24/7 Emergency Service
Debunking the Biggest Myths on Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration
2/24/2021 (Permalink)
Blog Summary: Smoke and fire damage restoration is a vital service, but few people understand what the process entails. Here, the professionals at SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin debunk myths about the restoration process.
Fires can cause devastating damage to residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. When the flames go out, a charred, soggy mess with soot residue from the smoke is often left behind, and homeowners are left overwhelmed, facing the restoration process for the first time.
Worse, many people have misconceptions about the types of fire damage and how fire restoration can help. The experts at SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin hope to debunk several myths about the topic.
Top 5 Myths About Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration Debunked
1. Only Areas Burned by the Fire Need Restoration
Flames can undoubtedly do significant damage, but smoke and suppression efforts do their fair share too.
The fire restoration process typically includes water or fire suppression chemical clean-up, soot removal and clean-up, smoke damage restoration, textile and furniture deodorization, and ventilation and air duct cleaning. If water clean-up is delayed, mold remediation may also be necessary.
In short, fire damage goes far beyond just dealing with areas the flames actually burned, often encompassing the entire building.
2. Fire Damage Restoration Takes a Long Time
Fire damage is often extensive and requires substantial work using specialized tools and safety equipment to resolve. Even so, the time it takes a fire restoration company to complete a job depends on the extent of the damage—it doesn’t always take a long time.
As fire restoration efforts should begin as soon as possible after the building is deemed safe to enter by the fire department, it often goes much faster than homeowners expect. If the fire was small and contained, the entire process can happen in as little as a day.
3. There's No Need to Address Smoke Damage Quickly
While many homeowners understand the urgency of water removal after a fire, smoke damage is often less of a concern for them—but it should be.
Smoke and the soot it leaves behind can be corrosive. The longer it remains on surfaces, the more damage it can cause. It's best not to exceed 48 hours before beginning the fire damage restoration process. Otherwise, damage to metals and electronics can be permanent or create a lingering, unpleasant odor.
This point also holds true for permeable surfaces saturated by smoke—the longer deodorization is delayed, the more likely efforts are to fail.
5. Restoration Costs More Than Replacement
It’s a common misconception that things like furniture and textiles are cheaper to replace than restore, leading many homeowners to unnecessarily throw out items.
On average, clean-up and deodorization of fabric surfaces range between $200 - $1,000 for an entire home. Considering it costs between $2,000 - $3,000 to purchase basic living room furniture alone, in many cases, restoration is far more cost-effective. Even better, if done properly, fire restoration can restore items to their original state "Like it never even happened."
Why SERVPRO?
The professionals at SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin provide professional fire, water, and storm restoration services as well as mold remediation services to quickly restore both commercial and residential buildings to their original condition.
To see why SERVPRO is one of the best fire restoration companies in Austin, Texas, call (512) 318-2202 to schedule a consultation or follow them on Facebook to stay updated on the latest company news.
Contact Information:
SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin
Building 7 - Suite 250
Austin, Tx, 78730
https://www.SERVPROlaketravisnwaustin.com/