Why do I feel so confused about fire damage?
If we’re lucky none of us will have to deal with fire damage in our lifetimes.
The truth, however, is that most likely some of us will have to face the aftermath of a fire at some point in the future. If you’re facing it now or if you have to face it in the future, the feelings you’ll have can be overwhelming.
Heartache, loss, devastation, fear, panic, these are all common and valid emotions that often come about when there’s a fire. Another is being overwhelmed. There are a lot of questions. In an attempt to put you at ease, we’ll answer a few of the most common.
Q: Do all fires cause the same type of damage?
A: No. The damage from a fire depends on many factors which include the size of the fire, how long before it’s extinguished, and the type of fuel burned during the fire.
For example, if the fuel is a forest, it consists almost entirely of organic materials such as wood and grass. The residue from that type of fire is a dusty, dry soot.
On the other hand, house fires tend to burn a large amount of synthetic materials found in carpeting, appliances, and plastics. This residue is much more difficult to clean up as it’s often smeary.
Q: Why is there so much water damage after a fire?
A: The fire fighters called to the scene of a fire have one goal in mind: to put out the fire to prevent injury, death, and damage. To do this they use large hoses and many gallons of water. Even a small fire will have some type of damage from water or from a fire extinguisher.
Q: What damage does the water do?
A: Water can destabilize your home because it damages and starts to breakdown the materials in the structure. It also breaks down drywall, carpeting, wood, and belongings. Over time, if left untreated, it can cause mold and mildew to start to grow as well as promote the growth of dangerous bacteria.
Q: Who should I call if I have fire and water damage?
A: Calling a professional restoration company is the first step to getting your house and your property cleaned up and restored so you can return to a home that is safe, clean, and as good as or better than it was before the fire.
Q: What will a restoration company do that I can’t do myself?
A: Restoration specialists know how to safely and effectively clean up after a fire, the key words being safely and effectively.
There are many dangers after a fire. First and foremost you must be sure the building is safe to enter. Second, the debris, soot and smoke residue, and water left behind are hazards and must be approached and treated with care and expertise to avoid injury or contamination.
Q: How do I know what can be saved and what needs to be discarded?
A: A restoration specialist can guide you in this. Understanding what can be recovered, repaired, and restored to its original condition is something they specialize in. They can tell you if your furniture, appliances, personal belongings, documents and electronics are worth saving or if they’ll need replacement.
Dealing with fire damage is no picnic. If you’re the victim of a fire you’ll most likely feel very overwhelmed and will have many questions, many more than are listed here. The good news is you’re not in this alone. Contact Can-Restore for help with fire damage by clicking here.
