Have you been affected by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area? Was your property damaged by fire, and are you now looking to restore it? This certainly is not an easy task. With the trauma of the loss and the life being disrupted, it will be simply overwhelming. We have created a complete guide on fire damage restoration, which outlines the steps that you need to take to salvage the situation and return to normalcy.
What to do if there is fire damage?
Fire damage not only leads to extensive damage to your living place, but it also causes emotional trauma. Restoring your home after fire damage is daunting and requires proper recovery steps. This is because immense destruction is caused by water, smoke, flame, and soot. You should take the appropriate steps to restore your property after fire damage. Moreover, you can also hire a professional fire damage restoration company in Los Angeles. They will recover your property to its original state and make it safe.
Let’s discuss how you can restore fire damage and how a professional fire damage restoration company in Los Angeles can help you do it correctly.
Different Types of Fire Damage
Fire damage can happen in several ways. It has various effects on your property. You can restore your property from fire damage correctly only when you understand the types of fire damage. Here is a quick overview.
Flame Damage
Flame damage occurs when there is direct burning of objects or structures of your property due to the fire. The severity of flame damage depends on how long the property caught on fire or how intense it was.
Smoke Damage
Smoke damage is the most common. Fire can leave behind a foul odor, stains on walls, ceilings, and furniture, and even damage the ventilation system. Thus, fire can also cause potential health hazards, and you should take immediate steps to solve the problem.
Heat Damage
High temperatures during a fire cause severe heat damage. This damage weakens metal, wood, and concrete on your property and causes structural damage and warping.
Soot Damage
Soot is produced when a fire in an area is highly acidic. It can stain the surface and cause corrosion. A specialized and in-depth cleaning process prevents further damage.
Water Damage
Water used to stop the fire during extinguishing can cause mold, damage to personal items, and structural weakness of your property. To prevent further damage, the area must be dried quickly.
Common Cause of Fire Damage
Following are some causes of fire:
- Flammable objects near heat sources.
- Leaving the stove on without your presence.
- Electrical issues.
- Malfunctions in heating appliances.
- Wildfires, especially in Southern California.
Effects of Fire Damage
Fire damage has chaotic effects. Common immediate effects include:
Effect on Structures
Fire can damage the structural integrity of any property, making it unsafe until it is appropriately restored.
Health Problems
Soot, smoke, and other pungent odors from a fire can pose significant health risks, including respiratory and skin problems. Therefore, people must wear protective gear when they enter a fire-damaged building.
Steps You Should Take After Fire
Following is a list of steps you must follow after experiencing fire damage.
- The first step after a fire is to leave the property. Soot particles are everywhere in the environment, and they spread quickly and can cause contamination.
- Do not attempt to wash anything yourself. Improper cleaning of fire-damaged areas can cause permanent damage.
- Turn off all the utilities like gas, water lines, and electricity for a short period.
- Place clean towels on carpets and upholstery to reduce soot absorption.
- Hire a professional fire damage restoration service provider to restore your property efficiently.
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Who Should You Hire For Fire Damage Restoration?
A good fire damage restoration service offers 24/7 availability, experienced staff, positive reviews, and detailed services. If your place is caught on fire, take quick action. Hire a restoration company for fire damage restoration in Los Angeles, which provides extensive services to restore your property from fire damage.
How Green Planet Restoration Can Help You?
Green Planet Restoration is a professional fire damage cleanup and restoration service provider. To restore your fire-damaged property, follow the steps below.
Assessment of Damage
The team of professionals at Green Planet Restoration first assesses the extent of the damage caused by the fire. This assessment also involves analyzing the damage caused by water and smoke, which helps them perform effective restoration.
Removing Water
Firefighters use water to slow the damage, but that residue can damage your property. Proper drying and water extraction are necessary to protect your place from mold growth. Therefore, our team removed standing water from the firefighters’ efforts. Unique pumps and dehumidifiers are used for the process.
Smoke and Soot Removal
Soot and smoke left after a fire are dangerous for health and cause stains on walls and ceilings. Therefore, advanced cleaning agents are essential. We use them to remove soot and smoke from your place altogether.
Use of Odor-Neutralizing Agents
A house or any other place that has been burned permanently smells burnt. Green Planet Restoration uses odor-balancing agents, such as ozone treatments and scrubbers, to regain air quality.
Structural Repairs and Reconstruction
The structural repairs depend on the severity of the damage caused by the fire. They can include drywall replacement, repainting, floor restoration, and structural changes.
In-depth Cleaning
We clean your affected property to restore its safe environment and remove harmful contaminants. This cleaning includes sanitizing furniture, HVAC systems, and upholstery. Furthermore, the fire damage cleanup includes air purification, power washing, and insulation replacement to provide indoor comfort.
Final Assessment
Emergencies happen to the best of us, but how we respond makes a huge difference. Staying cool, taking fast action, and having a strategy for funding fire damage restoration will help you get your property back in shape quickly. Prioritizing safety, preparing an emergency toolkit, and scheduling regular house maintenance can help to alleviate some of the chaos.
When disaster strikes, emergency responders will assess the extent of the damage and create a plan for restoration. This assessment will help determine the timeline and cost of repairs needed to bring your property back to its pre-loss condition.
