What are the hidden damages of a fire loss?

1/4/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Atlanta Buckhead serves all local areas throughout Atlanta, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs and more.

Smoke & Soot Damage

There’s more to fire damage than meets the eye. In addition to the visible destruction caused by flames, fire can also cause hidden damages that can be hard to detect. The two main culprits of these hidden damages are smoke and soot damage, and water damage. Understanding these additional impacts on your property, and how to take care of them, can help ensure that you are reimbursed appropriately for your insurance claim.

One of the primary hidden damages of a fire loss is smoke and soot damage. Smoke and soot can cause a variety of issues, including:

• An unpleasant odor that can linger in the air and on surfaces
• Stained fabric and upholstery
• Discoloration of paint
• Rust, pitting, and corrosion of metal objects such as piping and jewelry
• Damage to flooring

It is important to address smoke and soot damage as soon as possible, as it can have long-term effects on both your health and your property. Inhaling or coming into contact with smoke and soot can cause respiratory issues, including bronchitis and asthma, and can even lead to more serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack, and cancer. Smoke and soot can also linger on surfaces and inside electronics and appliances, making it difficult to remove and contributing to further property and contents damage. To properly address smoke and soot damage, it is best to hire a professional cleaning and fire damage restoration service like SERVPRO of North Atlanta/ Buckhead.

Water Damage After a Fire

Water damage is another common hidden damage that can occur as a result of a fire. While firefighters may use large amounts of water to extinguish the flames, this can also result in significant water damage to your property. Water damage can cause structural issues, damage to electronic devices and appliances, and harm to furniture and important documents. If left unaddressed, water damage can also lead to the growth of mold, which releases spores into the air. To properly address water damage, it is best to hire a professional emergency restoration service. Most homeowners insurance policies will cover the cost of remedying mold when it is the result of a covered cause of loss.

If you have experienced a fire loss, it is important to have someone on your side to help you navigate the insurance claims process. An experienced fire damage restoration team like SERVPRO of North Atlanta/ Buckhead can make sure your home or business is fully restored properly while following your insurance company's processes to ensure nothing is left behind.

What are the next steps to take after experiencing a fire loss?

If you have experienced a fire loss, there are several steps you should take to ensure that you are properly compensated by your insurance company. These include:

• Documenting the damages: Take photos and make a list of all the damages to your property, including any hidden damages.
• Contacting your insurance company: Report the fire loss to your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Seeking professional help: Hire a professional fire damage restoration service to address smoke and soot damage and an emergency restoration service to address water damage.
• Considering hiring a public adjuster: A public adjuster can help you navigate the insurance claims process and ensure that you receive the maximum settlement for your claim.

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire loss can be overwhelming, but understanding the full extent of the damages and taking the necessary steps can ensure a complete fire damage restoration in your home or business.

Thankfully, our SERVPRO of North Atlanta/ Buckhead team is here to help. No matter how severe your fire damage may be, our experienced crew of restoration technicians uses cutting-edge techniques and equipment to restore fire damage "Like it never even happened." So whether your fire damage occurred in Atlanta, Buckhead, Brookhaven, or Sandy Springs, call our team today!