How to Prevent Costly Fire Damage Repairs in Slidell

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's certified technicians are ready and available to assist in Slidell with fire damages 24/7.

Slidell SERVPRO Fire Mitigation Techs Restore Damaged Property with 24-Hour Service

Residential structure fires can be an overwhelming experience for any Slidell homeowner. These disasters often leave behind debris and soot, but the damage can spread unpleasant odors and hard-to-remove residues from burnt oils, plastics, and chemicals. Soot can also get trapped in appliances, ventilation ducts, and electrical components, potentially compromising these items and creating even more costly repair considerations over time without fast-acting cleanup.

SERVPRO fire damage restoration professionals in Slidell are trained to remediate smoke and soot residues and fire suppression-related damage. This firm’s dedication to thorough training ensures that properties receive care consistent with their insurance coverage and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.

What Factors Exacerbate Fire Damage Repairs?

While flame-resistant structural materials, like gypsum board, treated plywood, and intumescent paint, can go a long way toward reducing the impact and spread of a fire, these measures themselves do not prevent these disasters from occurring at all. Even with thorough preparation and steps taken to lessen the risk, fires can happen regardless.

• Fire suppression solutions like home extinguishers and kitchen range hood extinguishers can address common sources of residential structure fires.
• Regular HVAC cleaning and maintenance can minimize the amount of material soot can cling to or that flames can burn.
• Having faulty electrical wiring, motors, and other components serviced when defective or failing can greatly minimize ignition risk, especially in attics or any room that uses an exhaust fan.
• If a small kitchen fire breaks out, homeowners are advised to avoid using water to put it out, potentially spreading flames, mainly if oils are involved. Instead, baking soda or salt is often sufficient for smothering these minor flare-ups.

After a fire, Slidell home occupants are encouraged to contact their insurer as soon as possible. Typically, homeowners do not have to wait on an adjuster to inspect the property before calling an IICRC-certified restoration team like SERVPRO.

SERVPRO’s Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup Process for Residential Structures

The key to successful smoke and soot mitigation is the ability to remediate the main factors that exacerbate fire damage, including:

• Unsalvageable debris that can contribute to stains and odors
• Water damage and residues from suppression efforts
• Creosote, soot deposits, and filmy protein soils can all attract dirt and create unpleasant odors
• HVAC fire damage, which can spread soot particles and residues throughout the home without proper treatment
• Charring on structural materials, fixtures, and furnishings, as well as soot on metals that can eventually corrode them

Air movers and dehumidifiers can dry residual moisture. During cleanup, containment procedures like sealing doorways, windows, and ductwork before lowering air pressure prevent soot particles from traveling outside the damaged area.

Manual cleaning with such tools as dry cleaning sponges, alkaline cleaners, and OSHA-approved antimicrobials can remove light to moderate soils. Heavy-duty cleaning and partial odor control are achievable with such tools as soda ash or dry ice blasting, ultrasonic cleaning, and ozone or hydroxyl generators. Thermal fogging provides widespread deodorization with powerful solvents that eliminate smoke odors at the particle level.

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster and respond with 24/7 mitigation services. Homeowners can call SERVPRO of Slidell at (985) 649-1516 to begin the restoration process.