The Importance of Smoke Damage Restoration in Sacramento

No one expected the fire that started suddenly in a home in Haywood Street, which quickly spread to two other adjacent homes in the 3700 block. Thanks to the quick response of the Sacramento Fire Department as well as the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, whose dispatches arrived five minutes after the alert was made, the fires where controlled within a matter of 45 minutes preventing further spread to other homes in the vicinity.

There were some injuries however, involving an elderly woman who suffered minor feet burns and some incidence of smoke inhalation. While doing their jobs, a Sacramento firefighter also had a minor injury, trying to protect the residents from the raging fire.

Such are the dangers of a Sacramento fire, but the problems do not end there. After the fires have been effectively extinguished and the smoke has all cleared, the houses directly affected by the fire, as well as the other adjacent homes, would now have to deal with smoke damage. Too distraught to act on anything else, the affected homeowners' only course of action is to call up their insurance companies. The idea of putting up a glass board up to temporarily cover damaged windows would not even cross their minds as they try to pick up bits and pieces here and there that were not touched by the fire.

It is during these scenarios that homeowners should be knowledgeable of what to do and what action plan to take to start a fire and smoke damage restoration program for their damaged homes. Delaying such actions would only cause further and probably irreparable damage that would cost him more in the long run.

Post-Fire Problems and Smoke Damage

A fire is a very unfortunate event, however the destruction caused by the fire itself is not the only problem that homeowners have to face and deal with. Smoke and soot residues can cause additional problems in the home resulting to further smoke damage. In a few minutes after the fire, plastic surfaces and even those made of marble and stone will begin to stain and would be very difficult to remove.

Other surfaces in the home which includes metals, grout, furniture, appliances and even fiberglass eventually tarnishes and results in noticeable stain in just a few hours after exposure. If left unattended after a few more days, the stains become permanent and would be beyond restoration.

On top of that, the distinctively foul odor that emanates from smoke damage would permeate through fabrics, drywalls, insulation materials and in every nicks and crevices in the home. For security reasons, a glass board up is placed on damaged windows and this would trap the odor in. Unless quick and proper smoke damage restoration measures are done, there will be no more items or sections let that would be worth restoring.  

Considerations for Smoke Damage Restoration

Safety is the first and most important consideration that affected homeowners should put emphasis on. As much as possible, homeowners should avoid entering the affected area on their own to avoid possible injury and even potential health and structural hazards.

The best action to take in such situations would be to work with your insurance companies and identify a fire and smoke damage mitigation and restoration company. These professionals are equipped and trained to handle fire and smoke damage including the need for glass board up or tarp over services, which are necessary preliminary activities to ensure the safety and security of the property.

As a homeowner, it would be wise to know the importance of undergoing smoke damage restoration at the earliest possible time, ideally between 48 to 72 hours after exposure to fire, smoke and water damage. Molds may begin to infest affected areas due to the dampness and moisture brought about by the water that was used to extinguish the fire. Knowing and implementing such courses of action would avoid further damage to the property and minimize the monetary loss on the part of the homeowner.