Fire Damage- The Breakdown of Damage

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage-The Breakdown Of Damage

There are roughly 300,000 to 400,000 residential home fires per year in the United States. These fires range from small to large and originate inside of the home. Fires are a devastating occurrence for homeowners and are extremely hard to overcome, as they take months to clean and repair. SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis County specializes in fire damage restoration and is here to help if you find yourself in need.

Damage to your structure and contents happen rapidly after the fire occurs. Every second counts after the fire is extinguished and our professionals know that damages increase and cost escalates the longer neutralization, corrosion control and cleaning is delayed. When restoration is prolonged, effects brought on by smoke exposure are extended. Below is a breakdown of the damage and effects from fire and smoke on a home.

Within Minutes:

Acid soot residues cause plastics to yellow; small appliances located close to the source of combustion discolor; highly porous materials (marble, alabaster) discolor permanently.

Within Hours:

Acid residues stain grout in bathrooms; fiberglass bath fixtures may yellow; uncoated metals tarnish, countertops may yellow; finishes on appliances, particularly refrigerators, may yellow; furniture finishes may discolor.

Within Days:

In time, acid residues cause painted walls to yellow permanently; metal corrodes, pits and rusts; wood furniture requires refinishing; vinyl flooring requires refinishing or replacement; clothing becomes soot stained; upholstery stains permanently.

Within Weeks:

Restoration costs escalate tremendously. Synthetic carpet fibers may yellow or discolor permanently; silver plate is corroded permanently; glass, crystal, china may require replacement due to severe etching and pitting caused by prolonged exposure to acid soot residues.

Understanding the effects of fire and how quickly items need to be evaluated and attended to can minimize the need for costly repair. Our fire and smoke restoration experts can help you return to your home and bring most of your items to “preloss” condition. If you find yourself in need of restoration after a fire, call our office at (606)836-8000.