Water and Fire Damage Almost Always Go Together

Last June, a popular restaurant in San Diego was devastated by fire. Although firefighters were able to control the flames quickly, the establishment lost over a million dollars worth of property and possessions to the disaster.

How Fire Damage Happens

In blazes like this, commercial and residential buildings can suffer extensive property damage as well as lingering consequences. Even if the burnt sections are replaced or repaired, soot or scorch marks, and the unpleasant odor of smoke can get left behind. Wood structures can be destroyed completely, while delicate materials like marble and alabaster can be permanently stained by soot or acidic residue.

How Water Damage Occurs Alongside Fires

Aside from the damage brought by flames, the building can also suffer water damage when the fire is being put out. There could be a fire sprinkler system that gets triggered and showers the building at a rate of 20 to 100 gallons per minute (depending on the type or manufacturer). In worse cases, the fire department could hose down the building more powerfully with hundreds of gallons of water. If the water is not cleaned up properly and the damage is not treated effectively, the building components can suffer from staining, dry rot, molds, and other long-term consequences.

When your property suffers from either flooding or fire, or both, call professional water and fire damage restoration specialists in San Diego. The experts can help you figure out which structures can be salvaged and perform the necessary cleanup and repairs.

Fire Damage Tips

One of the most horrifying things that can happen to a home is a fire incident. Seeing your home on fire is really devastating, but we should always prepare in case this kind of emergency happens. When smoke arises, run out of the house or building as soon as possible and call the fire marshals. Keep calm and keep everybody away from the burning establishment. There might be explosions, possibility of collapse and falling debris so it’s important to stay far away until the firefighters declare fire-out.

After the fire, the very first thing you should do is to ask permission from the marshals before safely re-entering the house. You might save some important things like appliances, photographs and furniture that are totally destroyed. DIY efforts to preserve the damaged facilities should never be risked. It may cause a waste of your effort and probably result in further damage. Call the experts and seek advice.

What to Do after the Fire

I know that having your home burnt is disheartening. You’ve lost everything that you invested through the years. Always be composed and keep in mind that you can rebuild. As soon as fire-out has been declared, make sure to be aware of these safety reminders upon re-entering your house.

• Save materials that are still reusable
• Discard foods and drinks from the kitchen
• Do not retrieve canned goods that were exposed to too much heat
• Stay away from electrical wires and appliances
• Make sure that the home’s general switch is turned off
• If the appliances such as oven and fridge are not massively destroyed, let experts check them first before they’re put to use
• Use detergent soaps to clean smoke and soot from walls
• Avoid parts of home that may collapse
• Call immediate help from the experts

Proper and Immediate Expert Response

Why is it important to call immediate response? Fire may not be the only reason for your home’s destruction. The water used to put the fire out can also cause damage to your home’s foundation. That’s why it is necessary to call for professional help as soon as possible. Neglecting to do so may lead to further damage if not given proper action and can also infer to more expensive cost of restoration.

Whenever you need fire water damage restoration and fire damage professionals, contact EcoPure Restoration. We will respond to your call 24/7. http://www.ecopurerestoration.com/

Under and Out: Restoring a Flooded Basement

Of the many spaces in a home, basements are the most vulnerable to floods and water damage issues. This is because they are located below ground level, where water can flow into and pool. Whether the flood was caused by heavy rainfall or due to a busted pipeline, basements need to be properly cleaned and restored before they develop even more problems. Professional help is highly recommended so that the cleaning job becomes easier, safer, and faster.

The first step in any attempt to restore a home that has been flooded in is to turn off the power and any gas valves; this is to avoid fatal shock hazards and dangerous explosion risks. Next, homeowners should carefully assess their properties to ensure that the water has subsided to safe enough levels. It is too dangerous to venture inside a basement that has been completely filled in with water, so it is best to wait until it subsides.

Fighting Fungi: The Mold Remediation Process

Mold that grows indoors often starts small, but it does not take long for the fungi to spread and grow. Patches of mold proliferate by releasing spores into the air, which then latch on to moist surfaces and begin growing. The spores mold releases have a telltale musty scent, and when inhaled by people can cause nasty health effects such as nasal congestion, eye irritation, difficult breathing, coughing, headaches, and even death. Because of this, homeowners are advised to have their homes thoroughly cleaned the moment they suspect that their residences harbor mold growth.

Effects of Water Damage on Your Home and Health

Water damage has been an ongoing concern for most homes that are prone to natural disasters. This is inevitable and it causes a lot of expense and damage to a home. But, water damage can also result from a lot of other reasons such as faulty sewers, broken windows, roof damage, leaking pipes, and failed door installations. Water damage shouldn’t be taken for granted. As a responsible homeowner, you should find ways to counteract its effects before things get worse in your household.

Water damage stains furniture, carpet, and other paper goods.

Within minutes, the flood caused by water damage can put a good furniture to waste. It can ruin a photograph of a great moment, a treasured heirloom, or a cherished and valued antique piece. Within hours, it can warp the furniture and finish building materials, tarnish once flawless metal surfaces, and unbelievable as it seems, it already produces unusual household odors.

Water damage causes serious structural problems and compromises health

Just within days, water damage can cause mold and fungi growth inside your home. These harmful substances can even grow and develop inside pianos and other household furniture. Metal surfaces also can begin to rust. Mold growth leads to destruction of door and window casings, wood deckings, and wet drywalls. If taken for granted, the home’s foundation and pillars become weaker and more prone to further damage. Mold growth also triggers asthma and other health conditions. Your family members’ immune system is compromised when indoor air quality is low.

Don’t wait before it’s too late to do something about water damage. We are here to help you. Our people are experts in water damage restoration. Do something now to protect your most priced investment and your most valued family. EcoPure Restoration is always to the rescue.

Tips for Speeding Up Flood Restoration

After a flood, it’s only natural for you to want to have your home and other belongings restored as quickly as possible. For the best results, you’ll want to call a flood restoration company as soon as possible since flood damage only gets worse the longer your belongings are exposed to floodwater. Similarly, you can do your part to speed up the flood restoration process by following these quick tips:

Shut Off Electrical Power

Water is one of the best conductors of electricity, and the last thing you want to happen is anyone being electrocuted. If you were given advance warning of a flood, you may want to turn off the electricity before the flood affects your home.

San Diego Fire Damage: Fire Prevention Tips to Protect Your Property

"A fire, believed to have started in the back kitchen of Chris’ Ono Grinds Island Grill on Mission Gorge Place (near Alvarado Canyon Road), took 60 San Diego firefighters about 30 minutes to put out. The effort even required assistance from Heartland Fire crews. The firefighters had to cut through a side garage door to get to the flames, which were jumping 10 to 15 feet from the roof. The fire dealt more than $500,000 in damage. Preventing fire damage in San Diego When a fire occurs, there’s not always much you can do. Thus, it’s important for you to keep in mind that if a fire hits your home or business, proper care can help reduce the amount of money that you’ll need to shell out for restoration."
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