5 min read
Fires can cause devastating damage to any structure. Even small house fires can cause a significant amount of damage to your property. However, even if you’ve managed to put out the fire and clean up the ash and soot from the incident, the risk of structural damage to your property lingers.
This is why fire damage assessment following any significant fire hazards is necessary. Immediately after the fire in your property has been put out, here’s what you should know about dealing with structural damage and what to expect when working with a restoration company that provides fire damage restoration in Washington, D.C.
What Should You Do After a Fire?
Following a fire incident on your property, it’s recommended that you do the following:
- Ensure Everyone Is Safe: If your home has been ravaged by fire, you must ensure everyone in your household is OK. For commercial properties, having designated points of contact and plans in case of fire can help ensure a safe and smooth evacuation.
- Coordinate with Involved Parties: Depending on the type of property and the coverage you have, you may need to reach out to several people:
- After putting out the fire, your local fire service department may conduct a swift fire damage assessment and advise you on the state of your home. They can advise you on what to do next and what to look out for.
- Next, if you are a tenant, contact the property owner or the property manager and advise them of the incident. They may contact their own insurance provider and advise you on what you can do.
- Contact your utility service providers, as it’s safer to turn off utilities like gas, electricity, and water while salvaging your property.
- If you own the property, contact your insurance provider to start the claims process.
- To address the structural and property damage immediately, contact a property restoration company that handles fire damage restoration in Washington, D.C.
- Gather Evidence: You can maximize your insurance claim if you have the evidence to back it up. Document the damage through photos and videos. However, wait for your local fire service or a property restoration technician to advise whether it’s safe to enter the property. Some property restoration companies can help you with documenting property damage.
- Salvage Your Possessions: Either on your own or through your restoration company, some of the items in your property can be salvaged. These may need to be stored carefully or professionally cleaned. Having a professional technician can help you determine if an item can be salvaged or if it’s more practical to replace it, especially if it’s covered by insurance.
- Find Alternative Accommodations: For residential properties, some forms of homeowner’s insurance cover the costs of alternative accommodations for a specified period while your property is being restored. You can also stay with nearby family and friends or contact local disaster relief organizations for assistance.
Securing Property After a Fire
Contacting a restoration company immediately after a fire can address the structural issues on your property as soon as possible. This can prevent any additional damage from developing that could require more expensive repairs. Depending on the state of your property, your restoration technician may do the following:
- Conduct a fire damage assessment
- Provide temporary fixes to protect your property’s structure
- Advise you regarding your possessions and the restoration process
Because of the structural damage, your property may be unsafe to inhabit immediately after a fire. To protect your possessions, you will need to secure your property. Your restoration company can assist you with boarding up your windows and placing secure locks over your front door.
Repairing Structural Damage
Your restoration company will start with restoring your property, your possessions have been salvaged, and the destruction from the fire has been cleared away. The restoration process can vary between properties and their state. Some of the steps necessary can include:
- Removing and replacing damaged or weakened concrete
- Addressing concrete cracks and other potential signs of property damage
- Removing and replacing reinforcements, especially load-bearing reinforcements and those key to holding up the property’s structure
- Floor reinforcements
- Additional steps to add durability and fire resistance to the property
- Reinstating special finishes and aesthetic touches
Your restoration team should advise you on the steps they need to take to restore your property and bring it to its original livable condition. Once they’ve completed the restoration, they can advise when it’s safe to return.
Restoration 1 Is Your Reliable Service Provider for Fire Damage Restoration in Washington, D.C.
Fire damage can compromise the integrity of your property’s structure. However, it can result in both visible damage and structural damage not noticeable to the everyday property owner. With an experienced restoration specialist, you can ensure you and your household are protected and receive service that prevents long-term structural damage down the road.
Get in touch with Restoration 1 of Washington, D.C. for dependable technicians to bring your property back to its original state and assist you through this challenging process.
