Understanding Emergency Response Cleaning After a Fire

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

Time is of the essence after a fire.

Fire and smoke damage can change the appearance and even the structure of a piece of property so drastically that it is difficult to imagine ever being able to call it home again. However, through the miracles of emergency response cleaning and restoration services, you can go back home. There are four distinct phases of the cleaning process that occur before the restoration and reconstruction phases, but these phases aim to salvage as much as possible of your property and its structure.

1. Board-Up and Tarping

Before anything can be done about the fire, smoke and soot damage, a restoration company will want to ensure that your property is secure and protected from all natural and unscrupulous elements. The board-up and tarping of your property serve as both a protection and a mitigation practice. These services reduce the homeowner's risk to outside liabilities and thereby secure the insurance process for financial recompense.

2. Water and Debris Removal

Once the property is protected but before any smoke damage can be addressed, the restoration crew will likely begin removing any visible debris and water buildup. While it may seem odd to discuss excessive water when dealing with fire damage, the efforts used to save your property will likely lead to flooding of some kind, especially if the blaze was significant.

3. Smoke and Soot Removal

After the area has been cleared of debris and water, the soot and smoke cleaning can begin. Cleaning professionals will likely use various techniques and chemicals to clean all hard and porous surfaces. For fabrics, rugs and other removable materials, professional cleaners may be called in to help.

4. Cleaning and Deodorizing

Most fire restoration specialists in the Chesterfield, MO area will recommend a thorough cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing of the property before moving on to the reconstruction phase of the restoration. During this phase, professional cleaners will likely use different chemical solutions to ensure the home is safe and odor free.

Fire and smoke damage can eliminate the appearance of your home. However, with proper cleaning and response times, it is possible to get your home back.