fire damage itself. If you own a home in Los Gatos, CA, then you should be aware of the ways that water can cause further devastation after a fire.

1. Ruptured Pipes

During a fire, temperatures in your home can become extreme, and the intense heat can cause burst pipes and plumbing malfunctions. Falling debris can also lead to warped or broken pipes. Even if parts of your home are spared from burning, flooding can cause water damage throughout your residence, especially to walls and flooring.

2. Storm Damage

Fire damage often includes structural problems to the roof and windows. This can mean that water will be able to enter the home during any inclement weather that occurs before repairs can be completed. Placing tarps on the roof and boarding any broken windows can help mitigate these potential problems.

3. Water From Fire Hoses

When firefighters go to work to extinguish a burning house, their biggest ally is water. While absolutely necessary, the thousands of gallons that can come from a fire hose can leave behind a great deal of residual water that will need to be cleaned and removed. The longer this water sits stagnant, the greater the potential for incurring more damage and costly repairs. Fire extinguishers used by emergency responders can also contain compressed water, which can also leave behind destruction.

If you are dealing with the heartbreak of a fire in your dwelling, you are probably preparing to combat the fire damage you have suffered. However, you should also make a plan to deal with the destruction that water may have caused to your property, as well. Contact an emergency restoration specialist for more information to help you restore your home to the safe haven you deserve.