When it comes to your property, you want to do everything you can to protect it. After all, owning a property is one of the biggest long-term investments you’ll make, so it’s important to learn about responsible property ownership. A common mistake people make is falling for myths surrounding fire damage restoration, which can contribute to misinformation and delay the process should your home be affected. Here are a couple of common fire damage myths you should be aware of.
Fire Damage and Property Restoration Myths
The Fire Department Takes Care of Everything
One prevalent misconception is that once the fire is extinguished, the fire department takes care of all the necessary cleanup and property restoration. In reality, the fire department’s primary focus is on extinguishing the flames and ensuring the safety of the property’s occupants. The aftermath, including cleanup, water damage from firefighting efforts, and restoration, is typically the responsibility of the property owner.
All Items Touched by Fire Are Beyond Salvage
Another myth is that any items or structures that come into direct contact with fire are automatically unsalvageable. While some items may be severely damaged, modern restoration techniques and professional services can often salvage and restore belongings, structures, and even parts of the property affected by fire. Quick and professional intervention can make a significant difference in the recovery process.
Relying on Smoke Detectors Is Sufficient
Contrary to this popular belief, relying solely on smoke detectors is not enough to protect your property from fire damage. Depending on their placement, smoke detectors can be far from the source of smoke or fire. And a smoke detector with dead batteries serves no purpose. In addition to smoke detectors, it is recommended to have a readily available fire extinguisher and to consider installing a sprinkler system, especially in areas like basements and attics.
Smoke Is Less Threatening Than Fire
While flames may be visually frightening, the most significant damage to your home and health often comes from smoke and toxic chemicals. Smoke inhalation leads to more hospitalizations and fatalities than the fire itself, emphasizing the importance of addressing all aspects of fire damage.
Sprinklers Cause More Damage Than the Actual Fire
Contrary to what you see in movies, well-installed sprinkler systems typically activate near the fire, minimizing water damage to other belongings. They are an effective and underrated tool in controlling and abating fires.
All Restoration Companies Are the Same
Not all restoration companies offer the same level of service. Variances in experience, expertise, and equipment make a significant difference. Reputable companies like 1-800 WATER DAMAGE invest in cutting-edge technology and ongoing staff training to efficiently handle diverse restoration scenarios.
Taking Your Time with Restoration Is Okay
Procrastinating on restoration after fire damage is not a good idea. Some homeowners mistakenly believe they can address damage themselves by handling it when they have time. However, delaying the process can result in mold growth, further structural damage and issues, and escalated repair costs.
DIY Restoration Is Adequate
While DIY projects are commendable, they might not be suitable for fire and water damage restoration. These processes demand specialized knowledge, equipment, and safety measures that only professionals are trained on. Attempting restoration without expert assistance can worsen damage and pose risks to occupants of the property.
Insurance Covers All Restoration Costs
Assuming insurance covers all expenses during restoration is a common misconception. Insurance policies vary, and some may have limitations or exclusions. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly understand your policy, document damage, and promptly initiate the claims process.
Restoration Is Limited to Cleanup
Restoration extends beyond visible cleanup. It encompasses comprehensive assessment, mitigation, repair, and reconstruction processes. Professionals understand structural nuances, electrical systems, and potential hazards, addressing hidden damage and helping to prevent long-term issues.
By dispelling these fire damage restoration myths, you gain a clearer understanding of the recovery process. Acting promptly and seeking professional guidance is pivotal in achieving the best possible outcome for your property.
Fire Damage Restoration with 1-800 WATER DAMAGE
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we specialize in comprehensive fire and smoke damage restoration services, including wildfire remediation, helping to alleviate property owners’ distress after a disaster occurs. Our experienced team understands the emotional toll these events take, and we’re dedicated to guiding you through a supportive restoration process, which includes the following steps:
Initial Assessment and Planning
We conduct a rigorous assessment of potential hazards, including structural instability, electrical issues, and compromised air quality. Thorough inspections follow to assess the extent of fire, smoke, and water damage, allowing us to formulate a tailored restoration plan based on our assessment and your needs.
Water Extraction and Drying
Did you know that water extraction is not a part of firefighting efforts? When fire departments extinguish the fire, they don’t stay behind to remove the water that was used to get the job done, resulting in excessive water accumulation. We use commercial-grade, industry-standard extraction equipment to extract water. Our team then deploys air movers and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry affected areas, helping to prevent mold growth and further structural deterioration.
Soot and Smoke Residue Cleanup
Identifying the type of smoke residue (wet, dry, or protein) is key to determining appropriate cleaning methods. We use specialized cleaning solutions and techniques to meticulously remove smoke residues from surfaces. Our focus is on providing a thorough cleaning of walls, ceilings, floors, and personal belongings to ensure an environment is restored to its pre-loss condition wherever possible.
Deodorization and Odor Removal
Our deodorization process involves applying agents to neutralize lingering smoke odors. To improve indoor air quality, we also use industry specific HEPA air scrubbers. The air scrubber draws in air from the surrounding environment and passes it through a series of filters. These filters efficiently remove particles from the air to help improve indoor air quality. In addition to the air scrubber in most cases, we will also use an activated carbon filter which will adsorb gaseous odors that are in the environment. This will assist in eliminating odors. Depending on the situation we might institute hydroxyl, ozone machines, or a thermal fogging. Then there would be a professional analysis of the situation to decide what is best from that point on..
Repairs and Rebuilding
Addressing damaged structural components, including walls, ceilings, and flooring, is a critical part of our restoration process. We meticulously repair or replace damaged elements to restore stability and integrity to the property to its pre-loss condition.
Final Inspection
A comprehensive inspection is conducted to verify the success of our fire and smoke damage restoration efforts before certification. Once the property is deemed fully restored, we provide certification of completion. Handing the property back to the owner marks the conclusion of our restoration process.
We’re dedicated to offering a holistic restoration experience, combining expertise, compassion, and attention to detail. When you choose 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, you’re choosing a partner committed to restoring tranquility to your home or property after the upheaval of a fire incident. Contact us at (800) 928-3732 for more information.
