Dealing with a home that has been damaged by fire, water, or other contamination is an overwhelming task.
That is why professional fire and water damage restoration companies exist to help with full home restoration. This article will help you understand the benefits and intricacies of hiring a damage restoration company.
When your home suffers from fire, smoke, or water damage, quick action can make the difference between a S$3,000 bill and a S$30,000 bill.
Let’s start with what not to do.
What not to do to a flood, fire, or smoke-affected home
These are five common mistakes that we’ve seen people make (please avoid them):
- Waiting for your home to “dry out” after a flood. This comes with a high probability of developing mold, which will add heavily to your restoration costs.
- Neglecting to address hidden water damage. Water can seep into walls, floors, and other hard-to-reach areas This will cause structural damage and fungal growth if not properly treated by fire and water damage restoration professionals.
- Using regular household cleaners on smoke-damaged surfaces. 9 out of 10 household cleaning agents contain some sort of sodium hypochlorite and sodium carbonate mix. These two chemicals actually ‘set’ the smoke and soot stains. In turn, the fire and smoke damage restoration gets a lot more complicated and expensive.
- Attempting a DIY fire and smoke damage restoration without proper knowledge. This can lead to ineffective cleaning and potentially spread soot and smoke residue further, making the damage worse.
- Failing to properly document the damage for insurance purposes. Without proper evidence and documentation, you’ll have higher out-of-pocket costs and lower compensation.
With that done, let’s take a look at what the restoration processes look like.
Home decontamination and damage restoration: steps involved
A fact that most people overlook is that a house that has been damaged by fire, will very likely also have water damage.
Sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true.
Whether it is from the fire causing pipes to burst, or from the high-pressure firefighting equipment, your home may need both fire and water damage restoration after a blaze.
Though restoration experts will work to mitigate the situation, restoring your home to a pre-damaged state is not a simple, nor an easy process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what will happen during the process.
- Initial damage assessment
The first step will be the initial damage assessment report.
This will be done by the company you contract and includes that all damage is documented. Most insurance companies will only pay for the damages documented in this report. They will evaluate the structural integrity of your home and assess potential hazards, such as electrical issues or the presence of harmful mold. For fire damage, experts also look at the level of soot and smoke infiltration, which can cause long-term issues if left untreated.
Water damage, whether from firefighting efforts or floods, poses risks like mold growth and wood rot. Unless unsafe to do so, fire and water damage restoration companies will usually begin water extraction from hour one itself.
Learn more about the specific steps involved in fire and water damage restoration here.
- Removal of Water and Soot
After (or even during) the assessment, water extraction begins. Swift water removal is essential to avoid additional damage and mold growth, which thrives in moist environments. Advanced drying equipment, such as dehumidifiers and air movers, is used to remove moisture from walls, flooring, and furniture.
In the case of fire damage, soot and smoke particles must be meticulously removed. Using air scrubbers equipped with HEPA filters, professionals eliminate these fine particles from the air, ensuring that they don’t linger in the home. Usually, soot will have ruined any soft furnishings that you may have beyond repair (curtains, linen, etc), so you may have to write that off.
If odours persist after the cleanup, consider professional odour removal services, which can tackle even the most stubborn smoke smells. Learn more about how experts neutralise odours effectively here.
- Cleaning and Decontamination
The next phase involves cleaning and decontaminating your home. Specialists use industrial-strength cleaning agents to sanitise all surfaces affected by fire, smoke, or floodwaters. Decontamination is essential to ensure your home is safe to live in, especially if harmful pathogens or chemicals are present. You can learn more about decontamination services here.
During this phase, special attention is also given to hard-to-reach areas like attics or crawl spaces, where contaminants and moisture can linger. Professionals may need to use advanced methods like fogging or ozone treatments to neutralise odours and sanitise these spaces thoroughly.
- Structural Restoration and Repairs
Once the home is decontaminated and safe, the repair work can begin. Depending on the extent of the fire and water damage, this step can involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, or significant structural rebuilds. For fire-damaged properties, walls and ceilings may need repainting or even complete replacement.
Additionally, professionals will ensure the space is free of hidden moisture that can lead to long-term problems. This is especially crucial in flood recovery situations, as even a small amount of lingering moisture can result in mold growth. The importance of thorough moisture extraction can’t be overstated, especially when dealing with flood damage. Learn more about this process here.
- Post-Restoration Verification
After completing the restoration, it’s vital to verify that the property is fully restored and safe. This involves thorough inspections and air quality testing to ensure there are no lingering contaminants or odours. Commercial spaces also require a clearance certificate from the Singapore Civil Defence Force, after a fire, to ensure that it meets safety regulations. You can learn more about the FC (fire certificate) here.
Conclusion
Home damage restoration is a complex, multi-step process that requires professional expertise. When bringing a damage restoration company on board, remember the saying: if you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait till you hire an amateur. For reliable services in Singapore, you can explore Lumiair’s decontamination and fire restoration services today.
