When a fire damages your home, dealing with the aftermath can seem overwhelming. If the fire damage restoration process is delayed, the destruction caused by smoke and soot can make matters even worse. The longer you wait to address fire damage, the more repairs you may have to fix.
As unfortunate as a disaster like a fire may be, you don’t have to go through the fire damage restoration process alone. Professional restoration companies like ServiceMaster Tri-Cities are here to help you get back to normal right away. Learn more about what you can expect during the fire damage restoration process with this helpful guide.
What does a fire damage restoration company do?
The primary goals of a fire damage restoration company are to reduce the risk of further damage to your home and to salvage as much as possible. Experienced restoration companies can assess the extent of damage that’s occurred, provide you with a written estimate and begin the process of reversing the effects of fire damage. A fire restoration company can even work with your insurance company to get your claim settled as quickly as possible.
What to expect during the fire damage restoration process
Fire can damage certain parts of your house differently, and each area may require specific methods of cleaning, restoring or rebuilding. In some instances, you may not even be able to visibly see the extent of the fire and smoke damage if it’s occurred in areas such as the attic or behind walls.
A trained fire restoration company will be able to identify the degree of damage and provide you with an overview of which areas and contents of your home can be restored and which ones might need to be replaced. Although your situation is completely unique, here are some of the common steps a fire restoration company may take to secure your property:
1. Conduct an inspection
A fire damage restoration company will assess the extent of damage to your home and belongings to determine what can be salvaged. They’ll document their findings through photos or videos to provide to your insurance company. During their inspection, they’ll also test rooms for smoke and soot damage using specialized equipment. Once the restoration company has completed their initial assessment, they’ll explain their cleaning process and provide you with an overview of how long the project may take.
2. Prevent further damage
A fire restoration company’s priority is to prevent further damage to your home. The company will remove the contents of your home as quickly as possible because the longer your belongings are left in affected areas, the more difficult they may be to clean. If the fire has caused leaks in your roof or walls, the restoration company will take preventative measures such as sealing and tarping to protect your home against the elements.
3. Clean-up
The damage caused by fire and smoke, plus any water damage that’s occurred from firefighting efforts, can increase quickly. For that reason, a fire restoration company will start the clean-up process as soon as possible. Restoration teams may use a variety of cleaning agents and equipment to salvage furniture, flooring and other items impacted by smoke, soot and water. They’ll also neutralize odors that are lingering and dispose of any items that are too damaged to be salvaged.
4. Repair and renovation
The next stage of the fire damage restoration process involves actually repairing and restoring your home and belongings. The restoration company will work quickly and carefully to get you back into your home while staying in contact with you to keep you updated on their progress.
Call the experts at ServiceMaster Tri-Cities
If you need help after a fire, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at ServiceMaster Tri-Cities. Call us at (989) 423-1311.
