Columbia Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Services

To DIY Fire Damage Clean Up Or Not To DIY?

• Water damage restoration service after fire damage cleanup is a multi-faceted project that brings together diverse expertise and specialized technology to get the job done right. It’s not a good match for the typical do-it-yourself homeowner, nor a well-meaning relative who’s handy with a large hammer.
• Restoration can be hazardous to the inexperienced and untrained as well as culminating in additional costs and delaying the time when the house can be safely inhabited again. In addition, the terms of most home insurance policies stipulate that restoration after a fire must be handled by a licensed fire damage restoration contractor only. DIY efforts—or hiring the local “jack of all trades” saying they do fire damage restoration near your area to do the job—will likely void your insurance coverage.

How Long Does Fire Damage Restoration Take?

Because each structure and every fire is different, the time span from outset to conclusion of the process may range from as little as a few days up to several months. Factors affecting the times span include major issues such as the extent of direct fire damage to the house, the spread of damaging smoke and soot inside, and water inundation related to extinguishing the fire.

Do I Have To Move Out After a Fire? 

Whether residents may remain inside a house during fire restoration depends on several factors. Before a decision can be reached, fire damage to the home must be properly evaluated. 

If only a small portion of the house is impacted by fire, and that area can be effectively closed off from the rest of the residence, then remaining in the home may be feasible. If the fire damage is extensive, there are safety and health concerns, and if reconstruction is underway inside the house are all reasons the home will likely need to be unoccupied for the extent of your fire damage restoration project. 

In many cases, some or all of the cost of temporary relocation may be covered by your homeowner's insurance policy. Ask your agent for more information.

Do I need to document fire damage?

For insurance purposes, it's definitely a good idea to do so. Before the restoration process gets underway, take photos or shoot video of any fire/water/smoke damage to the structure throughout the entire house. Also, make a written list of all possessions damaged by the incident.

Fire Damage Clean Up and the Restoration Process

Once the fire is out, the timeline of fire restoration progresses rapidly. Successful residential or commercial restoration follows a specific sequence, fine-tuned by years of research and experience in the industry. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has formulated precise guidelines for fire restoration. Known as the S740 Standard for Professional Restoration of Fire and Smoke Damaged Personal Items, this standard is now the accepted industry-wide guideline for the techniques and technology of restoring fire and smoke damaged property.

In general, a professional fire restoration project progresses like this:

Fire Safety Protocols First

Inspectors evaluate the condition of the house or other structure to determine if the building is safe to enter and work in. Structural integrity, electrical hazards and presence of any contaminants must be noted and resolved before restoration commences. The team will also ensure that the damaged property is locked and secure if residents are not present. Broken windows are boarded up and, where the fire has inflicted roof damage, temporary tarps can be installed on the roof to prevent rain or snow intrusion.

Assessing The Damage After The Fire's Out 

Utilizing an extensive checklist, the Rytech Restoration's team will quantify the extent of structural damage in a room-by-room inspection. Damage from fire, smoke, water and other associated consequences are documented, and estimates of the extent of required repairs are noted. Inspecting the framework of the house as well as structural members in the basement (if present) helps to confirm the integrity of the structure. The expected time frame to complete the fire damage restoration process, as well as a preliminary estimate of costs, is also calculated.

Retrieving Essential Contents and Packout 

This refers to possessions that a resident will need in the immediate future while fire damage restoration is underway, as well as certain articles that are particularly valuable and need to be removed for safekeeping. Typical items that are usually a priority to take out of a damaged house include clothing, prescription medicines, photographs, computers and children’s toys. Family heirlooms, financial records and business papers may also be removed for security. 

Full Service Fire, Smoke, and Water Damage Restoration

Specialized equipment for smoke remediation cleanup after a fire includes air scrubbers, high-volume air movers and dehumidifiers. Any or all of these options may need to be operated continuously during the project.

Wet vacuums and other specialized water removal equipment are put to work. Moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras can be utilized to track down unseen water that has infiltrated the structure, then powered extractors are used to remove it. Additional procedures may be necessary to prevent mold contamination including mold remediation and removal.

Fire Cleanup - What's Got To Go

Physical removal of fire debris includes a variety of charred building materials, burned furniture, as well as soot and ash accumulation. Often, certain types of hard flooring will need to be removed as well. Water-soaked carpeting is pulled up and taken from the house for cleaning or to be disposed. Saturated mattresses and other absorbent materials cannot remain inside the house. In most cases, these items will be disposed, too.

Structural Testing, Inspection, and Clearance Matters

Damage to structure due to the fire or other factors resulting from the process of extinguishing it must be addressed. Any damaged structural components that do not meet standards for safety must be identified, removed from the house and replaced with new material by a contractor specifically licensed to perform fire restoration work. This would include materials that have been affected by heat, fire or water, such as drywall, flooring, ceilings, roofing and internal structural members.

Smoke Damage Clean Up

Smoke cleanup involves removing smoke and soot residue from walls and ceilings, then repainting these surfaces, is another typical requirement after a fire. Smoke from different burning materials has differing effects on a structure and its contents. Some smoke or soot residue may be acidic and/or toxic to contact.

Fire damage companies use a variety of specialized deep-cleaning solutions. Rytech's equipment removes smoke residue from assorted surfaces throughout the house, cleans smoke from windows and doors, as well as smoke odor from carpets and upholstery.

Ancillary Fire Restoration Services and Repairs

Fire damage repair may also include replacing broken windows, rewiring fire-damaged portions of the electrical system, removal and replacement of scorched or water-saturated insulation, smoke removal from contents, and repairs to the HVAC system such as damaged ductwork and air filters. 

Taking A Deep Breath.

Odors generated by fire inside a structure may persist stubbornly during fire clean up. That's why the last step in professional fire damage cleanup is usually smoke and smell removal. The process may utilize a variety of effective technology to permanently clear the air. These include:

Hepa Air Scrubbers

HEPA air scrubbers that remove 99.97 percent of airborne particulates that are the source of smoke smell and other fire odors. 

Thermal Fogging Units

Thermal fogging units emit a deodorizing mist that permanently neutralizes odors at the molecular level. 

Ozone Generators

Ozone generators destroy smoke odor molecules—including especially stubborn odors that result from kitchen fires—by temporarily boosting the oxygen content in the indoor environment.

Fire Damage Restoration Services. We’ve Been There And Done That.

Since 2015, the goal of Rytech's fire and water damage restoration services, has been returning Columbia and near by residents to a safe, healthy home environments. Whenever an unfortunate accident or storm damage strikes, we’re here for you ready to respond with 24/7 emergency response and IICRC certified and trained technicians.

We work with your insurance company and our fire, mold, and water recovery services are recommended by most major carriers. Our prices are fair and follow industry standards and pricing tools. When it comes to fire restoration companies, Rytech Restoration of the Midlands is Columbia's best choice to recover quickly and get back to normal.

Rytech Restoration of the Midlands

Columbia's Best Fire Damage Restoration Company

Find Us On Google Maps: Rytech Restoration of the Midlands | 1310 Haviland Cir STE B, Columbia, SC 29210

HOURS OF OPERATION:

• Monday: Open 24 Hours
• Tuesday: Open 24 Hours
• Wednesday: Open 24 Hours
• Thursday: Open 24 Hours
• Friday: Open 24 Hours
• Saturday: Open 24 Hours
• Sunday: Open 24 Hours
• Holiday Hours: Open 24 Hours

Fire Damage Cleanup and Repair Services in Columbia, Lexington, SC and near by areas:

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