Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration

This is not recommended. DIY cleanup carries serious risks, including inhalation of smoke and fumes from unsuitable or improperly prepared cleaning agents. Spaces with fire and smoke damage are also more vulnerable to structural collapse. Property owners should leave restoration to trained professionals who follow strict guidelines from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Yes. Residual soot following fire and smoke is acidic and harmful to people and property. Spaces damaged by fire and smoke are often filled with debris and can have unstable flooring, which increase the chances of accidents.

Wiring is sometimes exposed in the aftermath of a fire, placing anyone nearby at risk of electrocution, especially since residual water is often present at fire scenes. Water can also harbor harmful mold and mildew as well as speeding up oxidation and corrosion.

Improper restoration efforts can also leave property owners at fault for any future hazards that prove to be related to DIY cleanup attempts.

The process involves specialized equipment and cleaning agents to remove soot, odors, and any debris or possessions that have been impacted. The area is thoroughly vacuumed, air-treated, and washed. Special care is taken to ensure that this water does not further weaken the structure or get left behind to breed bacteria.

The process has four main goals: to see all surfaces restored to a clean condition, to purify the air, to ensure structural integrity, and to salvage as many possessions as possible.

The answer to both of these questions varies from case to case and is impossible to accurately predict without a thorough on-site inspection. The three factors that typically determine restoration time and cost are the size of the affected space, the degree of damage, and the nature of the property. An example of this last factor is a commercial/business property, which will need to pass a local inspection to resume activity.

It is recommended to avoid using any appliances in the wake of fire or smoke damage, particularly air conditioning units. AC units can quickly spread soot and other harmful fine particulate matter around a home, even when the air seems to be clear. Restoration and fire professionals can assess the impact of any damage on electrical systems and appliances and offer site-specific advice on operating them.

This decision depends on the extent of the damage and the amount of restoration necessary. Larger cases of fire and smoke damage almost always require occupants to leave the premises until everything is clean and safe. Smaller instances may allow occupants to remain while the affected area is restored.

You should take all valuables, personal documents, medication, and items of a financial nature with you if they are not damaged by smoke or fire. Experts can assess how impacted items should be handled or if they need to be disposed of. It is not recommended to search for items lost in a fire or smoke event.

The best fire and smoke damage restoration teams will help property owners deal with their insurance provider by compiling comprehensive data on the damage. Insurers will be looking for a list of items that have been damaged or lost to smoke or fire. The more details you can provide on the age and value of impacted items – no matter how small – will make the claim process easier.

No. Insurance policies will cover the cost of lost or impacted items, and some will cover the costs of temporary relocation. The cost of the restoration services themselves is typically the responsibility of the property owner.