A fire can be put out with hundreds of liters of water. This quantity of water will cause problems that must be addressed immediately. Water can cause significant damage to your property if the correct steps aren’t taken immediately after the fire.
Here are water damage repairs you need to do following a fire:
1. Cleanup
You will probably begin the cleanup process when you have finished fighting the fire. After calling the fire department, all liquids must be removed from the property. It is advisable to wear protective gear such as coveralls and boots during this time.
The cleanup process should begin with a thorough inspection of your home to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished. Your home must be inspected for all water damage during this time. In addition, all damaged areas must not only be cleaned but also sanitized.
2. Damaged Wood
The fire department will contain the fire and put out the fire with large amounts of water. Water is incredibly damaging to wood, not only from the absorption of the water but also from the expansion of the wood.
Several significant issues can arise during the cleanup process:
- Cracking of wood
- Distortion of wood
- Expansion of wood
- Warping of wood
Not only can the expansion of wood cause the floor to warp, but the warping can also cause cracking or splitting. Cracks in wood indicate the wood reaching its maximum levels of expansion.
3. Drywall Damage
Drywall is fragile and will suffer significant damage during a flood or fire. The drywall should be removed and replaced with newer, undamaged drywall.
4. Wet Carpets and Floors
Carpet is tough to dry, especially water-soaked carpet. The mat can become a breeding ground for mold if left too long. Water damage will have to be assessed, and the carpet should be removed. Also, the flooring underneath the carpet will have to be disinfected and sanitized.
5. Mold Cleanup
Mold can begin to grow within 48 hours of a flood event. Mold can be very toxic and must be handled by a professional restoration company. Any infected wood must be removed and replaced.
Mold damage is one of the most challenging types of water damage to repair. If the proper steps are not taken, the mold can spread throughout your home. This can cause many respiratory problems and mold-related illnesses.
6. Drying Your Home
The most important part of the water damage repair process is drying your home. An effective way of drying your home is to hire a professional restoration company.
They will utilize industry-standard equipment to quickly dry your home and get your life back to normal. An experienced company will be able to dry your home much quicker and more efficiently than a do-it-yourself approach.
Conclusion
A fire is a very destructive and dangerous event. The fire department will do its best to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. Unfortunately, water damage will be inevitable.
When the water damage has been assessed, a professional company must be brought in to dry your home and repair the damaged areas. A professional must handle the entire process since the consequences of improper water damage repair can be devastating.
Trademark is one of the most reputable contractors, offering numerous services like fire damage restoration in Fresno. Contact our staff promptly if you have any restoration needs!
