The emotional and financial devastation inflicted by a home fire often seems insurmountable while sifting through smoke-coated possessions and structural char. Restoration feels unfathomable. Though the immediate crisis phase fades as the last firefighter departs, the monumental rebuild process still looms ahead, demanding rapid response to mitigate further damage before proceeding with repairs. As independent industry experts handling fire aftermaths daily with compassion, we want to lift an immense burden off homeowners’ shoulders during this profound loss. Trusted smoke removal, emergency cleaning, demolitions, mold treatment and structural/content restoration services – we handle every detail personally. Get in touch today for a rapid assessment and rebuild quote. Then breathe easier knowing that certificated smoke repair professionals have your back through claim resolution, temporary rehousing, demo, sanitization and full restorative efforts ahead. We guarantee exceptional quality and care bringing households made whole again after such unexpected devastating loss.
The Damage Done by Smoke and Fire
How Smoke Spreads and Permeates
Smoke particulate released in structure fires proves just as hazardous as lapping flames given the variety of toxins present. Its microscopically fine particles infiltrate everywhere as they accumulate then stick tenaciously to all contents and materials. Soft finishes like drywall and insulation absorb the dangerous compounds fastest while smoke stench equally embeds itself into concrete, woods, textiles and electronics as well, damaging surfaces through acid corrosion and attraction of additional grime. Invisible off-gassing continues long after firefighters suppress the flames too, further contaminating the entire space and contents.
Types of Damage from Fire, Heat and Water
Damage following flames engulfing a building encompasses more than just extreme heat char and melting from the core conflagration event. Enough residual heat still radiates outwards that adjacent room contents endure radiant heat exposure as well, potentially igniting other minor secondary fires. This leaves additional smoke residue and also thermal floor buckling if substructures remain ablaze long term. Then aggressive fire suppression tactics by crews unwittingly supplement destruction through extensive broken windows and roof damage that lets weather and critter intrusion commence deterioration too. Finally, uncontrolled water soaking from firefighter hoses or broken plumbing supplies the perfect breeding ground for toxic mold colonies behind walls and under floorboards as well in a relatively short timeframe.
Health and Safety Risks to Be Aware Of
Airborne smoke particles pose numerous documented physical reaction risks, especially for those with existing respiratory issues like asthma or allergy sensitivity. Materials off-gassing toxic fumes after heating and breakdown of their chemical bonds also threaten short and long term respiratory health. Another serious hazard lies in compromised building structural stability during still smoldering “hot spots” which require careful monitoring before crews work safely inside affected zones. Additionally, lingering mold spore colonies actively deteriorating materials behind visibly dry sheetrock brings necessity for professional abatement to inhabit safely again. Only experienced disaster repair crews fully recognize all present dangers and necessary response protocols.
Our Expert Restoration Process
Emergency Response
Even as firefighters clear responding trucks from the property, our rapid response 24/7 reconstruction team already heads out to start initial emergency efforts like covering broken windows/roofing, safety evaluations and determining which possessions endure saving. We know securing your assets from additional damage represents the top priority. Trust that once securing clearance, we fully photograph all visible destruction too in order to get claims assessments underway for compensation ahead of full restoration buildout. Lean on our compassionate project managers as liaisons dealing with insurance discussions so you simply focus on finding temporary safe housing instead of feeling overwhelmed by rebuild unknowns.
Securing Property
After the fire crews completely vacate premises yet potential internal hazards like compromised structural beams or exposed electrical lines loom, we adhere to strict protocols like hazard signage and caution tape implementation to cordon off any dubious zones from unauthorized access until engineers conduct thorough safety inspections. Any areas with lingering hot spots undergo infrared camera scanning too before permitting our demo team entry. We board up exploded windows/doorways allowing weather or trespasser concerns as well. Only once achieving temporary water, power and security does containment priority begin.
Conducting Assessments
While insurance adjusters fully inventory all structural components and possessions enduring damage based on homeowners’ documentation for broad reimbursement claims categories ahead of cleanup, our internal team heads into gear conducting complementary assessments specific to fire/smoke/water restoration needs at hand. We evaluate which zones underwent flash point heat damage beyond surface staining versus areas with primarily lingering smoke residue versus sections inflicted by firefighter hose cascades. This allows appropriate division of labor crews later during for cleaning, demolition or reconstruction duties based on damage types mapped out upfront.
Preventing Further Loss
Until physical cleanup efforts commence, the risk of additional spoliation if neglecting smoke odor proliferation or lingering moisture allowing mold continue damaging the property stays top of mind. We deploy various equipment like desiccant dehumidifiers, air scrubbers and anti-microbial foggers throughout affected areas to enact stabilization until crews perform actual remediation efforts. Just small gains keeping wider spread damage at bay provides some mental ease already to weary clients.
Containment and Structural Drying
To prevent cross contamination of lingering smoke odor into already cleaned areas during phased repairs later, we seal off each room with interior plastic barriers once removing possessions and furniture for restoration. Industrial air movers then circulate within these plastic containment cells for rapid moisture reduction, especially critical inside wall cavities where accumulated water easily hides from view. Monitoring drying equipment and air quality scrubbers daily ensures achieving sufficiently dry measurement benchmarks before mold colonization endangers rebuild efforts down the road.
Removing Smoke Residue/Odor
Eliminating toxic particulate from every exposed surface throughout a property represents a slow, meticulous endeavor, yet utterly essential to inhabit safely again. Depending on porousness, some materials with deep smoke residue undergo washing and degreasing while other finishes require sealing primers that permanently encapsulate odors beneath fresh layers. Negative air machines ensure achieving suitable indoor air quality ratings too before removing containment barriers and letting abatement crews rotate into the next zone.
Drying Out Walls and Floors
Even after successfully wiping every visible surface clear of sticky smoke film and reeking odors, hidden water accumulation and elevated moisture content within walls, floors and crawlspaces still requires addressing. Opening up cavities for inspection often reveals insidious mold establishment too. We use borescope cameras peering behind drywall and subfloor drilling for troubleshooting. Two prong approaches involving dehumidifiers pulling ambient air down to humidity thresholds below 50 percent before layers get rebuilt while simultaneously force drying any framing with too high moisture meter readings combat these unseen issues.
Mold Detection and Remediation
Unfortunately lingering interior moisture beyond 72 hours allows rapid mold spore propagation deep within wall cavities and flooring skeletons, establishing toxic root networks and releasing spores through minute cracks. Wherever visual evidence or moisture meter spikes indicate spore colonization, specialized hazmat suited crew’s tackle eradication. HEPA vacuuming followed by repeated shock treatments using anti-microbial agents, plus sealing any remaining porous materials behind plastic containment achieves strict life safety clearance. Final third party verification testing confirms homeowners enjoy reassurance that no hidden contamination dangers lurk below freshly installed drywall before move-in.
Restorative Repairs and Rebuilding
Structural, Electrical and Plumbing Repairs
Once environmental hygienists fully remediate contamination hazards from soot, excess moisture and potential mold - true rebuild efforts commence. Our in-house licensed contractors handle everything from structural sintering of damaged ceiling joists, new electrical rewiring and plumbing line replacement to exterior siding repair and window/door installation. We know reputable specialty subs to call for appliance and expensive lighting fixture assessment too. Stay at ease knowing our teams perform to strict workmanship standards utilizing high grade materials before painting crews take over.
Drywall, Painting and Finish Renewal
Walls stripped back to studs and concrete slab flooring now raw and sterile complete encapsulation of the recent traumatic event, ready for cosmetic renewal. After new insulation, fresh sheetrock adheres over repaired framing before seamless finishing and priming makes spaces ready for the final stroke - new interior coatings. We assist clients in selecting beautiful paint colors to usher in a fresh chapter. Final accent trim carpentry, regrouting tile layouts or scratched hardwood floor refinishing comes last. Soon enough, hints of visitors’ beloved home shining through lifts spirits tremendously.
Devices to Prevent Future Loss
As rebuilt spaces near completion, we advise homeowners on several protective measures to lower risks should another catastrophic event ever strike again. We consult on upgrading outdated electrical panels, installing whole home surge protectors, fire extinguishers for each room and advanced alarm/monitoring solutions. Outdoors, we evaluate drainage and gutter effectiveness, proper vegetation clearance from the structure and whether sufficient exterior lighting deters intruders. We always advocate for preventative enhancements reducing chances of repeat incidents.
Content Restoration and Replacement
Cleaning and Saving Belongings
If cherished contents endure merely surface smoke staining and waters penetration, specialized cleaners often succeed restoring items to normalcy - we offer software based inventory tracking and photographed evidence submission to claims departments for efficient valuations too. However, adjusting complex devices like electronics and appliances with burnt wiring or mechanical issues requires seasoned technical restoration experts we partner with regularly to accurately appraise repair/replace decisions. Ask for a list of our trusted conservators if valuable collections or antique items suffered damage during your loss event.
Inventory Documentation for Claims
In order for insurance adjusters to accurately compensate owners for all structural repairs and content replacements emerging after a fire, meticulously catalogued room inventories with estimated values and photographed damage views prove essential, especially where extensive itemized lists got lost in the actual flames. We provide supplementary inventory consulting and damage quantification services based on restoration experience to maximize justified claim payouts later down the road once cleaning and repairs conclude.
Assisting with Replacement
Finally, once insurance claim checks arrive to cover possessions awaiting cleaning or conservator repair/replacement decisions, we happily assist with researching replacement options if original items undergo total loss declarations by adjusters. Preferred wholesalers offer fire victims discounts we access too. We know how emotionally taxing deciding what memorabilia to attempt restoring vs. replace can be after a tragic loss. Those decisions just got easier with our experience guiding you.
Navigating the Insurance Claims Process
Explaining Our Process to Adjusters
Managing insurance adjusters and advocating for proper reimbursements while simultaneously cleaning and rebuilding a home comprises a tall order for overwhelmed fire victims. Leave negotiations to our public adjuster liaisons. We thoroughly document repair construction plans, justify all projected expenses down to equipment rentals and content replacement values thanks to decades of fire damage cost data when meeting adjusters onsite. Our meticulous attention and transparency delivers proper claim check totals you rightfully deserve.
Maximizing Reimbursement for Repairs
Beyond arguing for full coverage of restoration expenses tied directly to the fire/smoke/water damage itself, we also negotiate fiercely accounting for supplemental costs emerging later once repairs conclude as well. Many owners neglect considering sudden code compliance upgrades, ordinance variance permitting fees if remodeling layouts and the lengthier hotel stays emerging due to unexpected delays amidst material shortages and backordered fixtures. We anticipate all those wildcards impacting out of pocket payouts too.
Getting Payments Expedited
Waiting 30 days for claim checks initially and subsequent installment payments contingent upon completed work milestones certified by city inspectors often strains already tapped out homeowner budgets trying covering temporary lodging on credit cards and juggling elevated everyday expenses. We push for monthly allotments to offset some financial duress and supply documentation accelerating main reimbursement distribution approval so rebuilding proceeds smoothly sans cash flow interruptions down the road. Check requests come faster thanks to our experience.
Why Choose Us?
Our Fire Restoration Certifications
All project managers and lead technicians carry IICRC fire/smoke restoration designation while the company itself holds RIA ‘Restoring Industry Association’ credentials - the highest standards available. Both require continuing education demonstrating commitment to best remediation practices as regulations and technology changes yearly. We also pursue extra mold and biohazard training given prevalence following floods and fires. Insurance carriers refer clients to us thanks to recognizable restoration certification legitimacy.
Decades of Combined Experience
Ask owner Ryan about the first devastating household fire loss we helped a family recover from back in 1989. Since then our dedicated technicians accumulated over 1500 successful local area smoke and fire damage restorations, developing keen eyes troubleshooting unforeseen demolition and drying challenges. Homeowners themselves even hired some technicians post project completion because skills showcased such quality workmanship. Real disaster recovery veterans get your property back to pre loss condition without hesitation.
Stellar Customer Satisfaction Reviews
Research our countless five star online reviews from former clients across various sites to read firsthand accounts of incredible service delivered despite utterly devastating situations full of tears and despair initially. We get why home feels so sacred. It’s where life unfolds. Birthdays, holidays, children’s first steps - losing all that unexpectedly no doubt fuels deep sadness. But more reviews citing life rescues and houses restored better than before stand as testaments that there lies light ahead. And we’ll be the ones to show you where it shines again.
Making a Difficult Time Easier
Caring, Compassionate Service
Our pledge to homeowners enduring frightening destruction involves demonstrating selfless compassion every interaction, whether consoling crying wives unable to rescue damaged wedding albums or fathers lamenting smoke permeating little girls’ bedroom doll collections during preliminary site walkthroughs to assess damage. We understand cherished mementos like those cannot gets assigned a claim value. Helping families rescue what brings most comfort is our first responder duty. From distress calls at 3am to explanations calming confused elderly clients - we answer with care.
Commitment to Quality Workmanship
Behind the compassion and patience, our entire restoration team still takes immense skilled trade pride in all structural and cosmetic repair execution once demolition concludes and cleaning finishes. We strictly adhere to EPA lead safety protocols during debris removal, leverage industrial dehumidification gear superior to rentals and meticulously protect all undamaged belongings onsite too. The difference between slapped together insulation and deliberate air sealed technique shows in utility bills. And we aim for homes to feel cherished again.
Made Whole Again – We Guarantee It
Some disaster repair franchises boast about one size fits all assembly line fixes to get more cases churning daily. Not us. Each home and family situation differs - demanding customized solutions from contractor negotiations to insurance liaison obstacles. We vow not concluding any case until clients stand satisfied with all rebuilding outcomes down to the last cabinet handle. And thanks to decades of proprietary documentation checklists outlining all facets of successful fire/smoke damage restoration blueprinting, we deliver on thorough ‘made whole again’ guarantees. Smiles replace frowns.
