Dealing With Fire and Water Damage After a House Fire

8/21/2021 (Permalink)

The cleanup after fire damage is a long process. Hire a professional team to help you to deal with it.

When flames break out in your Black Forest, CO, home, there's no question that fire damage will follow. However, many homeowners are surprised to learn that damage from water is also a common issue after home fires. As firefighters work to put out the blaze, they may use hundreds of gallons of water. Fortunately, cleanup and repair professionals have experience dealing with fire, smoke, and water damage:

Secondary Damage Prevention

One of the first things that cleanup crews may do after a fire is boarding up any holes in the ceilings and walls. This is done to protect your vulnerable home from exposure to rain, extreme weather, and trespassers. In addition to securing your home, these professionals will assess the damage to determine the best course of action for cleanup and restoration.

Removal of Damaged Goods and Materials

When it's safe, you may help throw out and haul away fire-damaged items. Although you may want to save what you can, there are four things you should always get rid of after a fire:

• Food
• Medications
• Toiletries
• Clothing

If you have questions about how to safely dispose of these items, reach out to experts at the fire department or the cleanup and restoration company.

Cleaning and Disinfection

This step is crucial to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of your family. Once any rubble and ruined items have been cleared out, it's time for thorough cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup experts have professional-grade products to use, including personal protective gear, equipment, and disinfectants.

Mold Prevention

In a home that is already vulnerable because of fire damage, a lot of additional harm can be caused by water from fire hoses. Mold growth is a common issue after a fire hose has sent gallons of water into the home. Professionals inspect for signs of mold and take steps to prevent mold spores from settling into water-affected areas.

Damage Repair

If floors, ceilings, drywall, and furnishings survived the fire, they may still have soaked up a lot of water. This can lead to warping, stains, and structural weakness. Cleanup and repair professionals will inspect the inside and outside of the home for signs of damage and then determine what can be repaired and what must be replaced. This part of fire recovery should be left to the professionals because weakened areas in your home could collapse, causing further damage or harm to people. Your insurance company may recommend a cleanup company to ensure that repairs are done safely and correctly.

Electrical and Plumbing Repairs

These are two areas of work that should also be tackled by professionals because of the potential for further damage. Frayed wiring could lead to new fires and damaged plumbing could cause gas leaks or more water damage.

Final Touches

With major repairs and reconstruction nearly complete, professionals will make sure that there's no lingering moisture in the air. Fans and dehumidifiers are often used to ensure that there are no hidden pockets of humidity behind the walls or between floors.

Recovery from a home fire takes time, especially as professionals must address both fire and water damage. Once these steps are complete, however, you can return to your home with confidence that it is once again clean and safe.