8 Things to Do to Fix Water Damage After a Fire

8 Things to Do to Fix Water Damage After a Fire

There’s no doubt a fire in your home could cause much damage. Not only can the flames destroy everything in their way, but they also leave behind corrosive chemicals after the fire is out.

The water used to quench the fire could do much damage to the building. If the water damage is not fixed quickly and correctly, it can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and other significant problems.

How to Fix Water Damage

Almost every home or business where the fire department used hoses to put out a fire will need these repairs. Even a tiny fire needs a lot of water and pressure from the hoses to be put out. If the damage is severe, it might be best to call a professional disaster remediation company.

Cleaning

It needs to be cleaned. Once you’ve removed most of the broken things, you need to clean and disinfect them as soon as possible. It will have to be done repeatedly, and depending on the damage, you may have to clean the same areas more than once. Using bleach solutions and other disinfectants is the best way to avoid significant health risks.

Growing Mold

Mold is a big problem that can be hard to eliminate after a fire. Professional mold removal services are a must in this situation. There are many kinds of mold, and you don’t want any of them in your home or business, but black mold is nasty. Cleaning is a must if you don’t want mold to grow. Still, you should check all parts of your home or business carefully and return to those areas even after the repairs are done to ensure mold isn’t spreading.

Wood Damage

For example, wooden floors and furniture quickly leak water and get damaged. It is crucial to get rid of wood that is very wet or damaged. Look for indications of water damage on the floors, cabinets, and doors. You might want to save some of it, and in some cases, you might be able to, but it’s better to throw it away.

Ceiling Defects

First, the ceilings should be looked at when fixing the damage. If your roof is damaged, it could fall and cause more harm to your home or business, which is already damaged. Some ceilings might need to be replaced, but You can change ceiling sections. After a fire, it can be hard to inspect and fix roofs that have been damaged. You might require expert assistance.

Drywall Defects

The drywall may have been the most damaged, depending on how destructive the fire was and how much water was needed to put it out. Damaged drywall is annoying, but it is better than dealing with rotting wood. You can save some drywall by letting it dry out, but some will have to be torn out and replaced. You’ll save time and money if you only fix the broken parts of your drywall.

Caulk and Seal

If there has been water in a home or business for a long time, the seals on things like bathtubs and toilets will be broken. If these seals break or come loose, they could cause much damage. Check all the seals and caulk any that don’t work after cleaning up.

Electrical Surge

Because of all the damage, the electrical parts in your home and the wiring behind your walls may now be a fire risk. The fire, smoke, and water most likely damaged your electronic devices, like computers and TVs. You should change these often, and your insurance may pay for them. If you don’t know what you’re doing, call a professional immediately if your electrical systems have been broken.

Carpet Damage

After a lot of water damage, carpets may be home to mold and other harmful substances. You can fix some carpets and rugs, but others must be thrown out and replaced. Carpets are hard to look at and determine if they can be saved, so you must put in the time and effort to dry and clean them properly.

Conclusion

After water damage, you don’t want residual moisture to linger. Before, during, and after repairs, drying out your home or business should be a top priority. Use fans to move the air in each room and dehumidifiers in places where the water damage is the worst. In the worst cases, you may need industrial dehumidifiers, in which case you should talk to a fire restoration Palm Coast.