Restoring Fire Damaged Homes in Wilmington VT

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Cleanup in Wilmington Meets Its Match with SERVPRO

The Process of Smoke & Fire Cleanup and Restoration Depends on the Degree of Damage

Wilmington homeowners and residents often have to deal with multiple types of damage after a fire. There is, of course, the material that burned. After that, there is the damage that residues cause when smoke and soot settle onto property surfaces. Then, there is the damage caused by firefighters and fire suppression systems when water and extinguishing chemicals are used to stop the fire.
 
These different types are also factors in determining the level of Wilmington fire damage. SERVPRO categorizes the various water, smoke, and burn damages into three levels. We do this to understand what tools and methods each task requires. After an inspector determines the damage level, our trained response teams can immediately get to work and begin the restoration process.
 
Minor Fire Damage is primarily smoke related. The residues are only found in a few rooms near the source of the fire and not spread throughout the entire home. Technicians use dry and wet methods of cleaning to remove light-to-moderate amounts of residues from personal property, floors, walls, and ceilings. Items like books may need replacing, and there may be a small amount of repainting needed near the origin point of the fire. Preventing fire is the best bet.
 
Medium Fire Damage requires more effort to remove smoke residues which are moderate at least and spread throughout more of the home. Dry cleaning methods are not as useful, and wet cleaning methods require more chemical cleaners instead of water to remove them. Smoke odors are very noticeable at this level and may require specific cleaning chemicals to eliminate them. The damage from flames and the heat are more severe than in minor damage, so structural material like drywall, floor trim, and ceiling tiles may require disposal and replacement.
 
Major Fire Damage involves the destruction of the home's structure. Wall framing is charred and has to be removed and replaced before hanging new drywall. Smoke residues are spread throughout the entire home and may be severe enough to require our SERVPRO team members to dispose of structural and personal property rather than expend the effort and resources in an attempt to clean them. When the damage is this extensive, we may have to board up broken windows and damaged doors to secure the home from further damage. Smoke odors are strong enough that we use an ozone generator to neutralize odor particles, eliminating them.
 
Depending on the heat, items burned, and the efforts of the fire department, restoration of your home can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. If you need our assistance, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is here to help return your Vermont home to its original state. Call us today at (802) 674-8004 to schedule a visit.

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