Fire Damage Restoration: A Comprehensive Guide
What is fire restoration?
Fire restoration is the process of assessing, securing, and restoring property damage caused by a fire to its original condition. Fire restoration is part of a larger disaster response effort that can include water damage restoration, weather damage restoration, and more. The process involves removing and repairing the parts of the building that were damaged by the fire, as well as repairing any smoke damage that may have been caused by the fire.
Fires are destructive forces. According to the NFPA report in 2020, fires caused $21.8 billion in damage in the United States alone.
Fire Restoration Process
The disaster recovery process can take a little longer than other disaster recovery processes. Fire restoration can take weeks or months because it typically involves more steps than water damage restoration and other similar processes.
During the process, professionals may complete the framing of the property, demolish some structures, and rebuild others.
In general, fire and water damage can occur one after the other. A fire caused by human activity or a natural disaster (such as a flood) can cause extensive damage to a structure. Firefighters extinguish the fire with water and other methods that can further damage the building.
Fire restoration professionals understand the damage a fire can cause and the possible consequences of extinguishing the fire. All necessary steps are then taken to safely restore the building or structure to its original condition.
Who performs fire restoration work?
There are many companies that specialize in repairing structures after a fire. Typically, these professionals will be on site within a few hours of the call. Repair work can then begin by covering the object for protection, attaching a tarpaulin, and assessing the damage.
Many of these professionals are certified fire and smoke damage technicians. These individuals understand how fire can damage a structure and know how to properly repair the damage and restore the building to its original condition.
These technicians are experts in cleaning, odor removal, hazard mitigation, scoping, demolition, and even documenting the entire restoration process.
How do professionals repair fire damage?
Restoring a fire-damaged property can be a long and complicated process. While every fire restoration professional has their own techniques for restoring a structure, most follow a similar process. The procedure typically consists of the following steps.
Damage Assessment
The first step in restoring a property after a fire is to properly assess the damage. Professional technicians enter the property after the fire department determines that it is safe to enter. From there, they can use inspection checklists to identify which parts of the property are damaged and what type of damage has occurred.
This will help them determine the steps required to renovate the building. During the damage assessment, the team identifies all types of fire and smoke damage to the building or structure. This step also includes determining what items need to be thrown away and what items can still be restored.
The purpose of the assessment is to determine the extent of the damage and what the team can do to restore the property. Based on the assessment, a master plan is then created to renovate the property.
Securing the Property
The next step in renovating a building or structure is to secure the property. This usually requires installing a fence and boarding up the building to ensure it is protected from the elements and that no one is trespassing. If parts of the building or structure are not damaged, the team should seal the damaged parts of the structure to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Preventing Further Damage
During fires, firefighters use a variety of methods to extinguish flames, but the most common method is water. While water is effective in extinguishing most fires, water damage can also occur. If parts of the building remain wet, further damage from mold, corrosion, and more can occur. So the next step in fire restoration is to prevent future damage by drying out the structure and removing as much water as possible.
This also includes the demolition and removal of any items damaged by the fire. For example, damaged drywall and flooring will need to be removed, which technicians do at this stage of the process.
Clean Up and Smoke Removal
The cleanup phase is one of the most labor-intensive parts of fire restoration. In this phase, the team must eliminate all remnants of the fire. This also includes any soot and smoke stains on the floors, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. It is crucial for the team to ensure that every inch of the affected and contaminated areas are clean during this phase.
After the areas are cleaned, the team applies deodorizer. This will remove any smoke or burning odors that may remain in the area. If water damage occurs from firefighting techniques, the team may also use disinfectants and antimicrobial chemicals to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The cleanup phase also includes going through the vents and ducts before the team moves on to the final stage.
Construction and Restoration
The final stage of fire restoration is to restore the areas damaged by the fire. This may include repairing the floors, rebuilding the roof, and repairing the walls. The team will do their best to salvage and restore everything possible. However, in most cases, some items are too damaged to be fully replaced or rebuilt.
Fire Restoration FAQs
How long does fire restoration take?
While some fire restoration jobs are completed in a matter of days, others can take weeks or months to complete. Actual recovery time varies depending on the size of the room, the severity of the damage, and other important factors.
Is there a standard procedure for fire restoration?
In most cases, teams follow the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration certification standards to restore a structure or space to its original condition. The standards are known as the S740 standard and are considered a guideline for most fire restoration professionals.
Is there a certification for fire restoration specialists?
The IICRC offers certification for fire restoration professionals. Professionals with this certification demonstrate that they have the knowledge and expertise and are prepared to renovate properties that have suffered fire damage.
What tools do professionals use to repair fire damage?
Fire restoration technicians use a variety of tools when repairing an area after a fire. These tools include vacuum cleaners, deodorizers, air purifiers, and a variety of personal protective equipment to protect yourself.