Fire Damage
Structural issues, smoke, dust, debris, and poor air quality — all of these problems can persist following even seemingly minor fire damage. Fire and smoke can affect an entire home even if the fire was contained to a relatively small portion. Homeowners often need the help of a professional cleaning and renovation service to get their home looking like new again. Fire damage services will often need to include the removal of burnt furniture and appliances, upholstery and carpet recovery, safety inspections, and other general cleaning.
Immediately Following the Aftermath of a Fire
What should you do once a fire has occurred within your home? Consulting a professional is incredibly important, as they will be able to stop the continued progress of any damage. Without a professional, it’s very possible that structural issues could get worse. If water or other liquids were used to extinguish the fire, they may actually continue to damage the property long after the fire, if never cleaned up properly. Fires may contain biohazardous materials, which need to be removed by those who are trained in safety protocols. A full property inspection and consultation will also be necessary to determine the extent of the fire damage. While this may be a very hectic and stressful time, a professional repair, maintenance, and cleanup company will make the entire process easier and faster.
The Process of Restoring a Home After a Fire
Once a consultation and an assessment has been completed, the restoration process will generally begin by removing any of the property that was damaged within the fire. This includes furniture, electronics, and appliances — anything movable inside of the affected rooms. Once these items have been removed, any applicable water, liquid, or foam damage will be addressed. It’s vital that the property be dried completely; otherwise mold and mildew may grow within the property and create secondary issues. This is another reason why it is so important to call a professional fast!
Odor management processes will be used to take care of the smoke smell throughout a home. Furniture upholstery, carpeting, and drapery may be cleaned — or they may need to be replaced depending on the severity of the fire and the materials involved. The items within the house will be assessed as they are removed and cleaned, and it will be determined whether they can be recovered through cleaning or whether they are a loss. At this time, we can also create a list for your insurance company regarding the items that you need to have replaced.
For significant fires, renovations and repairs to the internal structure of the home may also need to be completed. As noted, the structural integrity of the property will be assessed before work is done. Floors, walls, and even the ceilings may need to be patched and repaired for the property to be safe and livable once again. And though issues such as water damage may be localized to a particular area, smoke damage and odors may need to be addressed throughout the entire property.
Have you recently experienced a fire in your home? Don’t worry; we can handle everything from the initial consultation and assessment to odor control and renovations. Contact us today if you need fire damage services or other cleaning services in Greenville or Spartanburg. At ServiceMaster of Greenville and Spartanburg, we have the expertise and expertise to get you back into your home fast.