According to the NFPA, there are approximately 350,000 – 400,000 house fires in the United States every year. House fires are a devastating experience. It’s not just the structure that has burned, or the smoke that has left additional damages, but the memories, sentimental and valuable treasures are often destroyed. Though fires range from mild to severe, after you have salvaged what you can, dealt with the insurance, and got a few things settled in your life; restoration can begin. We at Future Vision Remodeling would like to expound on fire and smoke damage and restoration process to help you make sense of the chaos that surrounds you.
Fire, Soot & Smoke Damage Continues for Weeks!
Fire and smoke damage is not only immediate, but it resonates over time and with a steady pace and continues to break down the composition of various materials. And let’s not forget – most likely, water was used to put out the fire which means you are now suffering from water damage as well. After the fire is distinguished, the minutes, hours, days, and weeks that trickle by continues relentless destruction if not intervened by a trusted professional.
Timeline to Fire, Soot & Smoke Damage
There is a basic timeline of the damage that is assessed after the flames have been doused. Below you will see the general damage that happens within the time frame to give you an understanding of how important it is to get the professional assistance you need, no matter how mild the fire and smoke damage may seem.
Minutes after fire is smothered: The small appliances will become discolored, plastic will start to yellow, and the highly porous materials’ color in your home will be permanently tarnished. The reason is that the soot left behind consists of acidic components and the fine residue layer that settles on the surfaces begins to impact the various surfaces.
Days after fire is extinguished: The acidic element residues from the soot and smoke will do more damage after a few days, causing the metal to corrode and rust, negatively influence the finish on any surviving wooden furniture, permanently causing yellow effects in painted surfaces, as well as cause irreversible staining on upholstery.
Weeks after fire is put out: Waiting weeks to begin restoration is even more detrimental and the process is extensive and expensive. With prolonged exposure to soot residing on different surfaces considering the acidic nature of it; exposed china, glass, and porcelain will be blemished, severe etching and pitting. Silver plating will have irreparable corrosion, and synthetic carpets will be permanently yellow or discolor. During the combustion of a fire, these soot residues and vapors course through the home and deposit on any surface, even if the fire was contained to a small area. In addition to the soot and smoke residues causing damage to the materials, odors will become more and more dominant.
Fire Damage Remodeling, Renovations, Upgrades & More in Tarzana, Calabasas & Greater Los Angeles, California
When involving a professional to take care of the fire restoration, not only do we remove the unsalvageable materials such as damaged drywall, ruined carpet etc, but they also clean away the soot and smoke residues to make way for the new replacement materials. Any lingering odors will also be removed before the damaged areas are replaced. At Future Vision Remodeling, we know that after you have endured the tramatic experience of a house fire, the last thing you need to worry about is the stress of restoration. Let our experts turn this tragedy into a positive experience and use the opportunity to renovate your home and make desired upgrades during the restoration process. Call us to make your living or working space better than what it was before!
