Post Fire Cleaning

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

The ins and outs for post fire cleaning in your home

Safety First, Then Assess

As soon as the SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville techs arrive at your home, the safety of your family and home are the top priority. The absolute first step of a remediation professional is checking that the property is safe to enter. The team will search for signs of structural damage and carefully inspect the property from the outside before opening the door.

Next, SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville will assess the extent of the damage by exploring how far the fire, the smoke, and airborne soot have traveled. In order to create a precise plan of action and an accurate quote, we will document the damage to your walls, furniture, and possessions. At every step of the way, the technician will wear proper gear– to protect themselves and your possessions. 

Focus On Soot And Debris

Post-fire rooms are a mess. It is very important not to contaminate non-damaged rooms. Before any water or fire restoration processes can begin, all debris and soot must be removed from the home. The soot can cause more damage the longer it remains on a surface; it is abrasive and caustic. Any debris will be in the way during the restoration process so they will haul off trash to keep the worksite tidy.  Removing the soot and debris will also improve the air quality and reduces airborne odors. 

As soon as the team can begin work, protecting your home from additional damage will influence the workflow.  Soot can stain metals, plastics, grout, carpeting, textiles, and wood when it adheres to surfaces. Rust and corrosion is a risk whenever water touches metal. Components and conductors in electronics can corrode, and the risk of electrical shock is increased.

Sometimes it is necessary to remove items that don’t appear to be damaged in order to prevent cross-contamination. SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville will help determine the best course of action in each situation. Often the professionals can clean these items offsite and return them once the home is restored. 

Now Deodorize And Clean

Professionals use specific cleaning products, equipment, and techniques on the various materials in your home.  Carpets, curtains, and other fragile fabrics need special attention, not all can be shampooed and washed with plain water.

During this fire damage restoration process, SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville will also ensure to remove any odors that can linger after the smoke has been in the room. Commercial air scrubbers, ionizers, and dehumidifiers might be used to control humidity and clean the air. Perhaps your home would benefit from an ozone generator to destroy the smoke molecules that are left behind and are causing the odor.  

Restore What Is Necessary

After all the dirty, smelly burnt items are removed, odds are that your home will need some repairs. This restoration stage is both 1) repairing furnishings and 2) repairing the home.  To return your home to its best, SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville team might repair wooden cabinets, replace baseboards, and restore floors.