The Fire Damage Restoration Process

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your home is a devastating experience. In addition to the fire damage, there is generally a fair amount of water damage also due to sprinkler systems or firefighters. Fortunately, not all is lost after fire and water damage occurs, and there are many times when the home can be restored without major renovations.

To make things a little easier, it is encouraged to consider a fire damage restoration company to restore as much damage as possible. They typically work fast to restore items that are expensive or carry sentimental value. 

Although each company may use its own process, there are certain steps that one can expect during the aftermath of fire damage. The following is an overview of the restoration process. 

What is Fire Damage Restoration?

Fire damage restoration aims to restore as much of the home as possible after a fire occurs. The repairs may include deep cleaning carpet and furniture, removing a buildup of smoke and soot on the walls, floors, and roof of the home, as well as getting rid of any foul odors that linger. 

The primary goal of fire damage restoration is to restore rather than replace. This means the company will do a thorough assessment of every inch of the home and restore all that does not require replacement.

Of course, restoration after fire and water damage is time-sensitive. The longer furniture, floors, walls, etc., remain damaged by fire and water, the harder the home is to repair. Because of this, fire damage restoration technicians work efficiently to remove all water and soot buildup to salvage as much as possible and avoid costly replacements.

The Fire Damage Restoration Process in 7 Steps

Every company will have a unique process, but there are expectations homeowners can have when they hire a fire damage restoration company. It is helpful to know what to expect to better understand the importance of professional fire damage restoration. The following is a general seven-step process for restoring damage caused by fire and water after a home fire occurs. 

Contacting a fire damage restoration company

The first step in the fire damage restoration process is to contact a company that specializes in the service. It is ideal to contact the fire damage restoration company the same day or night as the fire, but it can wait until the next day if you are dealing with trauma from the incident. However, the sooner the restoration can begin the better. 

Fire damage inspection and assessment

The first thing the fire damage restoration company will do is inspect and assess the damage. They will make note of all that was damaged, which may include flooring, furniture, and more. They will also make note of odor caused by smoke and fire, which generally requires professional removal. 

Board-up and roof tarping

After inspection, the technicians will board up any areas of the home that cause additional concern, such as releasing a strong odor. They will also tarp the roof if it is vulnerable to additional damage or collapse. This step is generally only necessary for moderate to severe damage. 

Water removal and drying

Water damage is often a concern after a home fire as well due to sprinkler systems and efforts by firemen to put the fire out quickly. A professional fire damage restoration company will not only know how to restore damage, but they will also remove standing water in the home and professionally dry areas and items that are vulnerable to water damage. 

Smoke and soot removal

Smoke can linger inside a home for hours after a fire occurs. If the company arrives the same day or night as the fire, then they can effectively remove lingering smoke quickly to reduce damage and prevent a buildup of excess soot. They can also begin efforts to remove soot from the home. 

Cleaning and repair

After the initial efforts to minimize damage and determine the best way to restore the home, the cleanup and repair process begins. This may include deep cleaning upholstery and carpet, restoring materials with water damage, and removing lingering odors caused by the fire. 

Complete restoration

The goal of fire damage restoration is to restore as much as possible. While there might be certain areas of the home that require replacement, a professional fire damage restoration company should have the mentality to repair everything possible. This saves the homeowner money. This may take several weeks, depending on the severity of the fire and water damage.

Learn More About Fire Damage Restoration Today

Reach out to our team at SERVPRO of Highland Village to learn more about fire damage restoration. Our professional team has the experience and knowledge necessary to restore homes after fire and water damage. We are more than happy to answer your questions, and we offer a 24/7 emergency restoration service.