Fire Damage Restoration Processes and Procedures
Experiencing the aftermath of a fire is an overwhelming disaster. No one should have to endure this alone. Handling fire damage requires expertise, and in most cases, fire and smoke damage should be addressed by trained fire remediation professionals to ensure safety and efficiency. Let’s discuss knowledge on fire damage and how to rebuild after fire damage one stage at a time.
Table of Contents
Restoration After Fire and the After Fire Cleanup
After fire cleanup is no job for the average homeowner. Fire crews have used water, but when they run out of water like in the recent LA Fires, firefighters use specialized foam. This foam is highly toxic PFAS (or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are known as” forever chemicals” and should be handled by professionals with the right gear for protection. For the clean up of the recent fires in Pacific Palisades and Studio city, the firefighting foam will be needed to be properly remediated by professionals.
What Unexpected Hazards Exist in Fire Aftermath?
As mentioned, chemicals and threats to your respiratory system are greatly increased due to chemicals from the home burning and the PFAS left from fire crews.
In the case that your home has burned without fire crew intervention, the home is still not the safe space it once was before the fire. In many cases, after a fire there is water damage, unstable structures, falling debris, exposed nails, carcinogenic chemicals in air, and even risk of electronic shock. Once solid boards can crush under pressure, allowing nails to protrude and go through soles of shoes. Do not enter a fire site without permission from fire site professionals, a site guide to accompany you, and safety gear.
What is the Meaning of Fire Damage Remediation?
Fire damage remediation refers to the critical cleanup work that occurs after a fire and before rebuilding or restoration efforts begin. It involves removing charred materials, soot damage, destroyed furnishings, and cutting out damaged framework. This process also includes cleaning up the aftermath left by fire crews, such as water damage from extinguishing efforts. Fire damage remediation does not cover the rebuild after fire damage but the removal of the damage and hazards.
Fire Remediation VS Fire Restoration Service
While many might assume fire remediation companies handle rebuilding, only fire restoration companies, like Orange Restoration, offer reconstruction services. With over 20 years of experience managing extensive fire damage restoration projects, Orange Restoration provides comprehensive solutions. We have an entire team of professionals to help including an in-house master plumber, electricians, water damage remediation specialists, mold specialists, and reconstruction team.
Our added benefits include our experience with Medically Sound Remediation and Small Particle Cleaning. We have experience in handling indoor air contamination, smoke damaged or odor problems, and working with CIRS patients to remove ultrafine particles from home air environments.
We care about your health! Often while we are not working on medical projects we still use our experience to help homeowners with health related concerns.
How Long After a Fire Can You Go Back?
We very much empathize with the want to return your home to normal as soon as possible. First, safety must be the top priority after a fire. Returning to a fire-damaged property is not recommended until it has been deemed safe by professionals.
Fire damage compromises structural integrity, and the environment may contain harmful toxins or unstable areas.
Reputable fire damage restoration companies may allow supervised visits as progress is made, but proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must always be used. Always consult professionals before accessing a fire site and ensure your visit is necessary and safe.
How Do You Restore and Rebuild After Fire Damage?
Restoring a home after fire damage involves careful planning and expert guidance. Below are the key steps in the fire damage restoration process:
- Prioritize Safety: We can’t say it enough, avoid entering the property until professionals confirm it is safe.
- Handle Insurance Claims: Work with your insurance agent to document damages, discuss claims, and select a reputable restoration contractor like Orange Restoration.
- Hire a Fire Damage Restoration Expert: Promptly contact professionals to assess the damage and outline a plan. Make sure to get a start date and ask for a clear outline of expectation on the process.
- Assess the Extent of Damage: Professionals will inspect the structural elements and systems, such as load-bearing walls, beams, and HVAC systems.
- Secure Your Property: Board up windows, doors, and other access points to prevent vandalism or further damage. Some companies offer emergency board up services.
- Structural Repairs: Replace damaged components such as joists, beams, and columns.
- Electrical System Repair: Before new structures, walls, and appliances can be installed to your home, restoring your utility systems is necessary. The electrical system is particularly susceptible to fire damage. It must be thoroughly inspected, and any damaged components replaced. Have a licensed electrician inspect and restore your home’s electrical system, including notifying SDG&E for reconnection after a fire shutoff.
- Address Fire-Specific Damage: Remove soot, smoke stains, and clean air ducts to restore indoor air quality.
- Restore Room by Room: Tackle restoration systematically, one room at a time.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all repairs, invoices, and professional communications for insurance purposes. Digitalize these records to create a comprehensive folder that can serve as evidence of the extent of the damages, the resources expended, and the professionals involved.
- Plan for Costs: Fire restoration costs vary widely; ensure your insurance and budget account for rebuilding needs. Be prepared for these costs and explore insurance options if you reside in areas prone to wildfires. Also, when discussing the rebuild, if you want modifications to the way things were before, let your builder know, you may need to pay out of pocket to do this, but some changes are worth it.
What is the Best Cleaner for Fire Damage?
For soot and charred stains, products containing trisodium phosphate (TSP) are highly effective. However, TSP is caustic and requires proper safety equipment. Always follow product instructions, test on inconspicuous areas first, and consult professionals for more severe damage.
Often if cabinets were fire adjacent they will have smoke damage and need to be thrown out or may require some real elbow grease in the fire damage restoration process.
Items exposed to heavy smoke, such as cabinets or furniture, may require significant cleaning or disposal as part of the restoration process.
What Should I Throw Away After Smoke Damage?
Anything easily replaceable, especially perishable food items, should be discarded. For anything structural, if we can rebuild after fire damage, it is better to do that than to try to save compromised structural joists or important beams that need more work than the cost of repairing with new. Consult fire remediation experts to determine what can be salvaged. Professionals can also evaluate whether belongings affected by smoke and fire exposure are safe to keep or require restoration.
What Happens if You Don’t Rebuild After Fire Damage?
Homeowners are not obligated to rebuild after a fire. Some may choose to take the insurance payout and start fresh elsewhere. However, others might opt to sell the property as-is. It’s essential to weigh the emotional and financial costs of rebuilding versus relocating.
Addressing and Rebuild After Fire Damage in Los Angeles
We feel empathy for the people of LA who have lost their homes or have had fire damages. With the increase in fire disasters in Los Angeles, such as the Hollywood Hills Fires and Studio City fires, more are seeking advice in fire prevention and aide in rebuild after fire damage that di not completely destroy their homes. Air quality and indoor air testing work is becoming more common as we have expanded our Medically Sound Remediation services to Orange County.
These fires often leave behind hazardous soot and toxins that require specialized cleanup to ensure the safety of residents. From addressing structural damage to improving indoor air quality, our team ensures that properties are restored to a safe and habitable condition. If your home was lost in the LA Fires, please contact us for support or questions related to insurance or fire restoration.
Orange Wrap-Up
The process to rebuild after fire damage or total loss is a complex process requiring careful planning, professional expertise, and a focus on safety. While each restoration project is unique, partnering with experienced professionals like Orange Restoration ensures that the process is handled efficiently and thoroughly. Whether in Los Angeles, Orange County, or beyond, we are here to help you rebuild and look forward to a safer, brighter future.
Master Guide On Tips to Rebuild After Fire Damage Blog Topics
- Fire Damage Remediation
- Critical 1st Steps to Restore after Fire Damage (read this to learn about rapid rebuild after fire damage)
- Clean Soot Char Yourself (DIY)
- Urgent Fire Damage Repairs and Medically Sound Remediation Concerns
- Negative Effects of Smoke and Fire Damage
- Electrical Fire Damage
- Cooking Tips to Prevent Kitchen Fires
If you need advice or support on your fire restoration project, give us a call today! (619) 376-6838