how to repair fire damage

1. Assess the Damage Causes by the Fire. The first step is to assess the degree of the damage. ...
2. Isolating Unsafe Areas. Unsafe areas will need to be isolated. ...
3. Water Removal. The third step in the repair process is to remove all the water and dry the affected areas. ...
4. Smoke and Soot Removal. The fourth step is to remove any smoke and soot residue left behind. ...
5. Sanitization and Property Cleanup. The fifth step is to sanitize and clean up the property; this is an extremely important step. ...

Full Answer

What is fire damage repair?

Fire damage repair is a multistep process best left to fire damage restoration services that are IICRC-trained in fire, soot and smoke damage repair. After a fire, there will be smoke damage, soot residue and even water damage, which may result in more damage to your home or business when left for too long.

What are the steps in the fire damage repair process?

What Are the Steps in the Fire Damage Repair Process? 1 Step 1: Initial Inspection. After the fire has been extinguished, a qualified inspector will account for the extent of the damage and determine what ... 2 Step 2: Safety and Prevention. 3 Step 3: Soot and Debris Removal. 4 Step 4: Water Removal and Sanitization. 5 Step 5: Repair Damage.

What is involved in chemical damage restoration after a fire?

Chemical damage restoration could be required after a home fire. Chemical damage restoration services include the cleanup of any residue left behind after a fire. Ozone treatment is also commonplace since the solution clears the air of potentially toxic chemicals.

How do you fix fire and smoke damage to a home?

However, ventilation can help to draw smoke and dust out before any cleaning is done. Once fire and smoke damage to a home has been reported, and claims issues have been discussed with the insurance company, the restoration of the home may begin. This is usually done by a fire restoration company.

How do you repair fire damaged wood?

You can't repair burned wood. You can only replace it. If you experience a fire and wood burns during the event, you must determine if it needs to be removed or sealed. If the wood is salvageable, a sealer will minimize smoke odors, cover stains, and serve as a primer for surfaces.

How do you renovate a house after a fire?

8 Steps to Rebuilding a Fire Damaged HouseCall the Insurance Company. ... Assess Your Home's Structural Damage. ... Make Sure the Property Is Secured. ... Address Structural Repairs First. ... Inspect and Repair the Electrical System. ... Address Problems Specific to Fire Damage. ... Clean Up Room by Room. ... Document Everything From Start to Finish.

How long does fire damage take to repair?

A fire damage restoration can take from three weeks to over a month. However, if your house or apartment is equipped with modern fire extinguisher technology, the restoration process can become shorter and more straightforward.

Can you paint over fire damage?

You'll need to apply a good, solvent-based stain-blocking primer to prevent them from bleeding through the paint. You may be able to get by with a product such as Zinsser's Cover Stain, which is an oil-based stain-blocking primer.

Can you repair a fire-damaged house?

Repairs would include replacing damaged furniture, maybe even new windows, and of course a whole lot of redecoration too. Bad fires often require the house to be gutted and rebuilt including all floors and ceilings, or maybe even the roof too.

Is it worth buying a house with fire damage?

If the home is safe, buying a house that's been renovated after a fire can save you a lot of money. You have a higher return-on-investment for fire-damaged homes because they're often undervalued. But if the home has not yet been repaired after a fire, the repairs may be less expensive than estimated.

How long after a small fire can you move back in?

When a fire causes major damage to your home, such as when it starts in one room and spreads to others, it can take days – or even weeks – to repair. Generally speaking, a small house can take around three weeks to repair and get back into livable condition.

How do I get over my fear of house fires?

There are several treatment options available to people with specific phobias such as pyrophobia.Exposure therapy. Exposure therapy aids people in confronting their fears. ... Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used in conjunction with exposure therapy. ... Medications.

How long does it take to rebuild after a wildfire?

3 to 5 yearsAfter a wildfire, it may take 3 to 5 years for the vegeta- tion to regain the ability to intercept and retain water. Without vegetation and ground cover, rainfall can cause soil on slopes to become saturated, liquefy, and then flow downhill as a devastating mudflow.

What cleans walls after a fire?

To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix together 4 to 6 tbsp. tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves. Be sure to rinse surfaces with clear warm water and dry thoroughly.

What paint to use after a fire?

Use 2 coats of Zinsser Perma-White Interior Paint in a Matt, Satin or Semi-Gloss finish to decorate the primed, fire-damaged area, allowing 2 hours between coats for it to dry.

What's the best paint for smoke damage?

Shellac is the best primer for smoke damage. It will mitigate all of the issues that a traditional oil primer cause. Shellac dries fast, blocks odor, adheres to various surfaces, and the odor dissipates quickly. We recommend applying two coats of Bin Shellac primer for all minor to mid-smoke damaged surfaces.

Do you have to rebuild the same house after a fire?

You Don't Have to Rebuild If you have replacement coverage, that doesn't mean you have to actually rebuild your home on the same site. You can rebuild at a different location (if it costs more to build in Hawaii, you pay the difference).

What needs to be replaced after a fire?

Replace any parts that have been damaged or affected by smoke. Replace filters and insulation inside furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators and freezers if they have been damaged. You may need to consider replacing the whole appliance, depending on the severity of the damage.

What is the process of rebuilding a house?

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Home Building ProcessPrepare Construction Site and Pour Foundation.Complete Rough Framing.Complete Rough Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC.Install Insulation.Complete Drywall and Interior Fixtures; Start Exterior Finishes.Finish Interior Trim; Install Exterior Walkways and Driveway.More items...

What do you do after a house fire checklist?

4 Steps to Take Immediately After a Home FireCall 9-1-1. ... Let friends and family know you're safe.People and animals that are seriously injured or burned should be transported to professional medical or veterinary help immediately.Stay out of fire-damaged homes until local fire authorities say it is safe to re-enter.

How to clean soot off of carpet?

To clean soot-covered surfaces, experts recommend mixing a solution of a couple of tablespoons of dishwashing detergent, a cup of borax, and two cups of vinegar in a gallon of water.

What equipment do restoration companies use?

Restoration companies typically use thermal fogging machines and ozone generators, as well as other equipment, to clean a home’s interior. Many cleaning companies don’t do repairs, however, so you may also need to call a builder, electrician, plumber, or roofer.

What to wear when cleaning a structure fire?

If you perform any of the cleaning yourself, be sure to wear a dust mask, protective clothing, and rubber gloves.

How to get rid of smoke smell after fire?

But the smell of the fire will linger long after the smoke is gone, so undamaged surfaces such as ceilings, walls, and floors will have to be cleaned.

What is the job of structural engineer?

Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to hire a structural engineer to assess the condition of the floors, walls, and roof. These specialists evaluate the condition of the house’s foundation, framing, and building envelope and recommend repair or replacement of any damaged portions. If the house is uninhabitable, be sure ...

What to do if your house has a fire?

If your house has sustained a fire, your first call should be to your insurance company. Do not enter the house until the fire marshal or fire department gives the all-clear and says that it’s safe to enter.

Can you rent a sump pump for water damage?

Water damage is a real threat and anything that remains wet will breed mold and mildew. If there’s standing water in the basement, you can rent a sump pump to extract it. You can also rent fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air and promote drying; and while you’re at it, replace all the air filters in your HVAC system.

What is fire restoration?

Fire restoration may involve things like of property board up, demolition and reconstruction on top of tasks such as debris, odor and soot removal, contents cleaning and working to remove any disturbed hazards such as lead and asbestos.

What happens if asbestos is found on a house?

If asbestos is detected on the property, it too will need to be remediated before the property can be restored to pre-loss condition. Other hazards that restoration contractors may encounter include mold growth from water damage or lead exposure from lead-based paints.

How to find a restoration contractor?

Look for a restoration contractor with the following qualifications: 1 Is licensed, bonded, and insured 2 Experience working with complex projects that require coordination with multiple different parties 3 Experience managing staged restoration projects that may require parallel demolition and installation 4 Experience working with water, fire, mold damage repairs and restoration 5 Experience working with insurance companies on damage claims

What is the most intensive part of fire damage restoration?

This is the most intensive part of a fire damage restoration job: clean up. This step typically involves a lot of manual labor to properly clean smoke and soot from interior and exterior surfaces. In many cases, every inch of the affected area will need to be cleaned.

What is the final step in returning the property to pre-loss condition?

The final step in returning the property to pre-loss condition is performing any necessary fire damage repairs or to rebuild fire-damaged areas. In the case of a fire, parts of the structure may be completely unsalvageable during the initial assessment, and therefore have to be removed and replaced. This may include: rebuilding and replacing the roof, replacing electrical, replacing and painting drywall, replacing flooring materials, replacing interior counters, fixtures, etc. to bring the property back to pre-loss condition.

What do fire damage contractors do?

After first confirming the property is safe to enter, the first thing a fire damage contractor must do is perform an assessment of the damage sustained in the fire and ensuing water intrusion. This typically involves assessing how far the flames and smoke have penetrated into the structure and how extensive any clean up is likely to be. This step also involves assessment of the contents inside of the property to determine what should be discarded and what can be packed out and restored. At the end of a thorough assessment, the restoration company will have a better idea of the scope of the work, how long it will take and can begin formulating a cost estimate.

How long does it take to restore a fire?

Fire cleanup and restoration jobs can take weeks or months due to the destructive nature of the disaster.

What is the smell of smoke and ash?

Soot and ash can coat walls, floors, and furniture. The chemicals they contain make this coating difficult to remove. Then there’s the smoke damage. Even in parts of the home untouched by fire, the smell of smoke and chemicals permeates everything — even items in storage or tucked away in drawers or cupboards.

How long does it take for a fire to spread?

1 to 2 minutes: Heat from the fire reaches cookbooks and countertops, while smoke and toxic air fill the room and spread to other parts of the home. 2 to 3 minutes: Flames reach cabinets, appliances, and dry goods, and a dense smoke now reaches from the ceiling almost to the floor.

How much does it cost to clean a house after a fire?

Chemical cleanup usually costs between $1,000 and $2,500. Fire extinguishers leave a toxic residue that’s great for putting out flames, but not great for humans and pets that must live in the house after a fire. The chemical cleanup process involves removing toxic residue.

How long does it take for a fire to reach the second floor?

4 to 5 minutes: Flames reach the second floor and are now visible from outside. the fire has reached 1000 degrees, hot enough to cause steel plates to buckle, and for synthetics used in plumbing and insulation to ignite. Roof and floor collapse follow shortly.

How much does it cost to rebuild a kitchen after a fire?

For instance, a kitchen damaged by fire can cost up to $50,000 to rebuild.

What to do if water pipes are damaged?

If you think the water pipes have been damaged, turn off the water main. Don’t use toilets, sinks, or showers until you can call a plumber. After you experience a fire, you’re probably feeling a lot of emotions, from stress and anxiety to worry and even anger.

How fast does a fire spread?

Here’s a rough timeline of how fast a fire spreads: A fire ignites on the stovetop (where about half of all house fires start) 0 to 30 seconds: flames spread across the range, igniting any cooking oils or grease and causing nearby combustibles (such as paper towels or dish rags) to smolder.

Why is life not going to stop?

The brutal reality is that your life isn’t going to stop because of a tragedy. You’ll need clothing to continue functioning in your day-to-day activities. The problem is that the smoke and soot from a fire leaves clothing unwearable.

What happens when a fire is happening?

Depending on the weather, rain and snow getting inside the house when a fire is happening, or after a fire has caused its devastation. Fire damage mitigation crews bring in specialized equipment to help dry out water residue and humidity to prevent further damage to your home or business.

What happens if a fire destroys your home?

The structure of your home or business isn’t the only thing that gets destroyed by a fire. Any belongings in your house can and will be damaged as well. Unfortunately, sometimes this means losing things with rich histories or great sentimental value. Items like these are simply irreplaceable, and it’s one of the struggles you’ll need to overcome if you’re in this terrible situation.

What to do if your home is on fire?

If one day you find yourself in a situation where your home or business is on fire, the most important thing to do is get your family or colleagues to safety. The next step is to call 9-1-1 to have the fire department put out the fire as soon as possible.

Why does fire cause water damage?

However, fire can lead to serious water damage for numerous reasons, including: Water getting into a home or business when firefighters are putting out the fire. Fire damaging your pipes and other plumbing components. Depending on the weather, rain ...

What is the best way to protect your home from fire?

1) Board-Up. Fire can destroy windows, doors, or openings in your house or business. When this happens, it’s important to board-up any holes left in the building. This keeps your home or office safe from the elements, but it also ensures protection against potential looters and even critters.

What happens when you put out a fire?

When you think of fire, your first thought probably isn’t, “Water damage.” However, fire can lead to serious water damage for numerous reasons, including: 1 Water getting into a home or business when firefighters are putting out the fire. 2 Fire damaging your pipes and other plumbing components. 3 Depending on the weather, rain and snow getting inside the house when a fire is happening, or after a fire has caused its devastation.

How to get soot off concrete?

Blast the soot from the surface of the concrete with either a dry ice mixture or sand. The least damaging removal method uses dry ice although locating the necessary equipment can be difficult. For a very small area of damage, you may use a wire brush and a solution of warm water and Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP), found at hardware stores.

How to dry concrete with water?

If the concrete beneath is very dry--spray it down every three hours in the preceding 24-hour period to reduce premature drying of the mortar. Advertisement.

Can you remove concrete from a fire?

Demolish concrete that no longer is safe and rebuild the structure. On large or especially hot fires, concrete may suffer damage that is beyond repair. In these cases, the only option is to remove the entire concrete structure.

Can fire damage concrete?

Fire may cause structural damage to concrete. Concrete is one of the best fire-resistant products found in the construction of buildings and flatwork. However, intensive heat not only affects concrete, it can weaken it to the point where the only solution is replacement.

Who is Glenda Taylor?

Glenda Taylor. Glenda Taylor is a contractor and a full-time writer specializing in construction writing. She also enjoys writing business and finance, food and drink and pet-related articles. Her education includes marketing and a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.

How much does thermal fogging cost?

Thermal fogging treatment is another option for professionals to assist with smoke damaged areas of the home and will have a similar price point between $250 and $550 per floor. With the thermal fogging treatment, a deodorizing agent is heated before misted across any furniture and textiles. Thermal fogging is effective at getting rid of lingering odors in even hard to reach areas. The way that it works is the agent in the fogger attaches to smoke particles and absorbs them. The process neutralizes the odor permanently.

How much does it cost to remove smoke from a house?

Professional smoke removal from a house costs between $250 and $1,200 for room cleanup, odor removal, and deodorizing. Smoke damage cleanup costs will be similar to soot cleanup pricing, with professionals likely giving you a similar quote for both.

What is the cost of chemical damage restoration?

Ozone treatment is also commonplace since the solution clears the air of potentially toxic chemicals. Expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 to have chemical residues cleaned up by a professional and an ozone treatment for the home. The main reason for the remediation service is the use of fire extinguishers during a fire. Although effective at putting out flames, fire extinguishers leave behind a chemical residue on surfaces. The use of extinguishers could impact the air quality in the room. Another issue during a fire that could occur is the burning of toxic chemicals located in the home.

What is complex fire?

Complex fires are associated with home fires. Complex fires produce large amounts of soot and smoke. The cause of the fire impacts the cost to repair a fire damaged house. For instance, kitchen fire damage could be more costly to fix because of the source.

What is a second inspection for fire damage?

A second inspection will take place after the water, soot, and smoke has been removed. The second assessment lets contractors know what type of construction is needed to restore the home.

How much does ozone treatment cost?

The cost of ozone treatment for houses is between $300 and $600 per floor, a common service used for smoke damage restoration. An ozone treatment involves using high levels of oxygen within an enclosed area to rid the area of odors. Instead of two atoms of oxygen, ozone treatments use three.

How much does it cost to remove burnt materials?

Contractors have several options when it comes to providing an estimate on burnt material removal. Some professionals provide a per pound quote starting at $60 per pound. However, you may be subject to a flat-rate of $300 to $1,600 to get rid of any fire-damaged materials. Before any structural repairs are made to a home, a remediation company needs to come out to remove any burnt materials. All items, including furnishings, that can’t be salvaged will be taken out of the home and removed to the proper trash facility.