What to Expect from a Fire Damage Restoration Project

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Has your home or business recently been affected by a fire? No matter the size of the fire or affected area, it is important to practice caution while waiting for the restoration company to arrive. Here is what to do and what not to do after a fire:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets. Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork. Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open. Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash any houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change the HVAC filter. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over the air register.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service. Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.

Once the restoration team has arrived on the scene, this is what you should expect from a fire damage restoration project. Every situation is different and requires different ways of solving the problem, but the process generally stays the same.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to their pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet. It may also entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us here at SERVPRO of North Nashville! Our employees are professionally trained in property damage restoration to guarantee each job is fully completed and done well. Fire damage is especially difficult to handle, so don’t overwhelm yourself by attempting to take on the job alone!