The process of restoring a property that has been damaged by fire is a long and detailed one. It can take many weeks or even months to complete depending on the extent of the damage. The restoration process will also vary depending on the type of fire that occurred. A small kitchen fire may only require a few hours of work, while a large warehouse fire could take weeks or even months. 

At iFlooded, our restoration emergency services take the following steps:

Assessment 

The first step in the restoration process is assessing the damage and creating a plan of action. This plan will include the steps that need to be taken to make the property safe and habitable again. The plan also includes inspecting the property’s structure and contents to determine what needs to be restored and how costly the restoration efforts will be. Once this assessment is complete, a plan can be put into place to repair any damage done.

File a Claim

Our crew includes an experienced post-fire damage assessor. So once the clean-up is done, we compile an in-depth damage and risk evaluation that you can use to file a claim. We can help facilitate a meeting between all concerned parties, including an on-site insurance adjuster, to inspect the damage. This measure supports your chances of getting a reasonable settlement in a timely manner.

The insurance company must be contacted immediately and sensitively when a loss occurs due to fire damage. If you file your insurance claim correctly, it will protect your rights to pursue compensation for damages caused by fire. It is essential that you call the insurance company before cleaning any affected area or notifying anyone else of the loss to avoid compromising your ability to receive the full amount of compensation due.

Debris Removal

The next step in this process is to clean up fire debris and any hazardous materials, including burnt furniture, paints, solvents, or other combustible objects. The proper disposal of these items ensures your health and safety by avoiding inhalation or ingestion of toxins or chemicals.

Drying 

Drying is the process of restoring the water-damaged property to its pre-loss condition. Drying focuses on restoring items that were not affected directly by the fire itself but by water and other chemicals used during extinguishing efforts. We use pumps and vacuum systems in this effort.

Once all of the water has been removed, the next step is drying out the property. This can be done with fans, dehumidifiers, and heaters. The property must be completely dry before any repairs can be made.

Smoke Restoration 

Smoke restoration is the removal of soot and smoke from premises affected by fire or smoke damage. It encompasses both cleaning and repairs, as soot and smoke can cause extensive damage if left untreated. Smoke can also permeate through walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture, causing a lingering, stale odor that’s hard to get rid of. 

Smoke damage restoration often involves complicated procedures that may include removing and replacing materials such as drywall and insulation. A professional cleaning team will work to remove all traces of smoke from your home or business, leaving behind a fresh scent.

Smoke damage also involves removing layers of grime that are stuck onto surfaces. This grime cannot be cleaned using traditional cleaning products and will require a strong detergent or chemical cleaner to loosen its grip on the surface beneath.

Structural Restoration

Structural restoration is the process of restoring a building or structure to its pre-loss condition. It includes structural stabilization, fireproofing if necessary, roof tarping, replacement of damaged structural members where possible, mold remediation if needed, rebuilding finishes that require it to comply with local codes and standards, and repairs to heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems as required for building occupancy.