Getting Started While Waiting On Layton Utah Fire Damage Cleanup Services

Knowing what to do after a fire can make all of the difference between a speedy recovery and expensive endeavor. You obviously do not want to enter the home if it is structurally unsound because of the fire damage. This usually depends on the extent of the fire damage and the area of the home that was burned. If you are unsure, then you can have a professional take a look at the house and let you know if it is safe to reenter.
 
Getting Started Yourself.
 
You'll want to work with a Layton Utah fire damage cleanup company to ensure the home is restored to its proper working order. However, there are some minor restoration jobs you can take on yourself to help reduce the chances of permanent damage to the home.
 
It's important to get a start on the cleaning process as soon as you've made sure the home is structurally safe to reenter. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to restore the home to its previous condition. Let's take a look at how damage progresses over the course of time.
 
The Progression Of Damage.
 
The immediate damage from the fire and smoke can be devastating, but it's much easier to restore at this point than it will be days or weeks down the line. Seriously burned objects and materials will need to be removed and replaced entirely. Soot residue will cover much of the home near where the fire occurred.
 
Appliances and porous materials will have likely taken noticeable damage from the soot, which causes discoloration.  At this point, cleaning the home will be difficult, but not impossible.
 
The damage continues to become progressively worse during the following hours. The initial discolorations will become much deeper stains. Serious stains can appear on counter tops, appliances, and the furniture as well. Ideally, you will have contacted a Layton Utah fire damage cleanup company and started your own personal cleanup process by this point.
 
After a few days, the stains will become much harder to remove. The previous discolorations and stains will become nearly permanent. Furniture and floor finishing may become so stained that it must be removed instead of cleaned.
 
Ignoring the cleanup beyond this point can be catastrophic. The price of cleaning will rise significantly because many items will need to be completely replaced instead of simply cleaned. Various household items can actually begin to corrode from smoke and soot damage.
 
As you can see, damage worsens very quickly. That is why it is ideal to react immediately. You should contact a cleanup company right away. You can then begin your own cleanup process or wait for the professionals.
 
Pre-Restoration Cleaning.
 
It's entirely possible to get a great deal of cleaning done yourself in a timely fashion if you follow the methods provided below. This is no substitution for calling a professional cleanup service, but it's a great way to get started and to ensure some of your household items don't take permanent damage.
 
The first step is to make sure you are properly protected. It's still possible to harm yourself from smoke and soot damage even after the fire is done. You should wear thick clothes, protective gloves, and a face mask to keep from inhaling harmful debris and chemicals left over by the fire.
 
Next, you need to properly ventilate the home. Cleaning can stir up a lot of debris, which you want to promptly exit the home through open doors and windows. Open all doors and windows in the home and then turn on fans if possible. Avoid messing with windows that have been broken or damaged by the fire.
 
The cleaning process can be time-consuming, but it's possible to get the most severe cleaning jobs done within the first day. The goal is to clean everything you possibly can that might sustain permanent damage such as walls, ceilings, doors, appliances, and fixtures. If there is fire damage outside, then you can use the hose or a pressure washer.
 
Utilizing Layton Utah Fire Damage Cleanup.
 
The real cleaning will begin once the professional cleanup crew arrives. They will first assess the house to understand the full extent of the fire damage. They will then create a unique cleanup bland based on their initial inspection.
 
Seriously damaged windows and any holes will be boarded close. This is in the interest of security. Damaged roofs will be covered with a tarp to keep out water and unwanted weather.
 
If there is any water in the property, then it must be removed first before the cleanup can officially begin. Dehumidifiers and industrial pumps will be used to move water outside the home and dry the house. Once the house is dry they can begin removing all signs of smoke and soot damage.
 
Soot damage is removed from the surface wherever possible. Some items may need to be removed and replaced because the damage is too extensive. This is more likely to occur if you waited too long before contacting the cleanup services.
 
Getting back to a normal life after a fire can be tough. Working with a professional fire cleanup company helps make that process easier and faster.