According to the most recent Statistics Canada data, there were a total of 10,819 residential fires in Canada in 2021, with approximately 1% resulting in fatalities.1 For homeowners especially, these are sobering statistics.
If you should have to deal with the aftermath of fire in your home, it’s important to remember that the fire damage restoration process should be started as quickly as possible, because further destruction caused by smoke, soot and water damage from firefighting efforts can add to the damage already caused by flames. Addressing smoke and soot damage is particularly time sensitive because chemical reactions can deteriorate remaining property within a very short period of time.
As devastating as having a fire in your home can be, it’s important to know you don't have to face the restoration process alone. Professional fire damage restoration companies such as ServiceMaster Restore can help get your home back to normal quickly and efficiently. The following is a guide to help you know what to expect during the restoration process.
What Does a Fire Damage Restoration Company Do?
The primary goal of a fire damage restoration company is to reduce the risk of further damage to your home and property, and to salvage as much of the remaining structure and contents as possible. Fire damage restoration companies have the experience, expertise, and resources to assess the extent of fire, smoke, soot and water damage, and to provide you with a written estimate for reversing the effects of the destruction to your home. A fire restoration company can also work with your insurance company to help settle your claim as quickly as possible.
What To Expect During the Fire Damage Restoration Process
Fire can cause different kinds of damage to different areas of your home, and each area may require a specific type of cleaning, restoration, or rebuilding process. In some instances, you may not be able to visibly see the extent of the fire and smoke damage if it has occurred in hidden locations, such as within roof or ceiling structures, in the attic or behind walls.
A trained fire restoration technician can identify the type and degree of fire damage and will provide you with an overview of which areas and contents of your home can be restored and which ones may need to be replaced. Although each situation is unique, here are some of the common steps a fire restoration company may undertake to restore and secure your home and property:
1. Inspection
The fire damage restoration company will conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of fire, soot and smoke damage to your home and belongings, and to determine what can be salvaged. They will document their findings with photographs or videos to provide to your insurance company. They will also test all areas of your home for smoke and soot damage, using specialized equipment. After the initial assessment, they will explain and walk you through the recommended cleaning and restoration processes and provide an overview of how much time the project will take.
2. Prevent Further Damage
The priority of a fire restoration company is to prevent further damage to your home and property. To accomplish this, they will remove the salvageable contents of your home as quickly as possible because the longer your belongings are left in areas affected by smoke, soot and water, the more difficult they may be to clean and restore. If the fire has caused openings in your roof or walls, the restoration company may also take preventative measures such as sealing and tarping to protect your property against the elements.
3. Clean-Up
Damage caused by fire, soot and smoke, plus any water damage from firefighting efforts, will worsen quickly if not addressed in a timely manner. A fire restoration company therefore begins the clean-up process as soon as possible after flames have been extinguished and it is deemed safe to do so.
Fire damage restoration teams use a variety of specialized cleaning agents and equipment to salvage furniture, flooring, and other belongings affected by smoke, soot and water. They will also neutralize smoke odour and dispose of items that are too damaged to be salvaged.
4. Repair and Renovation
The next stage of the fire damage restoration process involves repairing and restoring your home and belongings. Your restoration company will work quickly and efficiently to get you back into your home while staying in contact with you during the process, to keep you updated on their progress.
If your home has experienced fire damage and you need help to begin restoration, contact the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore. With over 70 years of experience in home and property restoration, plus innovative technologies and protocols that meet or exceed industry standards, we are prepared and committed to assist in the recovery and restoration of your home.
ServiceMaster Restore is available 24/7 every day of the year to help get your home back to normal quickly and efficiently. Contact us today at 1-800-RESPOND to learn more about our fire and smoke damage restoration services.
1 https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230608/dq230608a-eng.htm