A fire in your home can be very costly to deal with. After firefighters put out the blaze, you may expect to see a wet mess standing in what used to be your house. Hundreds of gallons of water may have been used to extinguish the flames, and that much water is bound to cause problems in your home.
To help you prepare for such a situation, here are the most common effects of water damage you may expect after a fire.
7 Water Damage Repairs to Expect After a Fire
You will have a lot to think about after losing your home to a fire. However, it is best to prepare yourself for what to expect after a fire. That way, you can anticipate and plan the next steps of what you need to do.
1 – Cleaning Up
There will be a lot of water in the nooks and crannies of your home after a fire is extinguished. Even after cleaning a particular area, there may still be some water left over. You may find yourself cleaning the same place over and over again.
2 – Mold
There may be mold developing in areas that remain damp after the fire is put out. It is essential to inspect all the possible locations that may be infested with mold and clean them thoroughly to stop the spread. The cleaning, drying, and disinfecting of the home should not be overlooked. If even a small amount of mold is left unremoved, it will grow and affect other parts of the house.
3 – Damaged Wood
Water damage may have taken its toll on the wooden parts of the house. The fire may not have destroyed these wooden planks, but they may be damaged by the water used to extinguish the fire. If you plan to rebuild parts of your home, it is good to inspect all the wood and separate what is salvageable from what is damaged beyond repair.
4 – Damage To The Ceiling And Drywall
The same goes for the drywall and ceilings of your home. If water has damaged your ceiling severely, there is a chance that it may fall on people standing below it. Checking the extent of the damage on the ceiling is paramount for the safety of all the people working to restore the home.
5 – Seals
The seals around the appliances mounted on walls and the fixtures in the house may also come loose because of the effects of the water. As you repair these areas, it is good to make sure that you make sure the seals are no longer loose and can support the weight of the objects they are supporting.
6 – Electrical Equipment
The appliances, electrical equipment, and wiring are among the most likely parts of the home to be damaged by water after a fire. Take caution while checking these, as there may still be current flowing through the wires, making them extremely dangerous to handle with wet hands.
7 – Carpet Damage
The carpets in the home may also suffer damage because of the water. However, there may still be a chance to salvage them as long as they were not burned and not dry-clean-only.
Conclusion
As the home restoration is being done, keep in mind that drying the home is the first and most crucial step that should not be overlooked. Once the house is dry, it is vital to use dehumidifiers to minimize mold buildup and ensure that all the salvageable materials and parts of the home can be saved.
Yellow Restoration provides 24/7 water damage restoration services in Brooklyn. If your home has been affected by damage, call us! We will be happy to help you restore your home and make it beautiful once more.