Fire Damage Restoration in Irving, Texas: A Comprehensive Guide to Salvaging Your Property

4/21/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Irving has nearly 40 years of fire damage restoration experience. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

When fire damage occurs in Irving, there are typically three main phases to address:

1. Firefighting efforts
2. Restoration
3. Insurance.

In the first phase, firefighters work tirelessly to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. Once the fire is under control, the next step involves restoring the damaged property to its pre-fire state. This process can include cleaning up debris, repairing or replacing damaged structures, and identifying potential hazards. Finally, insurance is involved in providing coverage for restoration costs and assisting with any further needs or requirements in the aftermath of the fire.

When a fire occurs, it can leave behind devastating destruction and property damage. The consequences of such an event are far-reaching, affecting not only the affected property but also those who live or work in the area. Let's go over each fire damage restoration phase so that you know what steps need to be taken if your home or business has been affected by a fire.

Firefighting Efforts

Firefighting efforts are the first line of defense when it comes to containing and preventing the spread of a fire. Firefighters are a highly trained group of professionals who work tirelessly to put out the blaze and ensure that everyone in the affected area is safe.

Many factors can impact firefighters' efforts to contain a fire, such as the size and intensity of the blaze, the type of materials that are burning, and the weather conditions at the time. Additionally, the location of the fire can also be a significant challenge to firefighters. For example, if the fire is in a high-rise building, the firefighters will need to navigate through narrow stairwells and potentially use aerial ladders to reach the affected area.

Water is one of the essential tools firefighters use to fight fires. Firefighters use powerful water hoses to spray water onto the flames, which can help to extinguish the fire or to prevent it from spreading. However, there are some situations where using water can do more harm than good, such as when electrical equipment is involved. Special fire suppression agents may need to be used instead in these cases.

Some common fire suppression agents include carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, foam, and halon. Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that suffocates the fire by displacing the oxygen. Dry chemical agents, such as ammonium phosphate and potassium bicarbonate, work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire. Foam agents, such as protein and synthetic foam, create a blanket covering the fuel and preventing oxygen from reaching the fire. Lastly, halon is a gas that reacts with fire to stop the chemical reaction.

Each type of fire suppression agent has its own unique properties and is used in specific situations. Firefighters are trained to determine the appropriate agent to use based on the type of fire, the materials involved, and the location of the fire. Using the right suppression agent, firefighters can effectively extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

Another critical part of firefighting efforts is ventilation. Firefighters must ensure a clear path for smoke and other dangerous gases to escape the affected area. This can involve breaking windows, creating ventilation holes in the roof, or using specialized fans to draw air out of the building.

The primary goal of firefighting efforts is to save a life. After this is accomplished, the secondary goal is to protect and preserve the building. While this is often successful, firefighting efforts result in the need for cleaning, restoration, and reconstruction of properties that have suffered fire damage. This is where a professional fire damage restoration company is needed.

Fire Damage Restoration Efforts

The fire damage restoration company you choose should be an expert in the following restoration efforts.

1. Emergency Services

Emergency services involve the initial assessment of the fire damage, securing the property, and providing emergency services such as board-up and tarping.

Fire damage emergency services are crucial in the aftermath of a fire disaster. After the firefighters have put out the blaze, the affected property needs to be assessed to determine the extent of the damage. Emergency services will be provided to secure the property, prevent further damage, and temporarily relieve those affected.

Board-up services are used to secure and protect the property from unauthorized entry, vandalism, theft, or further damage caused by inclement weather. Plywood sheets cover damaged windows, doors, and walls to prevent trespassers from accessing the property. This process is vital for protecting the property from further damage while restorations are being made.

Tarping services are also provided to prevent water intrusion after a fire. Tarping involves covering the damaged roof with a durable, waterproof material to protect the property from the elements. This process is critical during rainy seasons or when the property is located in areas prone to rain, storms, or hurricanes.

If the board-up can't be immediately done due to weather or other circumstances, a professional fire damage restoration company may erect a temporary security fence to prevent trespassers. While the wall is installed, security guards may be placed.

2. Fire Damage Assessment

When assessing fire damage, a professional fire damage restoration company will thoroughly inspect the property to determine the extent of the damage caused by the fire. This assessment includes identifying areas of the property affected by the fire, determining the severity of the damage, and developing a plan of action for restoration.

The first step is visually inspecting the property to identify areas most affected by the fire. This includes examining the property's structural components, such as the walls, floors, ceilings, and roof, to determine the extent of the damage. It also involves checking the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to ensure they function correctly and are not compromised by the fire.

The fire damage restoration company will then use specialized equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters, to assess the damage caused by the fire. Thermal imaging cameras detect areas of heat and moisture that may be hidden from the naked eye, allowing the restoration team to identify the extent of the damage. Moisture meters detect moisture levels in materials such as drywall and wood, indicating areas prone to mold growth if not addressed properly.

Once the assessment is complete, the fire damage restoration company will develop a plan of action for restoration. This plan will outline the steps that need to be taken to restore the property to its pre-fire condition. This may include boarding up damaged windows and doors, removing damaged materials, cleaning and sanitizing affected areas, and rebuilding damaged structural components.

3. Salvaging Contents

A fire damage restoration company understands the importance of salvaging the contents of a property after a fire disaster. Salvaging contents involves evaluating the affected personal belongings, furniture, and other valuable items in the property and determining what can be saved.

The restoration team will carefully sort through the property's contents, separating the damaged items from those that can be saved. In some cases, damaged items may be restored through cleaning and sanitizing, while others may need to be replaced entirely.

The restoration team will use specialized equipment such as ultrasonic cleaning machines and ozone generators to remove soot and smoke damage for salvageable items. Ultrasonic cleaning involves immersing items in a tank filled with cleaning solution and using high-frequency sound waves to loosen and remove debris. Ozone generators produce ozone gas, which destroys odor-causing particles and sanitizes the affected items.

In addition to cleaning and sanitizing, the restoration team may also use techniques such as freeze-drying and document restoration to salvage essential documents and electronics. Freeze-drying involves removing moisture from materials such as photographs and books to prevent further damage, while document restoration uses specialized equipment to restore and preserve important documents.

Salvaging contents is an integral part of fire damage restoration, as it helps restore a sense of normalcy to those affected by the fire. By salvaging personal belongings and valuable items, the restoration team can help expedite the process of returning the property to its pre-fire condition.

4. Demolition

After a thorough assessment, a fire damage restoration company may determine that specific structural components of the property need to be demolished due to the severity of the damage. The demolition process involves safely removing damaged materials and clearing the area to prepare for the rebuilding phase of restoration.

First, the restoration team will secure the area by removing salvageable items and boarding up openings. They will then isolate the demolition area by setting up containment barriers to prevent the spread of dust and debris. Protective gear, such as respirators and gloves, will also be worn to ensure the safety of the restoration team.

Once the demolition area is secured, the restoration team will remove damaged materials. This may involve using specialized equipment, such as saws, drills, and excavators, to remove the damaged components safely. Heavy machinery like cranes may also be used for large-scale demolition projects.

During demolition, the restoration team will take measures to control dust and debris by using negative air machines and HEPA filters. Negative air machines create a vacuum to capture any airborne particles and filter them through a HEPA filter, which removes 99% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size.

Once the damaged materials have been removed and the area has been cleared, the reconstruction phase of restoration can begin. The restoration team will work to rebuild the damaged structural components of the property, using specialized techniques and materials to ensure a safe and effective restoration.

Overall, the demolition phase of fire damage restoration is crucial in preparing the property for rebuilding. Through careful planning and execution, a fire damage restoration company can safely remove damaged components and pave the way for a successful restoration project.

5. Cleaning and Restoration

After all dangerous materials have been removed from the home or business, salvage efforts can begin with cleaning up any substances generated by fighting the fire (e.g., water, soot).

When cleaning items and contents affected by a fire, a reputable fire damage restoration company follows a precise process that involves moving these items to a safe location to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. This process is crucial to remove all contaminants and odors effectively.

To move contents, restoration companies will often pack and inventory all items in affected areas, labeling them for identification purposes. Once the contents have been packed and labeled, they are transported to a secure off-site location for cleaning and restoration.

During transportation, the restoration company will ensure that all items are carefully handled to avoid additional damage. They may use specialized equipment, such as dollies, carts, or boxes, to move and transport items without causing harm.

Once at the off-site location, contents are sorted and assessed based on their level of damage. Then, the restoration team will use advanced technology and equipment to clean items of all sizes and materials.

For example, the restoration company may use specialized cleaning equipment such as ultrasonic machines for soft contents such as clothing and fabrics. Ultrasonic cleaning machines remove soot and smoke damage from various materials. This involves immersing items in a tank filled with cleaning solution and using high-frequency sound waves to loosen debris.

For complex contents such as furniture or electronics, the restoration team may employ dry or wet cleaning methods depending on the material and level of damage. For example, dry cleaning may utilize a soft bristle vacuum and dry sponges to remove dust and dirt. Apply cleaning agents, rinse with water, then dry thoroughly for wet cleaning.

Ozone generators are another critical tool a restoration company may use when cleaning an affected structure. These machines produce ozone gas, which destroys odor-causing particles and sanitizes the affected items. This is particularly useful for items that have absorbed strong smoke odors.

It is important to note that not all items can be saved; the fire may too severely damage some and may need to be disposed of properly. Moreover, objects that cannot be saved will contribute to insurance claim settlements that the fire damage restoration company will file.

In addition to cleaning and sanitizing, the restoration team can also use techniques such as freeze-drying and document restoration to salvage essential documents and electronics. Freeze-drying involves removing moisture from materials such as photographs and books, which helps prevent further damage. On the other hand, document restoration uses specialized equipment to restore and preserve important documents.

During the cleaning process, paying attention to air quality is also essential. The restoration team will use negative air machines and HEPA filters to remove airborne particles and dust. They may also use dehumidifiers and air movers to dry out water damage and prevent mold growth.

6. Reconstruction 

In some cases, reconstruction is necessary if there is significant damage to a structure due to a fire or if certain features need to be replaced for it to function properly again (e.g., heating systems). A restoration company will typically work with insurance adjusters and other professionals to determine the damage's extent and the reconstruction project's scope.

Reconstruction may involve removing damaged structural elements such as walls, ceilings, and floors. The team will also work to repair or replace damaged electrical and plumbing systems and HVAC systems.

An essential aspect of the reconstruction process is ensuring the property is up to code and meets all applicable safety standards. This may involve making structural changes or installing safety features such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems.

The restoration team will work closely with the property owner throughout the reconstruction process to ensure their needs and preferences are considered. They will also inform the property owner of progress and project timeline or budget changes.

Filing a Property Claim After Fire Damage

Filing an insurance property claim after fire damage is crucial to receiving compensation for the damages incurred. The first thing to do is to call your insurance company and report the incident. Make sure you have your policy number and other relevant information readily available.

An adjuster will be assigned to your case, who will contact you to schedule a visit to assess the damage. It is essential to document the damages before the adjuster's visit. Take pictures and videos of the affected areas and the damaged items. Make a list of everything damaged, even if it is not visible.

During the adjuster's visit, they will assess the damages and determine the coverage your policy entitles you to. They will also explain the claim process and the deductible that you will be required to pay.

After the assessment, the insurance company will send you a proof of loss form, which you must complete and return to them. This form lists all the damaged items and their estimated values. Make sure to be as detailed and accurate as possible.

Sometimes, the insurance company may send an independent adjuster to assess the damages. This is common in cases where the damage is severe or when there is a dispute over the coverage amount.

The insurance company may provide an advance payment to help you cover immediate expenses such as temporary housing or clothes replacement. It is important to keep receipts of all costs related to the fire damage.

Once the claim is approved, the insurance company will issue a settlement check or make the payment directly to the restoration company. Remember that the settlement amount may not cover the total replacement cost for all damaged items.

Filing an insurance property claim after fire damage can be lengthy and stressful. It is essential to keep records of all communication with the insurance company and to be patient throughout the process. Having a reliable and experienced restoration company to work with can also help ease the burden of dealing with the aftermath of a fire.

The Right Fire Damage Restoration Company will Help with Your Insurance Claim

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire on your property can be overwhelming and stressful. Hiring a professional fire damage restoration company can be a game-changer in easing the burden of dealing with the aftermath of a fire. In addition to their technical expertise, a reliable and experienced restoration company will help their clients process their insurance claims.

First, the restoration company will work closely with the property owner to assess the extent of the fire damage. They will document the damages and create an itemized list of everything damaged or lost. This list will include visible items and those that may have been damaged indirectly, such as the HVAC system, electrical wiring, or plumbing.

Once the damage has been assessed, the restoration company will ensure that the damages are accurately represented when filing the insurance claim. They will work with the insurance adjuster to ensure that the scope of the damage is fully understood and that the claim covers all necessary repairs and replacements.

Insurance claims can often be complicated, and clients may need to be better versed. In such cases, the right restoration company will advocate for their clients. They will work to ensure that the client's interests are protected and that they receive the maximum possible settlement for their claim.

The restoration company will also help their clients complete the necessary paperwork and gather the documentation to process the claim. They will ensure that all the required proof of loss forms are filled out and submitted promptly to avoid delays.

Sometimes, the insurance company may request additional documentation or a more detailed damages report. In such situations, the restoration company will work with its clients to provide the required information and ensure the claim is not denied.

Finally, the restoration company will work with the insurance company to ensure the settlement amount is fair and reasonable. They will advocate on their client's behalf to ensure that all necessary repairs and replacements are covered and that their client is not left with out-of-pocket expenses.

SERVPRO of North Irving's Fire Damage Restoration Team

The SERVPRO of North Irving fire damage restoration team is ready to help. We have nearly 40 years of experience in the damage restoration industry and have helped thousands of clients restore their properties.

The SERVPRO of North Irving fire damage restoration process has been honed over the decades. Our workflow includes the following:

1. Assess the extent of fire damage and create an itemized list of all damages

2. Ensure our client's insurance claim accurately represents the scope of the damage, and help fill out the necessary paperwork and gather the documentation needed to process claims

3. Act as an advocate for our clients to ensure they receive a fair settlement amount

4. Work with our clients to ensure their properties are restored to preloss condition

5. Provide best-in-industry fire damage cleaning, restoration, and construction services

The SERVPRO of North Irving fire damage team has extensive experience in dealing with fire damage restoration, having been in the industry for almost four decades. This means our clients can trust that the team has the technical expertise and knowledge to restore their property effectively.

In addition to our experience, our SERVPRO team is also highly trained and certified in fire damage restoration. We use state-of-the-art equipment, including ultrasonic, ozone, and the Esporta Wash System, and techniques to thoroughly clean and restore the property to preloss condition. This includes removing smoke and soot damage, eliminating odors, and repairing structural damage.

Working with the SERVPRO of North Irving team also means clients receive comprehensive support. We accurately assess the extent of the damage and file the necessary insurance claims. We also advocate for our clients to ensure they receive a fair settlement amount. Our team works tirelessly to cover all the required repairs and replacements so clients are not left with out-of-pocket expenses.

Moreover, the SERVPRO team understands that dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be overwhelming and stressful. That's why we provide compassionate and empathetic service, taking the time to listen to our client's concerns and address any questions they may have throughout the process.

Contact SERVPRO of North Irving today to schedule a fire damage consultation. 

We're Here to Help.