When putting out the flames of a fire, a considerable volume of water is expected to be used. However, using too much of it can lead to issues that may need immediate attention. Many people don’t understand that water damage can occur after a fire due to firefighters’ excessive use of a firehose or a fire sprinkler system.
Water can flood the structure, damaging the wall surfaces, floorings, ceilings, and even appliances. Water can cause a severe need for damage repairs, not just for the property but also for your overall health.
Checklist of Water Damage Repairs
You may have started making a checklist of what needs to be replaced or repaired after assessing the fire damages. However, you may not be seeing the complete picture. Some water damage is noticeable, and you can see it quickly, like smoke or fire damage, yet, the challenging part regarding water damage is that it can enter into places not visible to the naked eye.
If left unattended for an extended duration, the repair bill can add up quickly and become expensive. If you’re searching for local contractors in your area to repair water damage after a fire, you can check out this restoration company and talk to them about your concern.
Cleaning
Cleanliness is essential. After most of the destroyed items get cleared out, you must instantly clean and disinfect them. The cleaning process will be repeated, and depending on the extent of the damage, you may end up cleaning the same spots many times. To reduce major health hazards, the best thing to do is use bleach solutions and other disinfectants.
Electrical
It’s possible that some electrical components in your residential or commercial property, and electrical wirings behind your walls, have been ruined to the point they now pose a fire risk of their own. It is likely that your electrical devices, such as computer systems and television sets, were also damaged by the fire, smoke, and water. In some situations, your insurance provider may reimburse the cost of replacing these items.
Airing Out Your Home
You don’t want any lingering moisture following water damage. Drying out your home or work environment must be a top priority before, during, and after repairs. Make use of dehumidifiers in the areas that suffered the worst water damage and circulate the air using fans in every room.
Distribute fresh air throughout the home using ceiling fans and dehumidifiers in areas that sustained water damage. In such extreme conditions, you may need industrial drying systems, at which point you should consult with an expert who can offer you different options for water damage restoration.
Caulk and Seal
The seals surrounding appliances and things such as bathtubs and toilets will get compromised if water has been standing in your house or company for an extended period. The possibility of catastrophic destruction develops if these seals split or end up being loose in any way. Take a look at all seals and replace any damage with caulk to complete the repair. You can do this when the cleaning is complete.
Conclusion
It might take a long time to get your home or business back to normal after a disastrous event. It is not a simple process when it comes to water damage repairs. Many different structure locations can be affected, and if the damage is severe enough, you may be forced to replace critical structural parts. While many people can perform basic repairs, a complete inspection and restoration are best left to professionals.
