Dealing with Water Damage after a Fire – What to Do

When fire damage comes to mind, the majority of people picture ash, smoke, and burnt building materials, but there’s much more to it than that. In order for a fire to be extinguished, a home has to suffer a lot of water damage as well. 

Whether it’s from a sprinkler system or fire hoses, the tools used to put the fire out can quickly turn into their own problems. It’s the price a person pays to save their property.

Fortunately, the very same people who provide fire damage restoration services also offer solutions for water damage. They recognize that these issues typically come hand-in-hand, so they have the training and tools to effectively restore damaged property.

Keep reading to learn more about the water damage that occurs after a fire. This guide will help you work through the problem and provide tips for your safety. It will also provide more information on how you can work with a professional restoration company.

How Much Water Damage Occurs While Putting out a Fire?

Depending on the size of the affected area and the number of sprinkler heads, a system can release anywhere from 8-24 gallons of water in just one minute. When a fire hose is used, a home can take on 80-125 gallons of water per minute. Those numbers are astonishing when you add them up over the course of time it takes to actually fight the fire. That amount of water alone is enough to cause serious damage to a home. It’s only compounded when it occurs in conjunction with a fire.

One of the worst things about water damage after a fire is that it is often less obvious. It gets overlooked when there is fire and smoke damage. As a result, it has more time to sneak deep into the cracks and crevices of the house. It saturates the drywall, flooring, and even the framework. Not only does this leave the home at risk for more structural problems, but it can even create a mold hazard.

What Should You Do About Water Damage After a Fire?

The number one thing that a homeowner should do after a fire is make sure that the home is safe. The fire department will assess the home and its damage before they provide homeowners with an update on whether they can enter the property.

Though most people will think to call their home insurance provider first, it’s recommended that homeowners contact a restoration company if they plan to hire one. These professionals can assist with the insurance claims process to make sure there is fair coverage. Therefore, it’s important that a homeowner reach out to a trusted fire and water damage restoration company as soon as possible. 

Safety Tips to Consider

Homes that have any type of structural damage should never be entered, but if the home is cleared to enter, it should still be with caution. Homeowners should never try to use any of their appliances or electronics if they’ve gotten wet. They especially should not attempt to use a vacuum to clean up any wet soot or excess water. However, a sump pump can be used as long as they watch for debris that could cause clogs. 

How a Professional Restoration Company Can Help

In most cases, homeowners can’t attempt to clean up water damage after a fire without professional help. Not only is it an incredibly stressful and traumatic time, but it typically requires tools and techniques that the average person doesn’t have.

Fortunately, there are many fire and water damage restoration companies that offer full-service solutions. In addition to assisting with insurance claims and documentation, they can also provide the following services: 

• 
  Emergency Board-Up
• Smoke Odor and Soot Removal
• Removal and Restoration of Household Contents
• Quick Extraction of Water from Fire Fighting
• Reconstruction of Affected Areas

It’s important to know that every situation is unique, so the professionals will create a custom restoration solution for each home affected by water damage after a fire. Regardless of the circumstances, their goal is to get homeowners back in their homes as soon as possible. 

Learn More About How to Restore Water Damage After a Fire

Are you interested in learning more about how you can hire a team of professionals to assist with water damage after a fire? If so, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact the experts of United Property Restoration Services. You can reach their 24/7 emergency line by calling (781) 412-1076, or you can submit their online form to request a free quote.