Damage Assessment
Once the fire damage contractor confirms that the property is safe to enter, he or she performs an assessment of the damage sustained in the fire and ensuing water intrusion. It can involve assessing the extent of the fire damage, determining how far the flames and smoke have penetrated into the structure, and estimating how extensive any clean up will be. The restoration company also assesses what should be discarded and what can be packed out. At the end of a thorough assessment, the restoration company will have a better idea of how long it will take to restore the property and can begin formulating a cost estimate.
Debris Removal And Property Protection
After an assessment is performed, the next step is securing the property. This process involves installing fencing around the area, removing debris from the perimeter, boarding up openings in the structure, and tarping or sealing off parts of the roof to protect what’s left of the property from weather damage. If certain areas of a property were not damaged by fire, then it’s important for restoration professionals to ensure that these sections are isolated from areas that were damaged so as to minimize any cross contamination.
Demolition, Waterproofing And Drainage
During the remediation stage, a water damage restoration company will work to remove water and dry out your property. They will also repair any damaged areas of your foundation, including removing or replacing drywall, flooring and other materials that have been affected by water damage. Roof tarps will be used to prevent rainwater from coming inside your home or business again during this phase of the process.
Cleaning And Smoke Removal
Clean up is the most intensive part of fire damage restoration. It involves manual labor to properly clean smoke and soot from interior and exterior surfaces, as well as deodorizing agents to fully remove any lingering smoke odors. If a water-damaged area has been dried, cleaned, and sanitized, it may be necessary to apply antimicrobial chemicals to prevent mold growth. Off site, contents that have been packed out are also likely being restored to pre-loss condition.
Restoration & Construction
In the event of an insurance claim, your property might need to be restored to its pre-loss condition. This can involve repairing fire damage and rebuilding areas of the structure that were completely unsalvageable during the initial assessment. This can include rebuilding and replacing the roof, replacing electrical wiring and equipment, replacing drywall, replacing flooring materials, replacing interior counters, fixtures and appliances as necessary to bring your home back to pre-loss condition.
