Smoke and Fire Damage Inspections

A house fire is a traumatic experience, and it can cause more damage than what you can initially spot. You must also consider the smoke and soot contamination beyond the physical fire damage. You should always call a professional restoration company after a house fire. You will need a full fire damage inspection of the entire home or you risk hidden damage and airborne contamination. ServiceMaster Retore® of Kalispell, Missoula, and Billings provides full inspections and emergency restoration services.

Fire Damage Inspection

There is usually hidden damage and contamination after a fire. Your home’s structural integrity is also likely compromised due to the intense heat. Just entering the property is hazardous, so wait for professional assistance. Listed below are important steps taken in a fire damage inspection:

1. Roofing – The heat from the fire has probably weakened the roof structure. The entire roof is destabilized and likely to collapse without immediate repairs. An expert should check the roofing underlayment and supports for water and fire damage once the fire is out.
2. Siding – Siding is designed to provide more than just aesthetic appeal to your home. It also protects the building from bad weather, pests, and intruders. After a fire, the siding may have cracked from the heat. Then, mold can develop underneath the material.
3. Framing – The interior walls and framing will probably bear the brunt of the fire damage. Your restoration team should examine the framing for signs of mold or destabilization from the fire.
4. Plumbing – Your plumbing system, including pipes and fixtures, will incur some damage from the fire. These systems must be closely examined for signs of bursting and thoroughly cleaned.

Prolonged Smoke Damage

Do not stop at evaluating the flames’ destruction. Also consider the smoke damage and contamination. A thorough inspection will uncover the true extent of the fire damage.

Prolonged smoke damage is not immediately evident. Ash and soot remain hidden within the walls, floors, air ducts, and furniture.

Odor is also a large factor. Smoke smells become trapped in hidden locations throughout the house. The smoke residue can lead to respiratory illness if not caught early.

Schedule a thorough fire damage inspection and fire and smoke damage restoration services immediately following a fire. At ServiceMaster Restore®, our technicians are more than talented professionals; we are caring people ready to get you back in your home as quickly as possible, while keeping you informed every step of the way.