Fires can cause a whole world of damage. Small or large when fires are put out, it takes a trained eye to inspect and manage both the most obvious and the most subtle of damages. Below we highlight 6 fire damage tips and hazards that many property owners miss and should fix right away before it’s too late.
Let’s get right into it.
Fire Damage Tip #1: Look At Wiring and Electric Damage
Most people know that water and electronics don’t mix. And even if your dishwasher, washing machine, or even your gaming console look as good as new, that might not be the case.
Most electronics have a plastic insulation coating around the wiring to keep it safe. Intense heat can melt that away or cause internal wiring damage.
The plastic on the outside might even look okay, but the wiring inside can be a dangerous mess. Before you plug in your seemingly-okay appliance, take it to an expert for testing.
They can determine whether it is okay or whether you may need to make a few new purchases.
The wiring of your appliances is one thing to consider post-fire, but your home wiring is equally as important. Even in unscathed parts of your home, there’s a genuine risk that fire, heat, and chemicals for putting out that fire caused hidden damage.
The sooner you get a fire damage expert to inspect out your property, the quicker you can enjoy peace of mind.
After all, fire damage can ultimately lead to another fire, and one devastating inferno is enough for most people.
Fire Damage Tip #2: Inspect For Water Pipe Damage
The tricky thing about fire damage is that you don’t always see it all. You will definitely know that you need a new lounge suite, bed, or dining table, but what’s going on behind seemingly fine walls is not all that obvious.
At least not to the average homeowner. Still, it’s crucial not to neglect the parts of your home you can’t see, even if you think they are okay. Intense heat from a fire is more than capable of melting plastic pipes.
Even metal pipes are not averse to the risk, as heat can destroy seals and cause leaks. Leaking pipes can lead to even more damage, not to mention an increased risk of electric damage.
The sooner you hire an expert to check your water pipes, the faster you can get the rest of your property back on track.
Fire Damage Tip #3: Check Your Gas Supply
Equally as crucial as water pipes are gas pipes, and these too, are at risk in the after-effects of a fire. Even if your gas pipes were not directly exposed to flames, that doesn’t mean the fire’s heat didn’t do any damage.
Both plastic and metal pipes are at risk of damage when exposed to excessive temperatures. Metal pipes, in particular, can expand and contract with rapid heating and cooling.
A side effect of this is a potential gas leak. Even if a gas leak didn’t cause another fire, it can have some lethal consequences.
But it’s not just your pipes that are at risk, but boiler systems too. If you have filters or vents that draw in air, then it’s worth checking these for clogs due to smoke damage.
Your home’s venting and pipework can both suffer from fire damage, so consult an expert without delay.
Fire Damage Tip #4: Inspect For Dangerous Particles
It can be strange to think that, even once the fire is out, you’re still at risk. The reality is, the effects of a house or building blaze can linger for some time.
Plastic, painted materials, and even some construction materials can release toxic gases when burned. Particles and gasses can then remain in the air for some time.
If you are going to be entering a property after a fire, make sure you wear the appropriate protective clothing and face protection. Proper ventilation of the property can also lessen the harm.
If you built your property before 1990, then there’s also every reason to believe that it also contains asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that used to be popular in building materials, flooring, roofing, siding, and more.
Eventually, it was found to be a leading cause of certain cancers and conditions such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
When exposed to flames, tiny asbestos fibers can be released into the air.
Once inhaled, these fibers can stick in lung tissue leading to inflammation and, eventually, possible cancer.
Fire Damage Tip #5: Structure And Water Damage
In the same way that fires can cause water and gas pipe damage that you can’t see, it can also cause hidden structural and water damage.
Wood, of course, is particularly prone to fire damage, but brickwork and steel are not protected from it either. Failure to carry out thorough inspections of all structural elements can result in weaknesses, damage, and collapse in the future.
Fires can cause considerable damage, but the means for extinguishing them can, as well. Thousands of gallons can be pumped into a building for putting out a fire, and this can be equally as damaging as the flames.
Make sure you hire experts to check wiring, heating systems, and to look for hidden water pooling, mold, wall structure damage, and water system contamination.
Fire Damage Tip #6: Check HVAC Systems
Heating and air conditioning systems have a pretty important job to do. They keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
But they can become your worst nightmare after even a small fire if you don’t get them checked. Smoke and harmful toxins can build up in ducting and vents.
Once you use them again – weeks or months after a fire – they can distribute those particles and odors throughout your home.
While you’re organizing water damage experts to help you with water damage, ask if they can check out or know people who can check out your heating and cooling systems, too.
More Fire Damage Than You May Have Thought
Fires can have a devastating impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.
But the damage doesn’t end when the last embers burn out. In fact, fire damage can linger long after the firefighters have left.
Take note of these points above, and put yourself in a better position to get your home back on track if the worst should happen.
Where To Find A Fire Damage Restoration Company?
You can always give us a call at 1-833-WE-DRY-IT for more information about fire damage restoration tips and fire damage restoration services. We’re open 24/7/365.
