Fire Damage Repair Process

Fire Damage Repair Process 101

Fire damage repair is a multi-step process best left to fire damage restoration services that are IICRC-trained in fire, soot and smoke damage repair. After a fire, there will be smoke damage, soot residue and even water damage, which may result in more damage to your home or business when left for too long.

Water damage, if left untreated, may lead to mold, which causes additional problems to address. By promptly bringing in a professional to assess the damage, the quicker and more affordable the repair process will be.

Experts trained in fire and smoke damage repair will assess your property and create a plan to guide the contractors in returning your home or business to pre-fire conditions. During fire damage repair, tradespeople will address damage to your home’s physical structure and materials, such as drywall, flooring, roofing, windows and more.

What Are the Steps in the Fire Damage Repair Process?

Almost immediately after your property has been damaged by fire, repair technicians take over, alleviating you of the responsibility of fixing your home post-fire. Many technicians provide emergency response services and will arrive quickly after you call. Once they arrive, they’ll begin the repair process, which includes using techniques approved by the restoration industry.

Step 1: Initial Inspection

After the fire has been extinguished, a qualified inspector will account for the extent of the damage and determine what repairs need to be done, including structural damage repairs. Depending on the damage done to your home, you may need to hire multiple professionals, such as roofers, carpenters, carpet installers, plumbers and more. Hiring a general contractor to oversee the fire repair process may be necessary in this case.

Though the fire damage technicians need to investigate thoroughly, they’ll also act fast during this step. The more smoke, soot and water linger, the further damage they cause.

Step 2: Safety and Prevention

After the initial inspection and assessment of fire damage to the property, the fire restoration experts will isolate and block off unsafe areas to prevent injury or further damage. Blocking off these areas also protects you from liability, such as if anyone were to injure themselves from the various hazards in a fire-damaged house.

Firefighters or fire technicians will board up the property, preventing anyone from entering the building. Adding a tarp to the damaged roof protects your home from the elements, minimizing further damage.

Step 3: Soot and Debris Removal

After a fire, your home will be covered in soot and overwhelmed by the smoke smell. Fire repair technicians quickly work to remove soot, smoke, and other debris.

During this initial cleanup process, they’ll scrub the walls and ceilings of soot and apply deodorization products to handle odor removal using air-scrubbing technology. They’ll also sort through personal items and leave salvageable belongs aside for restoration.

Step 4: Water Removal and Sanitization

Once the initial debris, smoke odor and soot have been removed, and it’s safe for technicians to proceed, water damage restoration technicians will remove standing water and dry out the affected area.

Specialized equipment, such as air movers, fans and dehumidifiers, prevents mold growth, helps to disinfect the site and minimizes further damage to the home’s structure.

The fire restoration team may use various cleaning agents to salvage furniture, upholstery, flooring, drywall and other items impacted by smoke, soot and water. They’ll also neutralize any lingering odors and dispose of items that are beyond saving.

Step 5: Repair Damage

Repairing the damage done to your property is the final step in restoration. This step involves reconstructing your home’s physical structure.

Repair technicians create a full list of what needs to be repaired, which might include:

• Removing and replacing drywall
• Replacing windows and doors
• Installing new flooring
• Repairing or replacing the roof
• Fixing damaged plumbing parts

Once you know what types of repairs your home needs, the next step is to hire the necessary tradespeople, which might include:

• Roofers
• Plumbers
• Carpenters
• Drywallers
• Painters
• Carpet-layers and flooring installers
• Window installers

Many fire repair companies have subcontractors they hire to perform these jobs, eliminating this responsibility from the property owner. Additionally, some fire restoration services also work with insurance companies directly, which speeds up the claims process and ensures a smooth transition for the homeowner.

How Long Does the Fire Damage Repair Process Take?

The repair timeline depends on the extent of fire damage, including how much smoke, soot, water and debris must first be cleaned up and removed. The time frame also depends on how quickly contractors can fix your property.

For minor repairs to drywall, paint and flooring, the process can take a few days. The process may take several weeks to a few months for extensive damage to a large property with multiple floors.

Keep in mind that the repair process can’t begin until the fire department thoroughly inspects the site, which may take a few days or weeks, depending on the jurisdiction.

Finding Fire Damage Restoration Companies Near You

Hiring a trusted leader in fire and water damage restoration ensures that your home repairs will be properly handled after fire damage. It‘s essential to find a reliable and experienced fire restoration expert who is able to offer a range of services. This includes everything from smoke damage restoration to soot damage repair to water restoration and removal.

When looking for fire restoration and repair experts, look for the following qualities:

• IICRC-certified—the restoration industry standard
• Able to offer emergency service and arrive on short notice
• Experience in restoring and repairing your type of property, whether it’s a multi-story home or office building
• Ability to provide or recommend tradespeople to perform the needed repairs
• Testimonials and positive reviews from other customers who have gone through similar incidents

If your property needs fire damage repair, find an experienced and certified fire damage restoration service near you.