How long does it take to cleanup a Fire Damage?

Fire damage cleanup can vary in how long it takes to complete a project depending on the severity of the situation. Our technicians can give an accurate estimate on how long it will take once they arrive and access the situation. A restoration has many variables such as how bad the smoke damage harmed the home, was there major water damage to the house or if reconstruction needs to be completed at the fire damaged home.

Can I inspect my home and belongings after a fire damage?

It is advised that only a legally licensed inspector (structural engineer, industrial hygienist, etc.) can determine the safety of any home or building. While you may not see a risk in checking the fire damage in your home, it may pose a health hazard to your health.

What will happen to the items left in the home during a fire restoration?

Depending on the items condition, the insurance agent may deem some that are safe be stored in a storage facility of which our technicians would remove those items and store them properly. Other items be damaged due to the smoke damage from the fire, those items would need to be disposed of properly.

Some of the belongings you may want to retrieve which the insurance agent can help you to work on obtaining those items from the home. The restoration company will work to restore as much as we possibly can from a home or building and bring it back to pre-loss conditions. If the home and items can’t be replaced we will work with the insurance adjustor to provide the best quality replacement for that item.

Do fire damage companies board up a home?

Yes, we can. CRD can board up a home safety and securely to prevent loitering and possible theft after a fire damage has occured. CRD can also offer around the clock security of the building or home if it is approved by the insurance company. When boarding up a home, you want to make sure it’s completed properly. Some companies may put up a board but it could easily be taken down from the home or building. Making sure to hire someone who boards up the home properly is key to preventing vandalism and further damage.

Can I stay in my home after a fire?

This would depend on what the fire affected and how the smoke traveled through your home. Insurance adjusters will make this determination usually by seeing the damage but common sense can sometimes tell you to stay elsewhere. Sometimes a small situation which is centered in one room will not affect other areas, this allows you to stay in your home but always consult a professional instead of making your own determination.

Can we clean the fire damage or smoke damage ourselves?

The answer is yes and no. Most people think fire restoration can be cleaned easily but there are actually strict standards for fire restoration held by the IICRC ( The Clean Trust ) which professional fire restoration companies should follow to make sure your home is properly restored. When a homeowner takes a fire cleanup into their own hands they are essentially taking all responsibility for future hazards and problems that may occur because of an improper restoration.

A major challenge is when you have a fire damage with more than one type of residue that burns. The understanding of how to clean these situations and having the proper equipment to clean it up is not typical for the average home/property owner. You can attempt to restore your home, but buyer beware.
Your home may look clean but it could still smell like smoke. The size of a smoke particle is .004 micros in size which makes it very hard for the human eye to see it unless they use a microscope. These smoke damage particles which are small microscopic particles inside your walls, cabinets, behind wood trim , wall base, underneath the carpet, etc can make your life a nightmare. Even if you are the best cleaner, there are so many places you may not be able to get too for a proper cleaning. Make sure to hire a professional who has the right equipment to find these particles and rid your home of them so you can live in a healthy environment.

Should I throw out all of my food after a fire?

The heat from the fire can make your food go bad because it will let the smoke particles into the can from contracting it from the high heat. Wait until your insurance agent comes out to review the items and dispose of them after going over what can stay and what is unhealthy.

If you can’t wait for your adjuster, make a video of the products to show the insurance agent what you tossed away.

WATER MITIGATION FAQ

How long will it take my property to dry?

Drying time depends on several different factors, including but not limited to location, duration and source of water, the types of building materials, the weather conditions and how far the water has infiltrated the affected material. We consistently monitor moisture level to ensure that drying process is effective and to know when the drying process is complete. The moisture level of ALL affected materials, not just the surface, needs to be measured and recorded to ensure a complete drying process.

How do I know when my property is completely dry?

We have special equipments that allows us to measure the moisture level of the unseen areas, not just the surface.

Will turning up the heat help dry things out?

It depends, but usually, we advise not to change any settings once we have set up our equipments to ensure maximum control from our end. We do not want any unintended prolongation of the drying process.

My wood floors are wet and buckling. Will they have to be replaced?

Wood flooring must be evaluated during the drying process. We employ specialized drying systems and dehumidifiers that enable us to create an environment where wood floors can dry more efficiently and resume their original shape. Due to the density of hardwood flooring and urethane finishes, drying may take up to three weeks or longer. If you filed a claim, your insurance adjuster will work with you to make the final decision as to whether floors will need to be refinished or replaced.

What about my wet furniture?

The extent of damage and the construction of the furniture will determine if your furniture can be restored. Your furniture must be dried before damage can be adequately assessed. Nonsalvageable furniture will be documented for you, and if any items need to be discarded, a customer release form will need to be signed.

Do I need to move out of my property during this process?

If you file an insurance claim, you may receive guidance from your insurance representative. However, this is a decision you must reach on your own. Here are several things to consider. Safety is paramount. Our equipment is as childproof as possible, but we require your supervision to make sure no children play with it. Air movers and dehumidifiers will create noise and make your property drafty for a few days. It is important that the equipment remains on, so if the noise is disruptive to you, you might want to consider an alternate place to stay.

What’s that smell?

It is not unusual to smell odors during the drying process. Increased heat and humidity can also lead to increased odors that may be coming from the drying building materials, or dormant spill and accident areas. Do not confuse these normal odors with the odor of mold. As the drying process continues and humidity levels drop, you’ll notice these odors disappearing on their own. Deodorizers are often used to minimize these effects as well.

Does everything need to be moved out during restoration?

Not usually. If items need to be moved out, we will let you know in advance.

My ceilings are wet. What needs to be done?

Our technicians will evaluate moisture content, determine the severity of the damage and may have to remove some of your ceiling for ventilation. Wet insulation can also be a hazard and may need to be removed.

Should I open the windows to help the drying process?

Opening your windows to assist the drying process is not always recommended. Outside weather conditions may vary, so the technician will determine when and if the outside air is appropriate.

Can I walk on the area during the drying process?

It is strongly suggested that you keep the traffic to a minimum. Wearing shoes is recommended for your safety.

Can my carpet be restored or will it have to be replaced?

A few reasons your carpet may not be salvageable:

Delamination (occurs when the backing separates from the carpet fiber)
Loss of adhesion (may be caused by prolonged exposure to water or age of the carpet)
Permanent stains
Carpet covers wood flooring (to salvage the wood flooring)
Sewage contamination

Why does my specialty floor need to be removed?

Nonporous flooring can trap water and prevent it from drying properly.

Why did the technician leave wet carpet on my stairs?

Carpet on the stairs is generally not removed for safety reasons. Exposed tack strips or staples, especially on steps, is dangerous. However, there are situations where removing carpet from stairs is necessary to prevent damage to hardwood steps or in the case of sewage contamination. Removing tack strips is not advised, as this may damage the hardwood or the subfloor. Extreme caution must be used whenever the tack strip is exposed or when the carpeted stairs are damp. If carpet left on the stairs is unsalvageable, it will be removed when new carpet is installed.

How will you match my carpet pad?

A sample of your pad is brought to our office for a match. When available, an identical pad will be used. When your original pad is not available, we will provide a pad of the same quality, thickness and density. A similar pad may differ in color based upon the time it was manufactured.

What will you do with my area rugs?

Rugs are taken to our warehouse for special care. They need to be dried carefully to minimize bleeding of colors and discoloration. Your rugs will be dried, cleaned and returned.

Why are air movers and dehumidifiers used?

When water damage has occurred, water can be absorbed into the drywall (sheetrock), baseboards, subflooring, etc. Drying these surfaces requires high velocity air movers to accelerate the release of absorbed water into the air. Dehumidifiers are necessary for removing this excess moisture to help protect property and create conditions for efficient drying. Please do not turn off or move drying equipment without first calling Restoration Unlimited.

Who is responsible for monitoring the drying equipment?

Our water damage mitigation specialists will place and monitor equipment to achieve optimal results in the shortest amount of time. Please make sure no one turns the equipment off or moves it. Please notify our office immediately if the power goes off or if the equipment turns off.

What will it cost to run the equipment?

Based on average electrical rates, it may cost about $1 per day per piece of drying equipment to operate. Actual costs can vary depending on current rates from your local electricity provider.

What about sewage contamination?

Hard-surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized. Affected items that cannot be sanitized require disposal. Porous materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, particleboard, paneling, etc., that have been directly affected should be removed during the emergency service visit.

Who is responsible for paying for the service?

Ultimately you, the property owner, are responsible for payment. As the property owner, you will need to sign a form authorizing the work and payment. If this is an insurance claim, Restoration Unlimited generally collects only the deductible amount and bills the balance to your insurance provider as a service to you. If you have a large loss, your mortgage company may be included as a payee on the payment from your insurance company, and you may need to obtain a signature from them as well. If your claim is not covered or you decide not to file a claim, you will be expected to pay in full at the time of service.

FAQ: Fire Damage Restoration