When a property has been damaged by fire, the resulting smoke damage can have a significant impact on the safety and livability of the home. Fire restoration companies like getdelmar.com specialize in assessing and mitigating smoke damage to help restore a property to its pre-fire condition.
This article will explain the process of smoke damage assessment and mitigation that fire restoration companies use to help property owners recover from fire damage.
Inspection
The first step in the process is an inspection of the affected area. The fire restoration company will use specialized tools and techniques to examine the damage, including moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras. This allows them to identify the affected areas and determine the extent of the damage.
Containment
Once the inspection is complete, the fire restoration company will begin the containment process. This involves sealing off the affected area to prevent the spread of smoke and soot to unaffected areas. This is done using physical barriers such as plastic sheeting, tarps, and air scrubbers.
Cleaning
The next step is cleaning. Fire restoration companies use a variety of techniques to remove smoke and soot from the affected area. This includes dry-cleaning, wet-cleaning, and the use of specialized chemicals. They also employ air movers and dehumidifiers to help remove moisture from the affected area.
Deodorizing
After the cleaning process is complete, the fire restoration company will begin the deodorizing process. This involves using chemical deodorizers to neutralize the smell of smoke in the affected area. They may also use ozone generators and Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) foggers to help break down the smoke molecules and eliminate odors.
Sanitizing
The fire restoration company will then move on to the sanitizing process. This involves using specialized cleaning agents to disinfect the area and remove any residual bacteria or mold. This is an important step in mitigating smoke damage, as it helps prevent the spread of disease and infection.
Repair & Restoration
Once the sanitizing process is complete, the fire restoration company will move on to repairing and restoring the affected area. This may involve replacing damaged materials, such as drywall, and restoring furniture and other items to their original condition. They may also need to repair or replace HVAC systems, electrical systems, and other components.
Air Quality Testing
Before the affected area is deemed safe for occupancy, the fire restoration company will conduct air quality testing. This is done to ensure that the air is free of smoke and other contaminants. It is also important to ensure that the air is free of hazardous particles, such as asbestos and lead.
Final Cleaning
Once the air quality test is complete, the fire restoration company will perform a final cleaning. This is done to ensure that all of the smoke and soot has been removed from the affected area. The final cleaning may also involve deodorizing and sanitizing the area to make sure it is safe for occupancy.
Verification & Documentation
The final step in the process is verification and documentation. The fire restoration company will document all of the steps that have been taken to assess and mitigate the smoke damage. This is done to ensure that the affected area is safe for occupancy and that all of the necessary steps have been taken to restore the property to its pre-fire condition.
Conclusion
Fire restoration companies have a comprehensive approach to assessing and mitigating smoke damage. They use specialized tools and techniques to identify the affected areas, contain the damage, and clean, deodorize, and sanitize the area. They also conduct air quality testing and verification and documentation to ensure that the affected area is safe for occupancy.
