Experiencing a house fire is an incredibly traumatic event, one that can leave a devastating aftermath that fills homeowners grappling with uncertainty. As devastating as the immediate damage may seem, the journey to reclaiming one’s home is often very possible, starting with understanding the fire damage restoration process.
Naturally, every home is different, and the extent of damage will vary, requiring a tailored approach. To help you better appreciate the path ahead, our team at Restoration Specialists have compiled a clear, step-by-step guide on how to repair a fire-damaged house.
What is Fire Damage?
When we launch into reviewing a ‘fire-damaged house’, it’s easy to picture the obvious – charred belongings, scorched walls, and so on. In reality, fire damage can actually span beyond these overt signs.
For example, smoke tends to infiltrate all manner of nooks and crevices, damaging structural integrity. Soot is also a common byproduct of incomplete combustion, which can settle on surfaces and proceed to stain and corrode them. As we might try to quell the flames, any water used can introduce a secondary form of damage, leading to potential flooding, water damage and mould growth. Chemicals and other hazardous materials used can further complicate the restoration of a fire-damaged house.
Recognising these factors and the true extent of the damage can highlight the need for a comprehensive, professional restoration approach.
Why is Fire Restoration Important?
The aftermath of a fire is not just a visual scar but a looming threat if not addressed promptly. Fire damage restoration is more than a recovery process—it’s also a protective measure. Smoke and soot can, over time, become toxic, posing severe health risks to you and your family. Moreover, the structural integrity of a fire-damaged house can be compromised, putting the inhabitants at risk. Furthermore, if odours and residues are not promptly cleaned out, they can become permanent additions to your home, decreasing the property’s value and comfort. Addressing these issues promptly through fire damage restoration guarantees homeowners’ safety, well-being, and peace of mind.
House Fire Damage Restoration Process
Damage Assessment
The cornerstone of any successful restoration is a comprehensive damage assessment. Once all flames have been extinguished and the property is deemed safe to enter, professionals can begin inspecting every corner of the fire-damaged house, working to identify the full spectrum of damage. From structural issues to tiny particles of soot embedded in the carpet, they will utilise advanced tools and techniques to generate detailed reports of their findings, laying the groundwork for an effective and efficient fire damage restoration process.
Area Isolation to Prevent Further Damage
Before fire damage restoration begins, it’s essential to stabilise and secure the environment. Your restoration experts will prioritise any immediate threats, such as ensuring the remaining innards of the property are shielded from any outside elements like rain or wind that could cause more damage. They will also take steps to improve air quality, using air scrubbers and other specialised equipment to capture and remove airborne contaminants posing serious health risks.
Controlled Demolition
In some severe cases, parts of a fire-damaged house may be beyond restoration, and controlled demolition is the only option. Specialists will work alongside engineers to safely and methodically remove compromised sections of the home, paving the way for the construction phase. Common areas that must be demolished include drywall, ceilings, flooring and more. While it might seem drastic, the removal clears away any intruding elements and allows for a smoother rebuilding and restoration process, returning your home to its former glory.
Flood/Water Restoration
Water damage, often overshadowed by the immediacy of fire damage in a house, is equally critical, as waterlogged internal structures can decay and become mould-infested. Restoration experts utilise industrial-grade water extractors to remove any excess that remains in the property to help with the drying process. They will then employ dehumidifiers and other specialised equipment to dry out areas, ensuring no hidden pockets of moisture remain before they attempt to repair the fire-damaged house.
Decontamination: Clean Up and Smoke Removal
Depending on the scope of work involved, restoring a house’s appearance post-fire is a meticulous task. Experts employ advanced equipment like hydroxyl generators and ozone machines to neutralise odours. Specialised cleaning agents can also treat soot-streaked surfaces, while air purification processes help restore a home’s ambience, making it feel familiar and safe once again.
Fire Damage Restoration and Construction
Restoration is the transformative phase where a ravaged structure resembles a home again. From installing drywall, to introducing a few fresh coats of paint, to laying down new carpeting, this will be the phase merging your construction team’s prowess with your new aesthetic considerations. It culminates the fire damage restoration process, bridging the gap between disaster and recovery.
Recovering with the Fire-Damage Restoration Process
Recovering from a house fire can be emotionally taxing and undeniably challenging. It’s a process filled with a range of physical hurdles, but understanding the fire damage restoration process offers a beacon of hope, outlining the path from chaos to a restored, welcoming home.
Why Choose Restoration Specialists to Repair a Fire-Damaged House?
Restoration Specialists can help you regain control and restore peace after a devastating fire has found its way into your home.
Our professional team excels in fire, smoke, and odour restoration, harnessing globally-acclaimed systems for thorough decontamination. For example, smoke odour can prove harmful to the respiratory system and requires swift action. Our state-of-the-art hydroxyl generators and carbon-activated air scrubbers ensure optimal odour removal.
As an IICRC-certified firm, our pedigree stems from the construction industry, allowing us to adeptly reinstate fire-damaged areas at a cost-effective rate. Approved by numerous insurance providers, our 24/7 rapid response mitigates further damage. From homeowners to government agencies, our extensive range of fire-damaged renovation services speaks volumes.
Choose experience. Choose Restoration Specialists. Contact us today by calling 0800 332 664 or emailing info@resspec.co.nz to discuss your needs.