Fire and water damage restoration professionals are highly trained in the cleanup and restoration of smoke and soot from buildings. They also know how to remove drywall and deal with mold after the disaster.
The process involves several steps, including securing the property, fencing, and clearing debris from the area. They will also seal or tarp roofs to minimize the risk of cross contamination.
Professionals are trained in removing smoke
Fire and water damage restoration companies are equipped to deal with the resulting smoke damage. They use the latest tools and techniques to remove smoke and soot from the affected areas.
They also use dehumidifiers to remove any remaining moisture. The professionals also make sure to clean hard surfaces to prevent further smoke damage.
Smoke damage can cause a variety of issues for a property, including warping and staining wood, paint, and plastic. It can also leave dangerous toxins in the air, affecting your furnishings and flooring.
There are three main types of smoke damage: dry smoke, wet smoke, and fuel oil smoke. Dry smoke is caused by low-temperature fires, and creates a thick coating of smoke.
During fire and water damage restoration, smoke damage can affect the interior and exterior of a home or building. While minor smoke damage is easy to remove on your own, the most significant damage will require  professional smoke removal.
Depending on the extent of smoke damage, a smoke damage expert may need to use specialized cleaning agents or reconstruct the building in order to remove the smoke.
Drying out drywall
There are several important steps to take during fire and water damage restoration, but you may be wondering how you can ensure a thorough drying process.
The first step is to ensure that the drywall has not been saturated with water. Once it is completely saturated, it will take more time to dry out. However, if the water has only penetrated a small area, it will take less time.
Once the drywall is dry, you can start the repair process. You will need to clean off any mold from the area and then sand the affected area.
Afterwards, you will need to use a primer or caulk to restore the drywall. To ensure that the restoration process is completed correctly, you will need a professional for the job.
If your drywall is wet, you will need to remove it. While this may take a while, it will allow the air to circulate around the damp walls. You may also want to consider using dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air. These machines can be rented from local hardware stores.
After removing the soaked drywall, you should check the seals. If they are damaged, they could cause catastrophic damage. If you find a cracked or missing seal, remove it and patch it with caulk.
It will take a few days to completely dry out the drywall. If you find that the drywall is not entirely ruined, you can replace it with fresh drywall.
Restoring drywall
Fire and water damage can damage drywall, and the restoration process begins with assessing the damage. While the presence of mold and mildew is a less significant concern, standing water can still damage the drywall, requiring expensive repairs and additional time.
Depending on the size of the damage, the repair process could take a few days or weeks. Before the repairs can begin, the site must be inspected by the fire department.
This may take several days or weeks, depending on your jurisdiction. Drywall that is structurally compromised may need to be removed. However, damaged drywall can usually be salvaged by patching the affected areas.
In addition, damaged seals can cause catastrophic damage to drywall, so you should inspect and repair them if necessary. If any seals are damaged, you may need to cut small holes in the wall and replace them.
After you have assessed the extent of the water damage, a professional like First Southern Restoration should begin the process of restoring the wall. This work will require a thorough drying process. Dehumidifiers and fans can help speed up the process.
Drying drywall requires at least 48 hours of exposure to air. Otherwise, it may start to grow mold. Also, you should have an electrician inspect the electrical system that runs through the damaged area. It may need to be replaced if the damage is too severe or the electrical wiring has been damaged.
Dealing with mold after a fire or water disaster
Before starting the cleanup, it’s important to understand the dangers of mold. Exposure to the mold spores can lead to a number of health complications, including asthma.
To protect you, use an N-95 respirator and wear protective gloves. Never attempt to remove moldy items by hand without wearing protective gear.
It’s important to dry the home as soon as possible to avoid the growth of mold and mildew. Even after 24 hours, mold and mildew can begin to grow and actually flourish, in general (https://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf).
Once they’ve started growing, they’re very difficult to remove. Make sure to remove anything that was in the water immediately and contact your insurance company. If you’re unable to dry the entire home, it’s a good idea to assume you’re dealing with mold.
Even if you’re not a homeowner, mold can affect your health. It starts growing as soon as 24 hours after a fire or water disaster. This type of growth can hide in hard-to-reach places and can last for weeks.
Exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems, allergies and even an infection. For this reason, it’s important to have your home professionally cleaned by a certified mold remediation service provider.
Mold is more likely to grow on wet furniture. Fire-damaged furniture is also prone to mold. Drying the furniture with a fan is essential.
Direct heat and sunlight can damage the furniture. This process must be completed quickly to prevent the growth of mold. Another good option is to use a dehumidifier.
