No matter how well you prepare for life’s unexpected circumstances, things won’t always go according to plan. One of the most devastating incidents can be a house fire.
If your home has been the victim of a fire, you will want to act quickly to limit the damage and salvage as much as possible. That’s where smoke remediation comes in to clean up the home.
Smoke remediation is the process of removing soot, ash, and any smoke residue in your home. It can help eliminate odor and purify the air, making the house safe for your family again.
Here, we’ll explain the details of smoke remediation, including how much the process should cost.
How Much Does Smoke Remediation Cost?
It’s hard to put a single price tag on smoke remediation because each situation is unique. The cost will correlate with the extent of the damage and the repairs needed. Typically, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $12,000 on smoke remediation services.
How to Remove Smoke: A Basic Guide
Here’s a basic guide to removing smoke from your home to give you an idea of what’ll happen during smoke remediation.
First, Logistics
While it may be tempting to race into your home after the threat of fire has dissipated to save belongings, you must wait for the relevant authorities to give the go-ahead. Fire can be deceiving, so it’s always better to trust the safety guidance of professionals.
Next, you’ll want to contact your insurance company. While this can be an arduous process, it’s best to start a report immediately and arrange for an assessor to visit your property. A claim will ensure you get as much financial support as possible in the aftermath.
Remove Smoke-Damaged Belongings
Once you have clearance to reenter your home, it’s time to remove any smoke-damaged belongings, such as appliances, furniture, bedding, and clothing. You’ll need to do this before any significant structural remediation can begin.
You’ll have to decide which items you can salvage and what you must toss. It can be a tough call, given that lots of household items hold financial or sentimental value. Evaluate belongings by considering replacement vs. restoration cost, the extent of damage, and loss of value.
As cooking causes the majority of residential fires, it’s likely that a lot of damaged kitchen items will need evaluating.
Clean Up
After removing household belongings, it’s time to start cleaning. There are slightly different approaches to tackling exterior and interior damage, and where you’ll need to start will depend on the type of fire. Here are some of the basics you’ll need to know.
External
The most significant point to remember when cleaning up after a fire is that you do not want to reintroduce any of the ash, soot, or nasty residue back into the environment. That means that blowing ash off of your property with a leaf blower or rinsing it into storm drains is a major mistake. Instead, you want to collect as much residue as possible in garbage bags for proper waste disposal.
If the outside of your home is damaged, start at the top and work down. Sweep ash from the roof into piles and use a small broom or shovel to clean out gutters.
To clean the sides of your house, windows, and driveway, use a hose or pressure washer when necessary. Just be careful not to disperse any of the residues into plant life or storm drains.
Internal
Indoors, the first thing you want to do is ensure air quality is safe. Have your HVAC system checked and cleaned by professionals and change all unit filters.
Then, start by cleaning up the ash. Carefully sweep and dust ash off of surfaces and furniture. For textured surfaces, like sofas or beds, do your best to sweep up ash and then use a damp cloth to remove any residue. Do not use a regular vacuum, as this can propel harmful ash back into the air.
To tackle soot, use mild soap and water or a solution of bleach diluted in water. Wearing gloves and protective equipment, wipe the walls and surfaces with the mixture. Work in small areas at a time and rinse frequently.
Odor removal is tricky, but you can start by laundering all clothing and bedding. Take more oversized items to the dry cleaners and deep clean carpets.
Repair
Finally, it’s time for repairs. You’ll need to repair any damage to appliances and structures, including drywall, insulation, ventilation, and more. Here, you’ll need the help of skilled pros.
You should never reconnect utilities on your own, as this can be highly hazardous. Always wait for clearance from local authorities or professionals.
Why Should You Contact Professionals for Smoke Remediation?
Some problems are hard to tackle on your own. When it comes to smoke remediation, there are various reasons to call in professionals.
Professional Equipment
There is only so much you can do with household cleaning supplies when it comes to smoke remediation. When you call in a company of skilled professionals, they will bring in top-notch equipment that can get the job done effectively.
Expert assistance can save you time and reduce frustration. You can focus on getting your life back on track while the pros do the dirty work.
Health and Safety
It can be hazardous to the health of your family to clean up smoke damage on your own. Plus, it can be dangerous to enter an unstable property damaged by fire. When you choose to remediate yourself, you’re taking your life into your own hands.
The pros have high-grade protective equipment and know-how to safely assess your house’s structural integrity so that you don’t have to put yourself or your family at risk.
Speedy Response
Clean-up can take forever when you’re doing it alone. A professional crew has years of experience handling smoke remediation, allowing them to work quickly and get you and your family back to everyday life as fast as possible.
Conclusion
The pros at IDC Fire and Water Restoration are here to help. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, our family-owned company has the tools and knowledge to tackle smoke damage in your home and get your life back on track.
