Fire is one of the most destructive forces in nature. It can appear without warning, completely devastate a home, and cause severe injury and asphyxiation, all in a few minutes. Even a fire that was immediately contained can still require extensive clean-up and cause thousands of dollars of damage.
So what’s the best way to deal with fire damage? Is it better to fix it yourself, or should you book professional fire damage restoration services in San Diego? Is it possible to fully remediate an area that was engulfed in flames? We’ll be answering some of these questions and explaining the fire remediation process in the following article. Read on.
How do you remediate fire damage?
The first thing you should do after you and your family have been relocated to safety and the fire has been contained is to contact your insurance company and notify them about your loss. Wait until their adjuster (and yours, if you decided to hire a public adjuster) has inspected and documented the loss before beginning the fire remediation process.
Once that’s done, follow these 5 steps:
1. Assess structural damage
Make sure your place is safe to be in by having a structural engineer inspect it. If you don’t know any engineers, ask your restoration company to recommend one.
The engineer will check the state of:
- Interior load bearing walls
- Basement and foundation walls
- Attic, second floor, and basement joists
2. Secure the property
Reduce the risk of vandalism during the restoration process by boarding up broken windows and securing all entryways except one. Your restoration contractor should be able to do this for you, and your insurance company may even require it.
3. Structural repairs are a priority
Your restoration contractor will call in seasoned carpenters who can rebuild crucial structural elements such as floor joists and the interior framework. This will restore your house’s structural integrity and make it safer to live in.
4. Electrical should come next
Fire-damaged homes often need to have their breaker boxes replaced and all the outlets, wiring, and fixtures tested for safety and replaced if necessary. A thorough inspection by a qualified electrician is a must.
5. Address other problems caused by fire damage
In addition to the damage itself, fire often causes air ducts to become contaminated and mold to appear in damp sheetrock. Furthermore, it’ll also produce soot residue and smoke stains. All of these issues should be addressed by specialized cleanup crews.
How long does fire restoration take?
It’s impossible to say for sure, as every home and every fire is different. A burnt appliance that has left some nasty smoke stains on the kitchen walls will naturally take a lot less time to deal with than a faulty electrical system that has caused an entire floor to burn down.
Unless you’re a fire remediation professional yourself, it’s best that you contact a trusted restoration contractor and have them assess the damage. Once they have all the facts, they’ll be able to give you a time estimate for the restoration.
Where can I schedule the top fire damage restoration services in San Diego?
Whether you’re looking for experienced remediation technicians who can help you deal with the aftermath of a fire or flood, or need help with a plumbing emergency at your home in Lomita, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Risk Free Serv.
We’re a fully certified restoration contractor in San Diego that specializes in dealing with fire, mold, smoke, and water damage. Furthermore, we’re fully equipped to assist you with your insurance claim and help you deal with your insurer. Give us a call and request your free inspection today.