We all pray that we’ll never have to go through a tragedy like a fire or a flood at our home or business. Unfortunately, these things happen, firefighters in the United States are called out somewhere every 23 seconds; and researchers estimate nearly 15 million American properties are at immediate risk of flooding. What makes the difference in how a tragedy impacts your life is how successfully you’re able to recover from it. That means you’ll need a fantastic team to reconstruct your property, bringing it as close to its original state as possible.
While some things can be cleaned and restored after an emergency, much of it has to be taken out and rebuilt. Whether a fire or a flood, the structural integrity of the building can be affected, and the situation is not one you should try to take on by yourself.
In some cases, this may serve as an opportunity for you to redesign a space, remove some features, or choose a new color paint. After a fire, some things are going to need attention. Heat from the flames can cause window frames to melt and the glass to warp, so those items will need to be replaced. The heat can also melt PVC and some softer metal pipes, so your plumbing may also need some work. Even things not touched by flames can still have smoke damage.
If the ceiling and roof are damaged by either smoke or water, it should be addressed very carefully. Professionals may have to cut out the affected portion and replace it, or at the very least add in a new coat of plaster and paint. Things like lights, fans, and some devices may have to have new electrical wiring installed or have their wiring checked on to ensure functionality.
After a flood, walls may need to be cut out and reconstructed. The drywall needs to be cut at least six inches above the waterline. Water can weaken the wall, making it unstable or leading to mold growth. Some flooring may be okay, but things like carpet and vinyl most likely need replacing. Hardwood and subfloors need to be tested for moisture. The moisture level determines what type of material you can use to build a new floor. Some epoxy composites and concrete have high breathability to tolerate a bit of a higher moisture content; some polymer flooring would be out of the question with even a hint of moisture.
One of the biggest problems following a flood is the development of mold and mildew. An item doesn’t have to be soaking wet for that to happen. FEMA says mold can develop on a damp surface in as little as 24 hours and spread rapidly, destroying the material it grows on and creating adverse health conditions. If mold has started, the drywall of the affected area needs to be cut out and replaced. That means the insulation has to go, too.
American Veterans Restoration is operated by military veterans, and now we focus on protecting home and business owners through the country. We’re used to keeping calm in a crisis, and we’re thankful that we’re able to use that skill to help our friends and neighbors when they’re going through a tough time.
After a devastating event like a fire or flood, many of your personal items may be damaged. That doesn’t mean they can’t be salvaged, however. A process called content cleaning can help to restore those items, and sometimes leave them in better shape than they were before the incident.
The first step in content cleaning is to assess the damage. That means investigating the area affected by the disaster and creating a list of items that there is hope of saving. Taking photos along the way and storing the items in a specialized container where they won’t suffer further damage or stress is important. These items must be handled carefully by trained professionals who understand how to be delicate through the entire collection process.
From there, the experts form a plan for how to clean each specific piece. There are special methods and distinct chemicals that are most effective on different types of damage. Soft materials and hard ones receive different treatments since dirt, debris, odor, soot, mold, and more is absorbed differently. Much of the work is done by hand to ensure your property is handled with the utmost care. New, highly advanced equipment is a tremendous help, making items more recoverable now than ever before.
In a fire, the smell of smoke can soak into not only fabrics and walls but even things like dishes and wooden tables. The smell is extremely challenging to get out; tossing clothing with a smoky stench in the washer won’t be enough to remove the smell, for instance. Professional equipment like ozone generators can destroy the molecules left behind by the smoke in a way DIY methods simply cannot achieve.
Water damage should be addressed swiftly so that mold doesn’t develop. Since that can happen in under 24 hours, thoroughly drying each item is crucial in the cleanup process. Cleaning isn’t just to remove stains, but also to sanitize. Then, special fans and a drying chamber with high airflow and circulation can pull the water out before mildew has time to develop again. Certain materials may shrink through this process, so the next step is to professionally stretch them back out to their original size without harming the item. Wood, plastic, and metal are the easiest to clean, but other materials may be salvageable.
Once the cleanup process is complete, your items are repackaged and stored in a climate-controlled facility until you’re able to retrieve them. Even that step is handled with care since no one wants their property handled roughly, even in the best conditions.
At American Veterans Restoration, we use the latest and technology to ensure your property gets the best treatment possible. Cutting-edge equipment, combined with our licensed, certified, and insured team of professionals, make sure your home or business is taken care of quickly and efficiently. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures the best experience possible with our company. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t ever give anything less than 100% dedication because nothing matters more to us than your satisfaction. Contact us today and let us help you through an otherwise trying time.
