When there’s fire or flood damage, quick action can make all the difference in the world. A few hours can make the difference between saving valuable possessions or business equipment. A speedy response can even allow you to repair your home or place of business, instead of tearing it down or rebuilding.
When there’s a flood, remediation will start with finding the source of the excess water and closing it off as soon as possible. Once that is done, the existing water can be drained or pumped out. Water will seep into many construction materials, especially wood and drywall, and that moisture will need to be removed as well, so there may be several days of drying or dehumidifying. Some parts of the structure may need to be torn out and replaced if they have taken in too much water — this is part of why a speedy response is so critical.
Damaged furniture and appliances will need to be removed, and if the waters were muddy that mud will need to be cleaned up as well. Carpeting is usually torn out and discarded, although sometimes rugs can be salvaged.
Finally, whoever is doing the remediation will want to inspect for mold, which often grows in the moist environment created by a flood. Sometimes moldy surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized, but if mold grows too deeply into wood or other construction materials they will need to be torn out and replaced — another example of why speed is so important when a structure is flooded.
The process for fire remediation is similar. If the fire was large and severe enough, the remediation process will begin with boarding up any broken windows and tarping over any roof damage. This minimizes the risk of further water damage caused by rain seeping through a damaged roof or open window. Temporary fencing may also be put in place to discourage vandals and thieves.
After that, the structure is inspected for fire damage. Charred portions of the structure are removed and replaced. Some sections of the building may need to be buttressed or supported temporarily while beams or load-bearing walls are repaired or rebuilt.
Those parts of the structure that were not damaged by the fire directly will still probably need a thorough cleaning to remove smoke and soot. Furnishings are also inspected, and those that were undamaged by the flames and still usable can be cleaned.
Depending on the severity of the fire, there may also be water damage from fire suppression systems or water used by firefighters. That water will need to be removed, and water damage dealt with at the same time.
ABH Services has been doing flood and fire remediation in Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire for more than 20 years. We have done remediation for both homes and commercial properties. We have all the know-how to do the job right, and all the tools to get started quickly, saving you money and getting you back to normal as quickly as possible. If you’ve suffered a fire or flooding, don’t wait, call ABH services for a free estimate at 781-941-2422, or check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/abhservices/