How to mitigate damage after a fire

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Restoration

No matter the extent to which they spread, flames that break out in your building can prompt a lengthy rebuilding time. Fire alone can cause significant damage to your commercial property in Gainesville, GA, but fire cleanup is only one part of the mitigation process. Smoke and water cleanup are also necessities. There are several steps fire restoration experts have to take to bring your building back to normal.

1. Removal of Damaged Items

The first thing technicians will probably do is clear out the area that was affected by the fire. All furniture, office supplies, equipment and files are taken from the space. Damage drywall, flooring and ceiling tiles also need to be removed.

2. Control of Excess Moisture

When the temperature rises in the building and sets off the sprinkler system, thousands of gallons of water pour into your building. Firefighters pump even more water in to douse the flames. Before anything can be fixed, water cleanup must occur. Excess water is siphoned out, and surfaces are dried.

3. Removal of Smoke and Soot

Smoke and soot get everywhere during a fire. Fire damage repair experts use certain techniques for smoke cleanup that mimic the conditions of the fire to grab these particles even from tight crevices.

4. Disinfection of Remaining Surfaces

After everything is dry and smoke has been remediated, technicians will disinfect every surface to remove bacteria or any other germs. They use industrial cleaners and special equipment to ensure that the environment will be a safe place when employees return.

5. Restoration of Interior

Once all the surfaces have been cleaned, the restoration team can rebuild the damaged interior structures and begin moving clean, salvaged items back into the building. The building can be occupied after this is complete.

While it's understandable that the fire is your focus, keep in mind that fire remediation usually includes water cleanup as well. Your mitigation experts will need to do both to make the building usable again.