Understanding fire damage
During a fire, smoke is driven by heat created by flames. No matter where the fire originates, smoke may penetrate throughout a building structure. Smoke also combines with humidity and can form corrosive residues that may cause secondary damage.
Long after the fire is put out, the damage can continue, as remaining free-floating smoke settles on horizontal surfaces and contents.
Fire does burn, but residual smoke may burn as well. This is sometimes called etching, pitting or chemical burning. Quick response and action are critical. the more time that elapses before treatment, the greater the damage.
ServiceMaster Clean is a highly reputable, licensed, insured and endorsed provider of fire and smoke restoration services. In addition to our years of experience, our uniformed restoration technicians have completed advanced training in fire mitigation, restoration systems, and corrosion control. We also require continuing education to learn about new techniques and equipment to better serve you in your time of need.
It is our goal to restore your property as quickly and efficiently as possible. Depending on the source, nature and size of the fire, the cleaning and restoration may require several phases before completion.
Restore versus Replace Decisions
We work to restore all property to a pre-loss condition when possible. Some items cannot be restored. Others could cost more to restore than their actual value. We will advise you and your insurance claim representative, and explain the limits of what we as professional restorers can do.
We have identified the type of fire and smoke problem and the scope of the damage. Our assessment includes a thorough visual inspection with photo documentation to determine the extent of the damage, enabling us to form the most effective plan for returning your property to pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. To ensure proper claims investigation, the area where the fire started must be secured and undisturbed until released for cleaning by your insurance representative.
Our Services
We understand that experiencing a fire is difficult. This is most likely your first fire-related loss. However, we have helped people through this process countless times. Years of experience have led us to advanced scientific methods, techniques and products for restoring buildings and personal property. We suggest that you do not attempt any "do-it-yourself" cleaning methods without consulting your ServiceMaster Clean restoration technician. This could actually make the damage worse. Touching surfaces covered in soot can permanently set the soot. Please consider that there are complex chemical reactions and hidden damage that are best restored with specific products, equipment and expert methods. Returning your property back to pre-loss condition and helping families and businesses is what we do.
Emergency Services
Among our first services are:
- Board up or cover with tarp to secure property or protect it from the elements
- Inspect furnace or air conditioner unit; replace furnace filter, cover supply and return air vents to prevent corss contamination of smoke and odor into other areas; clean and deodorize duct work.
- Turn off electrical power to address safety issues.
- Restore electical power to use lighting and restoration equipment.
- Remove debris to clear a way for complete restoration and provide for worker and occupant safety
- Perform emergency water damage mitigation
- Perform emergency corrosion mitigation
- Empty refigerators or freezers
- Begin initial odor control measures Arrange for emergency laundry/cleaning for several changes of clothes for immediate use
Odor Control Services
Removal of severe odors from fire and smoke damage requires a variety of professional products, systems and speciality equipment. Often multiple treatments are necessary during the restoration process. We have the capabilities to remove a wide range of odors.
- Air Scrubbers: Smoke and odor particles continue to be airborne many days after the fire has stopped. Air scrubbers use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration to remove these particles from the air, enhancing the efficiency of cleaning and clearing the air for safe breathing. Please do not move or turn off this equipment.
- Thermal Fogging: This process neutralizes odor, using a strong deodorizer that penetrates everywhere the smoke traveled and will require the removal of pets, plants and human occupants for a short period of time.
- Ozone: Ozone is an oxidizing agent produced by a portable ozone generator. This process will require the removal of pets, plants and human occupants for a short period of time.
Restoration Services
- Laundry/dry cleaning: Because fire damage requires a special form of dry cleaning, this service will be performed by a restoration dry cleaner and includes accurate inventory control and documentation of clothing and textiles, including bedding, window treatments, etc.
- Carpet and furniture cleaning: Includes inspection, pre-testing, professional cleaning and deodorization, speed drying and covering to protect during structural restoration. May include re-application of stain protection.
- Structural restoration: Structural restoration includes cleaning of ceiling and walls, as well as cleaning, polishing and deodorizing woodwork.
- Closets, attics, cabinets and drawers: These areas are sources of trapped smoke odor and require thorough cleaning, deodorization and airing out.
- Hard surface floor cleaning: Includes inspection and cleaning of marble, stone, tile, wood, laminate and other flooring. Floors will then be covered for protection during structural restoration.
- Separate items: We will work with you and your insurance claim representative in the decision making process on items we cannot clean or restore.
Hard and Soft Contents Restoration
We have advanced products and systems for restoring different smoke damaged contents, whether furniture and upholstery, knick-knacks, or other belongings.
- Handwashing
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Furniture and upholstery cleaning
- Packout / Moving services
Frequently Asked Questions
After a fire or smoke emergency, how long will the restoration take?
Can I clean it myself?
What are some safety concerns?
Can I turn on my heating and air conditioning unit?
What items do I keep in my possession?
How do I keep track of non-restorable items?
Do I need to move out of my property during this process?
Will I need a general contractor?
Do my belongings need to be moved away from the premises?
Will I have access to my belongings while they are in storage?
What about special items? Artwork, china, heirlooms, etc.
Who is responsible for paying for the service?
Call 906-774-5100 or send us an Email for more information or to make an appointment.