Every 23 seconds, a fire department in the United States responds to a fire somewhere in the nation. A fire occurs in a structure at the rate of one every 65 seconds, and a home fire occurs every 93 seconds. According to NFPA, in 2021 local fire departments responded to 1,353,500 fires, that caused $15.9 billion in property damage. When a fire damages your home, dealing with the aftermath can seem overwhelming. If the fire damage restoration process is delayed, the destruction caused by smoke and soot can worsen matters. The longer you wait to address the fire damage, the more repairs you may need.
As unfortunate as a disaster like a fire may be, you don't have to go through the fire damage restoration process alone. Professional restoration companies like ServiceMaster Restore® are here to help you return to normal immediately. Learn more about what you can expect during the fire damage restoration with this helpful guide.
What Does A Fire Damage Restoration Company Do?
The primary goals of a fire damage restoration company are to reduce the risk of further damage to your home and to salvage as much as possible. Experienced restoration companies can assess the extent of damage, provide you with a written estimate and begin reversing the effects of fire damage. A fire restoration company can even work with your insurance company to settle your claim as quickly as possible.
What To Expect During the Fire Damage Restoration Process
Fire can damage certain parts of your house differently, and each area may require specific cleaning, restoring, or rebuilding methods. In some instances, you may not even be able to visibly see the extent of the fire and smoke damage if it's occurred in areas such as the attic or behind walls.
A trained fire restoration company will be able to identify the degree of damage and provide an overview of which areas and contents of your home can be restored and which ones might need to be replaced. Although your situation is unique, here are some of the common steps a fire restoration company may take to secure your property:
1. Conduct An Inspection
A fire damage restoration company will assess the extent of damage to your home and belongings to determine what can be salvaged. They'll document their findings through photos or videos to provide to your insurance company. They'll also test rooms for smoke and soot damage during their inspection using specialized equipment. Once the restoration company has completed its initial assessment, it'll explain its cleaning process and provide an overview of how long the project may take.
2. Prevent Further Damage
A fire restoration company's priority is to prevent further damage to your home. The company will remove the contents of your home as quickly as possible because the longer your belongings are left in affected areas, the more difficult they may be to clean. If the fire has caused leaks in your roof or walls, the restoration company will take preventative measures such as sealing and tarping to protect your home against the elements.
3. Clean-Up
The damage caused by fire and smoke, plus any water damage from firefighting efforts, can increase quickly. Therefore, a fire restoration company will start the clean-up process soon. Restoration teams may use a variety of cleaning agents and equipment to salvage furniture, flooring, and other items impacted by smoke, soot, and water. They'll also neutralize lingering odors and dispose of any items too damaged to be salvaged.
4. Repair and Renovation
The next stage of the fire damage restoration process involves repairing and restoring your home and belongings. The restoration company will work quickly and carefully to get you back into your home while staying in contact with you to keep you updated on their progress.
Call The Experts at ServiceMaster Restore
If you need help after a fire, don't hesitate to contact the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore. With a commitment to be at your side every step of the restoration process, we're available 24/7 every day of the year to get your home back to normal fast. We have over 65 years of experience, plus innovative technologies and protocols that meet or exceed industry standards to help ensure your home is safe. Contact us today to learn more about our fire and smoke damage removal services. Call us today at 1-800-RESPOND.