Fire Damage Restoration: Diy Vs. Professional Services And Insurance Coverage – There are great DIY resources out there for many home improvement projects, but there are many jobs that should be handled by professionals. But how do you know if it’s worth trying to DIY or hire? We break down our recommendations on when to DIY and when to ask for help!
Water damage can range in severity from a small puddle on the kitchen floor to several inches of water or more in your basement. Treating water damage really depends on how much standing water is in your home, where it’s coming from, and how long it’s been a problem.
Fire Damage Restoration: Diy Vs. Professional Services And Insurance Coverage
With a leak, the first 24 hours are the most important because the longer the water stays in your home, the more damage it causes. Standing water quickly seeps under your floors, carpets and drywall. If it is not dried properly it can cause mold.
How To Clean Up After A House Fire
A good rule of thumb is if you have a flood or leak that results in more than a gallon of water spilling into your home, call a professional.
At Lake City Restoration, we have tools that the general public doesn’t have access to, such as commercial-grade fans, dehumidifiers and other technology to speed up the drying process and keep your home from further damage.
The average small kitchen fire caused by grease falling on a burner or an overflowing pan in a hot oven can usually be handled without professional help.
However, any fire that produces a large amount of smoke, causes you to evacuate your home or destroys drywall, appliances and other household objects should be handled by professionals.
How Does Wildfire And Smoke Damage Affect Your Home?
Even smaller fires can cause serious smoke damage and can endanger your home. If you want to DIY clean up and get rid of the smoky smell after a small fire, check out our blog post for safety tips!
Often when the damage to your home is severe enough for us to handle, your homeowner’s insurance company gets involved.
The process of filing a claim and getting the help you need can seem daunting when you don’t have someone to help you through it.
We have the expertise and advanced equipment to restore your home safely when risking DIY work is unsafe. Our services include water damage cleanup, fire damage restoration, storm damage repair and other necessary restoration services.
Water Damage Restoration Cost Guide
If you have questions about how the restoration process works or what is best for your home, contact us today. Our restoration experts are available 24/7!
David’s mission is to always provide the best for every customer, using the latest technology and methods with integrity. Owning his own business has given him the freedom to quickly embrace innovation, industry changes and technological advances while providing services to a wide geographic area.
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Whether you have an emergency right now or you’ve recently discovered a breakdown, we’re here to help 24/7! Contact us now or visit our contact page. It may start as a spark from an arcing electrical wire, or from some uncontrollable robust stir-fry, or more commonly these days, from a forest fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 350,000 house fires in the country each year. Some cause relatively minor damage to the home, while others completely consume the home. And while any fire is a traumatic event, many homeowners are left with enough of a home that they can rebuild the damaged parts and get back to normal.
Your Fire Damage Has Been Fixed… But What About Smoke Odors?
If your home has suffered a fire, your first call should be to your insurance company. Do not enter the house until the fire marshal or fire marshal clears and says it is safe to enter.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to hire a structural engineer to assess the condition of the floor, walls and roof. These experts assess the condition of the house’s foundation, frame and building envelope and recommend repair or replacement of any damaged parts. If the house is uninhabitable, be sure to protect it by covering any holes or damaged windows or doors with plywood. To prevent further water damage, wipe down any exposed portions of the roof, provided the fire department or structural engineer declares it safe to do so.
There are companies that specialize in cleaning up soot, smoke and water damage after a fire, so if you don’t have the skills or the inclination, call one of them. Restoration companies typically use thermal fogging machines and ozone generators, as well as other equipment, to clean the interior of the home. However, many cleaning companies do not do repairs, so you may also need to call a builder, electrician, plumber or roofer.
Structure fires generate toxic chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic. If you do any cleaning yourself, be sure to wear a dust mask, protective clothing and rubber gloves.
The Full Guide: Fire Damage Restoration
Start by removing anything wet: drywall, insulation, carpet and furniture. Water damage is a real threat and anything that stays wet will breed mold and mildew. If there is standing water in the basement, you can rent a sump pump to remove it. You can also rent fans and dehumidifiers to circulate the air and promote drying; and while you’re at it, replace all the air filters in your HVAC system.
Immediately after a fire, firefighters often install large fans to clear smoke and odors associated with the structure. But the smell of fire will linger long after the smoke clears, so undamaged surfaces such as ceilings, walls and floors need to be cleaned. All charred fixtures, furniture, cabinets, and the like should be removed. Soot is corrosive and should be removed as soon as possible.
Use a shop vac, or similar, equipped with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to remove debris from floors and fabrics, such as upholstery, curtains and bed linen. Salvageable carpets should be cleaned by a professional carpet service.
To clean soot-covered surfaces, experts recommend mixing a solution of several tablespoons of dishwashing detergent, one cup of borax and two cups of vinegar in one gallon of water. Focus on one area at a time, use a sponge to scrub the surface, and rinse with plain water afterwards. Clothing can be cleaned by soaking in warm water, detergent, and white vinegar. You can also take it, along with curtains, blankets, etc., to a dry cleaner experienced in eliminating smoke odors.
Fire Damage Restoration Cost In 2023
When all irreparably damaged items have been removed and the interior of the house has been cleaned, it is time to consult the structural engineer’s report. It is up to the structural engineer to assess the condition and viability of the structural components of the home.
If your home can’t be restored quite easily, it may be time to renovate or redesign. If it is salvageable and you choose to rebuild, discuss the construction proposal with a structural engineer. In most places, you’ll also need to get a demolition and/or building permit before you start, and current building codes may force unexpected but beneficial changes to the home, such as seismic retrofits or energy-efficient upgrades. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may call an electrician and plumber as well.
As you work, remember that demolition can be dangerous. Before fixing the stairs, make sure that the walls and floor are adequately fixed. Like new construction, build from the ground up, establishing the first level before starting the second. And be aware that the emotional impact of this experience can be debilitating; accidents are more likely to happen when you’re tired, so be extra careful to rest and be alert when you’re rebuilding your home.
Get the latest This Old House news, tips, tricks and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–direct to your inbox. Experiencing a fire is scary, no matter the size or severity. It not only threatens your safety during the fire, but also afterwards. Structural damage, lingering smoke, soot, and mold are all concerns.
Best Fire And Water Damage Restoration Experts
Aside from health considerations, even a small fire can seriously damage your property. Smoke and soot can stain surfaces quickly and become difficult to remove. Water from extinguishing fires can also cause damage.
The aftermath of a fire is overwhelming and you may be wondering what to tackle first. As fire restoration cleaning experts, we’ve seen our fair share of fires. We go through the fire damage you can expect and tips on what to do to restore your property.
Depending on the severity of the fire, the structure of your property may be affected and you may be exposed to dangerous debris. Heat can warp walls, crack foundations and crack glass. In addition, fire can damage support beams and caves in the ceiling.
It is also important
Tips For Choosing A Water Damage Restoration Company
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