Fire Damage Restoration in Mesa AZ usually involve cleaning and deodorizing. This is done after the professional restoration team enters the house once it’s deemed safe by authorities.
Ash and soot residue can cause discoloration of plastic within minutes, etching in metal and wood surfaces within hours, and strong odors that linger even after the cleanup is done.
Cleaning
During this phase, fire restoration professionals clean all surfaces touched by the flames or smoke. This includes walls, ceilings, floors, fixtures, and doors. It can also include removing and cleaning upholstery, carpets, and draperies.
This is an extremely labor-intensive task and it requires specialized cleaning mixtures and equipment that are not typically available to homeowners or general contractors. The team uses ventilation equipment to clear the smoky air and they apply deodorizing techniques.
The cleaning process can be complicated because some materials – such as drywall and porous woods – are permanently damaged by water used to extinguish the flames or by moisture that may have come in contact with them. Drying and dehumidification are essential parts of this stage to prevent mold growth and to preserve any salvageable belongings. The professional restoration company will work with you to assess what items are worth saving and what must be discarded. They can provide you with a list that will help you file an insurance claim.
Deodorizing
After a fire, everything that was touched by smoke or flames must be cleaned and deodorized to remove chemicals, debris, and any other residue. This includes walls, ceilings, flooring, light fixtures, windows, and shelving. It also includes contents and personal belongings. Items that cannot be salvaged or restored are either disposed of or cleaned offsite and deodorized.
Besides odors, smoke residue can discolor surfaces, and it can tarnish metal or cause etching on glass. In addition, water used to extinguish the fire can puddle on floors and saturate walls, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth.
The odors from protein smoke (which is generated when organic matter such as food burns) and dry smoke can persist for weeks or months, so professional deodorization techniques using ozone equipment are necessary. Licensed specialists can use this technology to permanently remove any lingering odors. This phase of the restoration process typically begins after ensuring the building is structurally safe to enter.
Structural Assessment
Fire is a devastating force that can wreak havoc on almost everything it touches. After a fire, many structures have been left with serious structural damage that requires the expertise of a structural engineer to assess and repair. This phase of restoration involves examining the extent of fire and smoke damage to the structure as well as the integrity of its components.
In order to effectively examine the structural integrity of a building, the engineers use inspection checklists and other tools to note all types of damage. This includes water and soot damage, which can leave behind stains on surfaces and can cause rot and mildew.
This step also entails assessing the ability of a building to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. Structural assessments are usually carried out by licensed engineers and include a detailed report on the condition of the building. This information is then used by insurance companies to determine the amount of money a property owner will receive in compensation after a disaster.
Reconstruction
Fire damage restoration professionals follow a set of standard techniques to fix and restore a home or business. This includes addressing issues such as cleaning, deodorization, scoping, spoliation and structural assessment. These technicians also help homeowners navigate the insurance claims process, providing documentation and communication support.
The first phase in the fire damage restoration process is the damage assessment. This involves evaluating structural integrity from both the effects of the fire and ensuing water intrusion. This is important because if any part of the structure has been compromised, it could be unsafe to enter.
The cleanup phase is the next step in the fire restoration process. This involves removing any unsalvageable items and restoring salvageable ones. The cleaning process involves scrubbing every surface and using deodorizers to remove any residual smoke or odor. This is one of the most labor-intensive aspects of the fire restoration process, but it is essential to ensuring that the property is safe to use again.