Fire damage restoration takes time and work. In order to minimize the risk of further damage, fire damage restoration professionals will use the latest equipment and techniques to prevent further water damage, electrical outages, and structural damage. Fire damage restoration companies also offer services that include drying, cleaning, and restoration, making sure your property is as safe as it can be.
When there is a fire, the first thing to take into consideration is odors. Smoke and carbon monoxide can cause a strong, odor driven odor. Restoration companies will work to remove all excess smoke, eliminate any smell with deodorizers, and get rid of any odor with proper ventilation. Fire damage cleanup includes cleaning up the carbon monoxide and other emissions from the fires. It is important to take the appropriate steps to limit any residual odors from water damage. Carbon monoxide can linger for days after the fire damage is removed, so proper restoration and odor control must be undertaken immediately.
Odor control includes removing any source of water, such as leaking roofs or faucets, and cleaning with soap and water. If the source of water is not eliminated, the fire damage cleanup services may recommend that a thorough air quality assessment is performed. The assessment will determine if any environmental problems, such as mold, mildew, pesticides, or other toxins, may be present. Remediation services will make sure any contaminated areas are properly cleaned, avoiding the possibility of health risks.
Odor control is only one step in fire damage remediation. Water is removed by the fire restoration company, along with any remaining moisture. The process of cleaning and drying will depend on the severity of the fire damage. Smaller fires can be cleaned using a wet steam cleaning system, while more serious fires require a more advanced drying method. Deodorization and water control will also need to be addressed.
In most cases, smoke is the most difficult odor to remove from a house. Fire cleaning specialists use special equipment and chemicals to extract smoke and smoldering materials from the structure. After the smoke has been extracted, a hygienic, safe cleansing solution is applied. This method is often followed by fire restoration professionals with fire damage restoration equipment to remove residual odors. Smoke is removed from attics or crawlspaces by applying fire restoration paint, which is non-toxic and extremely effective at suppressing the smell of smoke.
Odors left behind by smoke damage are often too strong to tolerate, but can often be reduced by smoke damage restoration products. These include deodorizers and steam cleaners, which work to neutralize unpleasant odors and restore homes to their pre-incident conditions. Chemical smoke damage cleaners, on the other hand, will neutralize harmful organic compounds found in most fire damage solutions, including pet stains, mildew and mold. A variety of fire damage cleaners can be purchased to address all types of smoke and odors, depending on the severity of the situation. They can also be used to clean up water damage, as they remove contaminants that may have soaked up the water in some areas.
If the water damage remains after all sources of moisture have been cleaned, the next step is to assess the extent of the fire damage and complete fire remediation procedures. A licensed, trained water damage restoration specialist will perform the necessary wet rate remediation steps. Depending on the severity of the situation, this remediation may include the pouring out of standing water, drying out damaged areas and disinfecting any remaining biological matter. Wet rate remediation typically requires the employment of a pump-fed truck-mounted vacuum system and the injection of specially treated seawater into affected cavities. Seawater is specifically designed to resist fire damage, so it is often used to completely clean up water-soaked structures. Seawater is also generally safe for human consumption; however, its composition is not fully understood and the effects of ingesting it on pets and humans are unknown.
When the standing water has been successfully cleaned and the contaminated areas have been successfully disinfected, the technicians can begin the process of drying out the area. This is generally achieved using a ventilated heat pipe, which provides the perfect environment for moisture removal without any risks posed to personal health or the structure of the property. Once the dry areas have been successfully restored to their former condition, the technicians can begin to restore the building to its pre-incident condition.