Why Professionals Should Clean Your Home After a Fire

Many homeowners believe that after the firefighters leave after putting out the fire, the danger is done and over with. This is not the truth; unless you have professionals help clean the smoke and soot damage, your property will never be returned to its former state. Although the techniques behind fire and smoke restoration aren’t extremely difficult, it still requires knowledge, experience, and manpower to complete the job in an effective manner. In turn, this means that a professional should always be called in this type of situation.
Even though the fire has been put out, what is left behind will continue to damage the house if not taken care of. If ash and smoke are left untouched for an extended amount of time it will begin to corrode and discolor your surfaces, as well as leave a lingering pungent odor. Professionals in the field can stop this before it becomes a larger issue if they are contacted in a timely manner. There are many companies that advertise fire and smoke restoration, but only companies with proper training and certification should be hired. Any company that advertises IICRC technicians means that their technicians have undergone extensive coursework and uphold all industry standards to date.
Professionals can clean smoke damage and restore items that were directly affected, but they must be taken to an offsite location to stop any further damage from being sustained due to ash. Ash begins to discolor surfaces quite quickly, it can happen within minutes. After a couple of days have passed, the ash will cause walls to be discolored permanently, as well as clothing and any upholstery. Also, wood and any vinyl materials will need to be replaced.

If you do not call in a professional to clean the damage, the cost for services will catapult after a couple of weeks. Many items in the home may need to be replaced due to discoloration. Also, any lingering odors will only intensify, and it can become very distracting. Ash is acidic and if you wait to call the experts, the more damage will be sustained.

When a team of professionals first arrives to your property, the first thing they will do is indentify all of the affected materials and the source of lingering odors. The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be thorough and meticulous. Ash residue can spread easily throughout the building, in turn causing nearly everything on the property to need restoration services. These experts will determine what and what cannot be salvaged, and will remove any built up ash from the surfaces. Once this is finished the company will locate the odor and treat it with detergents that are made specifically for neutralizing the odor that is present. Once the materials are finished being treated they will be sealed off to prevent any further damage from occurring in the future.

If you need any type of repairs from fire damage, make sure to contact the Restoration Pros for expert service from IICRC certified technicians!

  • FAQ on Water Damage

    How Can You Cleanup Water Damage on Your Own?

    Cleaning up water damage can be a difficult and time-consuming task. However, there are some things that you can do to clean up the damage and prevent further damage from occurring. The first thing that you need to do is to remove any wet items from the area. This includes carpeting, furniture, draperies, and anything else that is wet. Once you have removed these items, you need to dry the area as much as possible. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water from the area. You can also use fans to help dry the area. Once the area is dry, you need to disinfect it. This can be done by using a bleach solution or a disinfectant. Once the area is dry and disinfected, you need to repair any damage that has been done. This includes any holes in the walls or ceilings. You also need to repair any damaged flooring. If you have any questions about how to cleanup water damage, you should contact a professional. They will be able to give you more information and help you repair the damage.

    How fast does mold grow after a water leak?

    Under the right conditions, mold can grow within 24-48 hours. Factors that contribue to mold growth include the temperature of the area impacted by water damage and the types of materials that are saturated.

    What happens if you leave water damage?

    Leaving water damage untreated will cause it to spread, potentially damaging other areas of your home. Additionally, long-term exposure to water can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems.

    What is the best way to dry out water damage?

    The first step is to remove the water source. If the water is coming from a leaky pipe, then you will need to fix the pipe. If the water is coming from a flood, then you will need to wait for the water to recede. Once the water source has been removed, you will need to dry out the area. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or by using fans and dehumidifiers. You will also need to remove any wet items from the area, such as carpeting, furniture, or clothing.

    How can you tell if a wall or ceiling has water damage

    You can tell if a wall or ceiling has water damage if it is sagging, discolored, or has water stains. A professional restoration contractor can use a moisture meter or infrared camera to detect wet spots and hidden water damage.