Happy Summer! Here's How to Prevent and Prepare for Fires

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

A house fire is one of the most frustrating types of structural damage. Although it is fortunately not a common phenomenon, there are around 100,00 fire-related incidents in the U.S every year. If you have been in the catastrophic situation of suffering a house fire, it is always advisable to assess how much your damage or business has suffered, and all the valuables lost in the fire. At SERVPRO, it is our mandate to ensure that you are well-informed about the dynamics surrounding fire damage. The following are the three types of fire;

Flame Damage

There are several types of flame damage depending on the source of the fire. For instance, an electrical fire may have a different impact on your home or business compared to those caused by a naked flame like a match. It is pivotal to choose a restoration company that is a professional in this area and totally discerns the distinct types of fire damage. This is primarily because a poor rebuild often results in problems appearing in the future, and can make your home unsafe.

3rd Party Damage

Fire damage is not just limited to the damage caused by smoke and flames. A house fire opens the possibilities for other vulnerabilities and problems. For instance, the water used by firemen to assist eradicate the flames can be absorbed into your floorboards and walls- making them warp, leading to plaster falling off. Chemicals that were present in the fire will need to be cleaned by an expert to circumvent any future damage. Further, the heat from a building fire can cause damage to your walls, leaving holes and cracks. These holes serve as an easy access point for rain and other weather issues. Filling the cracks and holes is not enough as they could be masking more grave problems. Ensure that your premise is inspected by a structural engineer.

Smoke Damage

This sort of damage is a long-lasting impact of fire damage and can persist for weeks or months after the fire is extinguished. To illustrate an idea of how smoke damage works, you can smell smoke on a person that is just from a cigarette break, because smoke sticks to objects. In the same manner, it will stick to walls, furniture, ceilings, and flooring. Smoke will discolor surfaces in your house, making them difficult to clean. A certified restoration professional will know exactly how to clean all your items and remove smoke damage completely.

If you have encountered fire damage and need advice on dealing with your insurance company, feel free to reach out to SERVPRO of Lake Forest South & Laguna Woods. We are a fire damage restoration professional and will work with you to ensure your home or business gets back to normal as soon as possible.

Stay safe!