A Guide to Fire Restoration Services

Fire restoration can be an overwhelming process, especially if you are dealing with your own home’s damage. Let’s dive into a general guide of what you can expect from fire restoration services and how you can get the best repair services possible.

What is fire damage restoration?

When a property has been damaged from fire or smoke, the restoration process of repairing the property to its original condition is called fire or smoke damage restoration. This can be a long process, and can often take weeks or even months to fully restore all aspects of the property. The process can include cleanup, demolition, reconstruction, and more. While dealing with this unfortunate situation, working with a team of professionals can guarantee a smooth process.

What is the restoration process?

Here is a guideline for how the fire or smoke restoration process works:

  1. Damage assessment 

Once the property is safe to examine, the restoration professionals will enter and assess the damages. They will determine how much cleanup, demolition, and renovations are needed to restore the property to its original state. After this step, you’ll have a better understanding of the scope of work needed, and how long the project will take to complete. 

  1. Prevent further damage

The next step is to protect the home from further damages, like water damage from rain. To do this, the professionals will seal off any openings around the property.

  1. Start the cleaning process

Before renovations begin, the damaged parts of the property need to be removed. This involves a thorough cleaning to remove smoke, soot, and any other remnants of fire damage.

  1. Restore the property

Once the property has been cleaned of all damaged materials, then the actual renovations can begin. This can include rebuilding the structure, replacing walls, redesigning a room, and more.

Why work with a professional fire restoration company?

This type of disaster can be particularly damaging to the structural integrity of a building. If you opt to work with inexperienced contractors instead of a knowledgeable fire restoration team, then the property may suffer more damages down the line. FRS is a reliable, experienced team of professionals ready to help you overcome the devastation caused by fire and smoke damages. Not only do we have a top-notch restoration team, but we also have the professional legal background needed to get your claims adjusted so you can afford all the renovations you need. 

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop of experts to help you fight for the money you deserve, look no further than FRS. We are San Diego’s fire damage restoration and claims adjustment experts and we’re ready to serve you. Visit our website or call now for more information on how to get started.

The Dangers of Soot and Smoke Exposure

When a home is devastated by a fire, the damage doesn’t stop when the fire is put out. Health dangers can linger in a home long after a fire has passed if the property is not properly cleaned and restored. In particular, soot and smoke damage can have detrimental effects on our health. Smoke can corrode metal, damage glass, and cause discoloration in drywall, fabrics, and flooring. On top of all of this, the smell left behind from smoke is unpleasant and potentially harmful. 

What makes smoke damage dangerous?

Smoke damage occurs when a fire causes damages to surrounding surfaces in a home and coats it with soot and creates a lingering smell. Since smoke is compromised of a collection of chemicals like carbon, asbestos, and other harmful particles, the leftover fragments can cause severe health conditions. Even if you experienced a relatively small fire, the smoke pollution could have affected your entire home, as the smoke can spread extremely quickly. Once smoke settles on a surface, it becomes soot. This can look like a black powder coating on walls, furniture, and any other surface.

Possible Health Risks From Smoke Exposure

When exposed to smoke and soot, you may start experiencing these reactions or conditions:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Skin irritation
  • Skin inflammation
  • Eye irritation
  • Asthma or bronchitis
  • Cancer 
  • Stroke

If you suspect you have smoke damage in your home, it’s important to contact professionals to remove the soot and smoke immediately. Long term exposure can be detrimental to your health.

Different Types of Smoke

There are five main causes of smoke damage:

  • Fire Extinguisher Residue: When spraying a fire extinguisher, the powder that comes out is typically non-toxic, but can still cause issues if not cleaned properly.
  • Dry Smoke Residue: When a fire burns quickly, it will release a dry residue that is usually easy to clean up.
  • Wet Smoke Residue: When a fire burns slowly, it will release a sticky residue that can be difficult to remove from surfaces.
  • Protein Residue: This is an invisible type of residue that comes with a strong odor.
  • Fuel & Oil Residue: Typically, this is not a major concern unless the fire was near stored petroleum products.

These different types of smoke can all have harmful effects on humans if left exposed in your home. Taking action with a team of professionals is always the best option when it comes to protecting the health of your family, yourself, and anyone who enters your home. 

Services with FRS

Experiencing fire or smoke damage in your San Diego home? Reach out to the professionals at FRS for a consultation and quote on what we can do to help. Our team of experts is well-equipped with the knowledge and experience to restore your home to its original condition. With FRS, you can rest assured knowing that your home is a healthy place for your family, yourself, and guests. Visit our website for more information on how to get started today.