The Fire Damage Restoration Process: A Complete Guide

Fire damage can be especially damaging on a home or business. Even after the threat of an active fire is eliminated there are many steps required to move forward. After severe damage comes fire damage restoration. 

More than a quarter of fires affect homes in one way or another. If your home or business is affected by fire or smoke in any way, it is recommended you have professionals investigate. While smoke damage may not cause infrastructure damage, it can cause further damage. Fire damage restoration is the only way to ensure your home or business returns to normal. We at United Water Restoration Group are here to help. While our name may imply we only deal with water restoration, we also work on fire damage restoration.

The Fire Damage Restoration Process

There are several key steps to rebuilding your home or business back to its former glory. The fire damage restoration process can take time and patience, but ultimately, it is your only option. Once the fire is put out and your home is safe, you can begin the process. Smoke damage is cause for concern for the health of those in the area.

If your home suffered even minor fire or smoke damage, it is recommended you begin this process. Even after the fire stops, the smoke sticks. It can stick to walls, floor, ceilings, and pose serious health concerns to those breathing it in. Smoke can actually cause burning to your respiratory system and can cause coughing, nausea, and other threats to one’s health.

Step #1: Emergency Contact

At United Restoration Group we understand that a disaster such as a fire can strike at any time. Our emergency hotline, (800) 430-5838, is open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. After contacting our hotline you will be placed in direct contact with one of our certified technicians.

While they may not be able to assess the damage over the phone, they can start the process. Our technicians will schedule an appointment to assess your home or business that fits your needs. Depending on the needs of our services in your general area, our technician can be on site in as little as a few hours.

Step #2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

Once our technician is able to get out to your property they will begin inspecting the damage. After our technician goes around the property they will discuss the next course of action to help. While we want to get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible, fire damage restoration can’t be rushed. Our technicians are more than willing to go over their assessment in detail and inform you on the rest of the process for your home or business.

Step #3: Tarp or Boarding Up

Depending on  the severity of the damage, the home or business may be deemed unsafe to inhabit. You may also experience a part of the home that is damaged and falters to leave a wide open spot on the property. If this is the case, we will tarp up the affected area and board-up areas that need quick touches to prevent further damages. Fire can damage walls, windows, and roofs and leave a home or business open to the surrounding environment. 

Step #4: Water Damage Prevention 

While the fire is the biggest concern for the home or business, water damage is a looming threat to its condition as well. If your property has exposed areas or required water to put out the fire, this step is to prevent further damage.

During this part of the process, we will use our water removal techniques and equipment. Equipment such as dehumidifiers that are set out to prevent moisture from accumulating. If there is water in the home, we will use our industrial vacuums to help absorb and clear the affected areas.

Step #5: Removing Smoke and Soot

Smoke damage is another problem for those who recently dealt with a fire. While the threat of a fire may be gone, smoke has a lingering effect that will stay in a room long after the fire calms. It can stain walls and cause harm to those unprotected in the affected area.

During our process we clean out the affected areas with up-to-date techniques and industrial equipment. One of the pieces of equipment for smoke is an air scrubber. This tool can help ensure that a room is clear of any harmful pollutants and prevent further damage. Our equipment can be used for floors, walls, ceilings, and counters affected by the fire.

Step #6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

During this step of the process our technicians will begin to clean the home or business with scrubbers and foggers. These machines are designed to erase the odor of fire damage and also help sanitize to prevent further damage. This step is crucial to creating a safe and inhabitable environment for the property. Our technicians will also scavenge and look for personal items that can be restored or fixed despite the fire damage. 

Step #7: Fire Damage Restoration

After we clean up your home and go through the rest of our fire damage restoration process we can begin the process of actual restoration. Fire damage can be wildly different depending on the type and size of the fire. United Water Restoration Group’s technicians are always up for the task, though.

During this final step we will help bring your home or business officially back to its former glory. This can entail structural repair, roof repair, or repair to any affected areas in the property. Our certified technicians are qualified to replace carpeting, repair or replace drywall, painting, or even reconstruction. 

After a fire the last thing you want to do is have to be bogged down by a confusing and tiresome fire damage restoration process. At United Water Restoration Group we take pride in our service. We understand that you have a lot on your plate and we are here to help! Our technicians are more than willing to assist you and help you feel comfortable as we go through our process.

If your home or business has experienced fire damage, we recommend calling a professional. Our 24-hour hotline is (800) 430-5838 and one of our technicians can help guide you through the process.

United Water Restoration Group has many offices located around the United States. You can use our website and input your zip code here to discover our closest office to you! We provide services in Ormond Beach, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, Daytona Beach, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, Melbourne, Florida, and many other locations around Florida!