Fire Damage Restoration in Gresham

Fires are one of the most prevalent disasters, whether they’re caused by appliance failure, intentional arson, or a natural disaster such as a wildfire or lightning strike. Even after a fire is put out, there will be residual charring and smoke damage, and even water damage from hoses. Chemicals may have been forced out of walls, and appliances may be beyond repair.

Fire can destroy family memories, cause injury and even death. At ServPlus we take the job of emergency restoration very seriously. Our promise to you is compassionate, thorough and skillful fire damage restoration for all Gresham families suffering from fire loss.

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What’s Involved in Fire Restoration?

Fire restoration is the process of returning your home to its original state after it has been damaged by fire. This process involves cleaning up soot and ash, getting rid of smoke odors, and repairing damaged parts of your house. The goal is to make your home safe and comfortable again, just like it was before the fire happened.

How Soon Should Restoration Begin After a Fire?

Restoration should start as soon as it is safe to do so after a fire. Quick action helps to prevent further damage to your home and its contents. Delaying restoration can lead to more issues, such as mold growth, structural problems, and worsening of smoke odors. Our team is available 24/7 to begin the restoration process as soon as possible.

Assessing the Damage

The severity of damage in the case of a fire, is influenced by the quantity and distribution of the flames, ventilation of the building as well as size, surface area and thermal characteristics. Combustible materials are also a huge influence as they can spread the fire further than it could normally go in a certain amount of time.

Fire, smoke and soot damage are the most common aspects we as a fire damage restoration company will be dealing with. We will assess adjoining rooms on the property and devise a plan of action. Some elements of your home and belongings will be refurbished, while others will require replacement.

After the initial assessment, the home will be boarded up and the roof will be tarped if necessary to prevent further damage.

If water damage is present, which is likely after a fire is extinguished, it will be removed and prevented from spreading with dehumidifiers and air movers. Speeding up the drying process is imperative.

Then, the cleaning and sanitization will take place, followed by restoration.

Fire and smoke damage remediation is a painstaking process, which is why we recommend hiring professionals with positive reviews from other Gresham residents who have been through the same thing you are currently going through.

How To Clean up Soot After Fire Damage?

After a fire, one of the most common types of damage is the accumulation of soot. Soot is a dark, powdery substance that can quickly spread throughout your home and belongings. It’s made up of tiny particles of carbon and other chemicals produced during the fire. Soot can be harmful to your health if inhaled, so it’s important to clean it up properly and promptly after a fire.

Here’s how our team handles soot cleanup after a fire:

  1. Ventilate the area: Proper ventilation is crucial during soot cleanup to help reduce potential health hazards. We’ll open windows and use industrial fans to improve air circulation.
  2. Use specialized equipment: Our team uses specialized equipment such as HEPA vacuums and dry sponges to effectively remove soot from surfaces without spreading it further.
  3. Clean and deodorize: We use professional-grade cleaning products and techniques to clean all affected areas and belongings, including furniture, walls, ceilings, and floors.
  4. Discard heavily damaged items: In some cases, items may be too heavily damaged by soot or smoke to salvage. Our team will help you identify these items and properly dispose of them.
  5. Monitor for mold growth: Soot can create a breeding ground for mold if not properly cleaned. Our team will monitor the affected areas and take the necessary steps to prevent mold growth.

Is Smoke Smell in a House Permanent?

The smell of smoke after a fire can be very overwhelming and difficult to get rid of. If you take immediate action and properly clean and deodorize your home after a fire, the smoke smell can be eliminated. However, if left untreated, the smoke particles can embed themselves in porous surfaces such as carpeting, furniture, and walls, making it much harder to remove the smell.

How Long Does It Take To Clean up After a House Fire?

The cleanup process after a house fire can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the extent of the damage. Smaller fires with minimal damage might be cleaned up quickly, while larger fires that affect significant portions of your home may require more time and effort to restore. Taking immediate action can help expedite the cleanup process and minimize further damage to your property.

What’s Salvageable After a Fire?

After a fire, it can be overwhelming to see the extent of damage to your home and belongings. However, not all hope is lost.

Here are some factors we consider when determining salvageability:

  • Amount of soot: Items with heavy soot may need special cleaning techniques or may be deemed unsalvageable.
  • Type of material: Different materials react differently to fire and smoke damage. For example, porous materials like fabric, paper, and wood may absorb more soot and smoke odor than non-porous materials like metal or glass.
  • Extent of damage: Items that have been directly exposed to flames may be more difficult to salvage than those affected by smoke and soot.
  • Time elapsed: The longer an item is left in a fire-damaged environment, the harder it becomes to salvage it.
  • Personal value: Some items may hold sentimental or irreplaceable value, making them worth salvaging even if they’re heavily damaged.

While our team is experienced in salvaging items after a fire, the safety of our clients and team members is always our top priority. If an item poses a health or safety risk, it may not be salvageable even if it holds value.

How Can You Restore Fire-Damaged Structural Components?

The intense heat and flames, as well as the smoke and water used to extinguish the fire, can significantly compromise your home’s structural integrity. Cleaning, repairing, and restoring these structural components will require specialized techniques and equipment.

Here’s how our restoration team can help:

  • Remove any damaged materials and debris
  • Reinforce weakened or damaged beams, studs, and other structural elements
  • Clean and deodorize the affected areas to remove smoke residue and odor
  • Repair or replace damaged drywall, flooring, and roofing
  • Restore the overall safety and stability of your home

In some cases, structural damage may be too severe for restoration and require a rebuild.

Is Water Damage Worse Than Fire Damage?

To fight the fire, firefighters may need to use a large amount of water, which can lead to significant water damage. In some cases, the water damage can be even worse than the fire damage itself. Water can seep into walls, floors, and other surfaces, causing mold growth and weakening the structural integrity of your home.

To fix this issue, our restoration team will:

  • Extract standing water and thoroughly dry out affected areas
  • Use specialized equipment to detect hidden moisture and prevent mold growth
  • Repair or replace damaged flooring, walls, and other surfaces

It’s crucial to address both fire and water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.

Estimating Costs

Even a small fire can have devastating results. If focused in one room, fire and smoke damage can cause intense structural damage that affects the rest of your home resulting in the need for trickle-down renovations.

In 2017, the average cost of repair and restoration after fire and smoke damage is $2,950, but depending on the size of the building affected and the extent of the damage, one can spend upwards of $50,000 or the minimal amount of $350 if you’re lucky.

Thankfully, homeowner’s insurance generally covers these costs.

Because of this, at ServPlus we make a point in helping the families we work with assess and properly list any necessary expenses so they can be covered for all possible repairs and reconstruction.

Will Your Insurance Cover Fire Damage Restoration?

Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover restoration expenses related to fire damage. Coverage includes cleanup, repairs, and replacement of damaged property. Review your policy details to know exactly what’s covered and if there are any exclusions or limits. Don’t hesitate to contact your insurance provider to clarify your coverage. Keeping an accurate inventory of your belongings can also expedite the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

There When You Need it the Most

We understand the stress and emotional trauma a fire can cause, and that is why ServPlus makes a point of being there when you need it the most.

Disasters, whether natural or caused by delinquents, never rest and so we don’t either. When you hire ServPlus, you are hiring a Gresham leader — a team of experts who only have your best interest at heart.

Looking for fire damage restoration in Gresham? Call (503) 657-6000 now.