Bringing Back the Beauty: How to Restore Your Property after Fire Damage | Fire damage restoration companies

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Updated on:

August 30, 2023

From Devastation to Renewal: Navigating the Fire Damage Restoration Journey | How to start the fire damage restoration process

A house fire is one of the most horrible things that can happen to a home. According to the National fire protection association, a local fire department unit in the United States responds to a fire every 24 seconds. About 25.5 billion dollars rack up in the damage costs of those fires every year!

Fire damage restoration can be a long and tedious process, so in this article, we will provide you with the best fire damage restoration services and show you how you can be a part of the fire damage cleanup with a steam cleaner.

Key Takeaways

  • Fire damage restoration involves assessment, debris removal, water extraction, smoke/soot cleanup, and property reconstruction.
  • Hiring professional restoration services ensures safety, expertise, and smoother insurance claims processing.
  • Post-fire safety precautions include avoiding DIY cleaning, using electrical appliances near flames, and consuming potentially spoiled food.

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How to start the fire damage restoration process

A house fire is one of the most horrible things that can happen to a home. According to the National fire protection association, a local fire department unit in the United States responds to a fire every 24 seconds. About 25.5 billion dollars rack up in the damage costs of those fires every year!

Fire damage restoration can be a long and tedious process, so in this article, we will provide you with the best fire damage restoration services and show you how you can be a part of the fire damage cleanup with a steam cleaner.

water removal equipment

Water Removal & Drying

When water damages are present, water removal begins very rapidly. In cases of water damage water removal usually commences very rapidly and removes the bulk of water. After drying out the water we can use dehumidifiers and air movers to dry it.

cleaning house after fire damage by yourself

How do you restore a damaged property by yourself?

The fire cleanup and restoration process can take weeks if not months, but if you have a family to help and the right tools to use, the fire damage restoration can be sped up with your help.

Fire damage restoration usually involves things like demolitions and reconstruction, debris removal, as well as odor and soot removal. Do not forget that fire damage and water damage occur one after another. First, the fire starts in your home or business, making the first impact, then the water is used to extinguish the blaze. Oftentimes, if the fire is very harsh, the pipes can burst or melt in the fire, which causes the water to leak into the home.

fire damage restoration

Five steps to a fire damage restoration:

1. Assessment of damage

After the damaged property is safe to go into, the first thing a fire damage contractor will do is perform an initial assessment of the damage from the fire and the water. This process usually involves how far the flames and smoke have damaged the structure and how extensive and thorough the clean up will look like.

This step will also involve looking at the furniture of the property, assessing whats can be saved and what should be thrown out.

At the end of the assessment, the fire damage restoration company will have a plan of the jobs that need to be done and long the fire restoration services will take as well as the cost estimate.

2. Security of property and removal of debris

After the assessment has been done, the next step is securing the damaged property. This part includes installing of fencing around the property, debris removal, and covering any openings in the house, as well as taping the roof if the fire has made holes there roo.

If there are areas of the property that have not been damaged, they need to be sealed off from the damaged areas to avoid cross contamination,

3. Demolitions, water removal

At this stage, the main goal is to prevent even more damage from mold growth or corrosion by water removal and complete drying of the property. Personal property will have to be removed from the inside of the house, like damaged flooring, drywall, and other materials will be taken off to the studs if necessary. The remaining water will be extracted to dry up the structure of the house. The roof taps will have maintenance to prevent any further damage from the water.

Learn more about post construction cleaning.

4. Clean up and smoke and soot damage removal

Cleanup is the hardest component of a fire damage restoration job. To thoroughly remove smoke and soot from interior and external surfaces, this stage often requires a lot of personal labor. It is frequently necessary to clean every square inch of the damaged region. After a thorough cleaning, deodorizing agents are employed to completely eliminate any leftover smoke smells. If there has also been water damage restoration, it could be required to sanitize or apply antimicrobial substances to prevent any further mold growth. Offsite, it's also likely that any packed-out contents are being returned to their pre-loss state. Duct cleaning is part of the cleanup process in order to get rid of any soot, smoke, or debris that might have been collected there.

Cleaning with a steam cleaner
portable commercial steamer Fortador Volt Mini

Best steam cleaner for fire damage cleanup Fortador Volt mini

Steam cleaning has become the preferred specialized equipment to clean various of things like cars, offices and commercial equipment. Steam cleaning is eco-friendly since it can cleanse and deodorize a variety of surfaces with little to no additional detergent or other agents. The primary benefit of steaming is its capacity to eliminate and kill over 99% of bacteria, viruses, germs, and other pathogens.

The heat from the steam cleaner can help with mold remediation and the killing of unwanted smoke odor on the surfaces.

Learn more about best home ozone machines for odor removal.

5. Construction and restoration process

The last step in restoring the property to its pre-loss state is to make any required fire damage repairs or to rebuild any areas that have been burned. After a fire, some components of the building might not be able to be saved at all, necessitating their removal and replacement. Restoring the property to its pre-loss condition, may entail rebuilding and repairing the roof, replacing the electrical system, replacing and painting the drywall, replacing the flooring, replacing interior countertops and fixtures, etc.

If you still fill some smoke smell inside your home, learn more with our detailed guide.

what not to do after fire damage

PS. What not to do when doing a fire restoration:

Don't Wash Walls or Carpet

Do not try to wash walls after the fire has happened without contact a fire damage restoration service first. If you use the wrong products for the cleanup you may lead to irreversible damage restoration. Sit tight, and wait for help to come. The fire damage restoration company will help guide you if you decide to help them in the clean up.

Do not clean electrical appliances

Cleaning electrical appliances with electrical power that is near flame is very dangerous and can explode more fire

Do not turn on the lights

Do no turn of the ceiling fixtures if your ceilings have become wet when putting out the fire; the wiring might be damaged.

Do not touch soot covered items

Never touch sooting objects without your hands. Oil in your skin can cause permanent tarnish in your skin.

Do not eat canned or packaged food

Food that has been stored near the fire, heat or water is most likely spoiled and should not be consumed.

Do not clean your clothes

Sending your clothes to a regular dry cleaner may leave the smoke odor on them. According to Red Cross, washing your clothes in a phosphate solution should do the trick: for every gallon of warm water you'll use, mix 1 cup of household cleanser or chlorine bleach with Tri-Sodium Phosphate. As an alternative, consider putting your garments in a cold-water wash with your regular laundry detergent and one tablespoon of pure vanilla essence.

Learn more about mold and mildew cleaning home.

How to get back to business quickly after a fire

If the fire has happened at a commercial property, it is very important to make the call for a fire damage restoration company as soon as the fire has been put out, so the restoration process can begin quicker.

fire damage restoration company

When should I use a fire restoration service?

It is recommended that you call a fire service provider if the fire has destroyed your property. The early days are crucial for preventing and fixing any damages. Please enter your property after your firefighters have given your permission to stay safe. They can help you decide whether you should seek professional help in small fires.

The Best Fire Damage Restoration Services

You can earn money through product offerings on the website or through affiliate programs. Fires are often frightening and destructive leaving the contents of the property at the mercy of the owners of the home severely damaged by fires. Fortunately, several fire repair companies provide fire restoration of the highest quality and most of the damage is water damage. Finding the right restoration assistance can make a huge difference in repairing a property damaged by a fire.

Rainbow International Restoration logo

Best for Customer Service: Rainbow International Restoration

Rainbow International Restoration Established in 1981, Rainbow International Restoration is a residential restoration agency that provides residential and commercial restoration services. 24hr emergency service and quick response Live Chat are on offer for customers to use between 8 am - 5 pm. CT can answer your inquiries for free with an estimate. Our customer support and restoration teams will update you throughout the fire restoration process.

BELFOR Property Restoration logo

Best for Residential: BELFOR Property Restoration

Belfor Property Recovery Founded 1946 Belfor Property Restoration has operated worldwide since 1999 providing disaster recovery services to the US. It operates fewer than 100 offices across 38 countries. The agency works with local fire departments and the Fire Department to provide emergency response services, help with community fire reconstruction, and offer reconstruction services. More than 500,000 reconstruction works are being carried out by the company.

Easier Insurance Claims Process

Working with fire damage restoration services that are able to help you with insurance claims while doing their job on time will bring you peace of mind and lessen the already stressful situation.

Customer Support Availability

Good fire damage restoration services should be available to help 24/7, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

FAQ

Do fire damage restoration companies offer water damage restoration services as well?

Yes, most fire damage restoration companies are able to go through each of the needed steps to help rebuild your home. That includes, inspection, protection of unharmed areas, drying of the house, mold remediation, cleaning, and rebuilding.

What damage can fire cause?

Damage from flames may not always equal the same amount. The following are just a few examples of the many variables that affect the level of fire damage:

the blaze's origin.

How hot the fire got and how much smoke was produced.

how long the fire burned for before help or firefighters put it out.

the volume of water or other liquid required to put out the fire.

How much does it cost to rebuild a burned house?

The cost of rebuilding burnt houses depends heavily on the severity of the damage and the components needed. Changing a roof could be a costly project. The homeowners should consult their insurer or fire damage repair specialist about the costs to rebuild and the damages they will need to cover in the case of fire damages.

Does Insurance Cover Fire Restoration Services?

If you have homeowners insurance, your insurance agent will be able to help you with insurance claims and so on. Most of the times, homeowners insurance covers fire damage.

Some insurance companies offer fire insurance separately, covering the costs of damages.

Can I stay in my house during the fire damage restoration process?

You might be able to stay in your home, depending on the extent of the fire and how your house is set up. Occupants can occasionally stay in a building if smoke and soot damage is limited to a single area. Smoke typically permeates the entire building, therefore this is frequently not the case. For your comfort during this process, your insurance agent can explain what hotel/off-site provisions are covered by your coverage.

How much do fire restoration services usually cost?

Cost of fire damage restoration vary depending on the damages of the house fire and the overall condition after the home has been cleaned up. On average, you can expect to pay between 2,500 to 5,000 dollars to for a recovery process after a small fire damage restoration. Sometimes, the fire damage restoration can reach up to 50,000 dollars.

Who is liable for fire damage?

The majority of homeowner's insurance policies include dwelling and personal property coverage, which pays for damages to your home and its contents in the event of a fire. In the event that your home fire spreads to a neighboring home, you should also check your policy for personal liability or personal umbrella insurance.

How can I prevent my house from fire damage?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking and heating are the two main causes of house fires. You can lessen the risk of fire damage by:

installing smoke alarms outside of bedrooms and on each level of your property.

staying in the kitchen or by the grill while you are cooking.

turning off the oven's burners and ensuring that the space around the stove is free of obstructions.

Maintain a minimum distance of three feet between anything that can burn and fireplaces, heaters, etc.

As you leave the room, unplug heaters or switch them off.

Regularly examine chimneys and heating systems.

How can I protect my house after the fire?

Reenter your home only when the fire department has given the all-clear. It would be wise to get in touch with the police in your city to inform them of what has occurred and that you will be gone. If necessary, board up any damaged windows or unlocked doors. You can also contact SERVPRO for assistance.

Can fire damage concrete?

Because of the high temperatures involved, fire can harm concrete. Older concrete that is subjected to intense heat loses moisture because the water inside it evaporates but remains trapped inside. Concrete can explode when the water vapor can no longer expand due to pressure buildup.

Due to this phenomena, it is never advisable to construct a fire pit out of concrete as it might be quite harmful.

Can I inspect my house by myself after a fire?

It might not be safe to enter your house again. You are permitted to enter and remove essential items if the fire service has given you permission to do so. But, depending on the extent of the damage, it's advisable to wait until a qualified inspector has determined if the building is secure.

Do I need fire damage restoration specialists if the fire damage was small?

Yes, most certainly. Remains of smoke and soot from a little fire, or even from a nearby fire, can seriously harm a home's walls, ceilings, and belongings. Professional removal of this residue is required to prevent further damage and odor over time.

About the Authors

Sabrina Tretyakova
In the world of cleanliness and hygiene, Sabrina Tretyakova stands as a beacon of expertise and dedication. As an ISSA-certified cleaning technician, Sabrina brings a wealth of knowledge and three years of unwavering commitment to her profession. Having served a staggering 1,200 clients
Kris Traczynski
As the visionary behind Fortador Steamers, I've revolutionized the cleaning landscape across both the USA and Europe. With a profound understanding of the cleaning industry, I've fostered expertise that sets new standards. My journey is one of innovation, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of exce

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