Serving San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and the Santa Rosa area
When a fire impacts your property, the aftermath can be overwhelming. At Fire & Water Damage Recovery, we specialize in comprehensive fire damage restoration services to help you rebuild and recover quickly.
At Fire & Water Damage Recovery, we stand by the quality of our work. We guarantee full satisfaction with our fire and smoke damage restoration services, as we do for all our offerings. From the initial cleanup to the final restoration, our team is committed to exceeding your expectations. Your peace of mind and trust in our expertise are our top priorities.
After a fire, the damage to your property can take many forms, each requiring specialized care to address. Understanding the common types of fire damage can help you prepare for the restoration process and ensure your property is restored effectively.
Lingering smoke can stain walls, ceilings, and furniture while leaving behind strong odors that require professional removal techniques. Oils, abrasive particles and chemicals will be spread throughout the entire structure including concealed spaces and pours in materials and fabrics. Kitchen fires that burn proteins leave oils and odors that require very particular processes to remove These odor and oils molecules spread throughout the entire building . Wildfire smoke and soot will leave residue and abrasive particles on all exposed surfaces (roofs, siding, trim etc.). Smoke and particles will also be drawn into HVAC make-up air and through open windows, roof and crawlspace vents, and doors.
Soot residues can coat surfaces, causing discoloration, corrosion, chemical reaction and damage to finishes, furniture, electronics, artwork and other sensitive items. This can also be harmful to those with breathing or allergy concerns.
Intense heat can warp or melt materials, weaken structural components, and damage personal belongings. Often the changes aren’t immediately visible, but the proper function and integrity of each item needs to be evaluated.
Water used to extinguish the fire often leads to secondary issues, including mold growth, which require specialized cleanup. Fire Sprinkler water is usually very dirty and unsafe. Water from fire hoses that are sprayed on a structure will flow through attics, concealed spaces and other cavities that often contain contaminates and this water is not considered clean. Chemical fire suppression is also considered a contaminate and needs to be addressed as such.
When your home suffers from fire damage or is affected by wildfire, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The good news is that homeowner’s insurance typically covers damage caused by fire, including structural damage, contents loss, and even additional living expenses if you need to temporarily relocate. However, coverage can vary significantly based on your policy, and certain conditions may apply.
We have well over 20 years of experience working directly with insurance companies. We work very closely with insurance adjusters from start to finish, taking care to thoroughly document the job with photos, videos, reports, samples and any other documentation deemed necessary to expedite the insurance claims process.
At Fire & Water Damage Recovery, we understand that dealing with fire damage can be overwhelming. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, making the restoration process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are some essential tips to help you manage fire damage until our experts arrive.
Do not engage with a “Fire Chaser”. These are predatory salespeople who will monitor fire band radios and show up at your home to pressure you into signing contracts while under duress. Contact your Insurance Adjuster. Contact one or more reputable Fire Damage Recovery firms to consult before you choose a service provider. The Insurance Company is not allowed to tell you which contractor you should use. This would be a conflict of interest, and those contractors may not have you, the policy holders, best interests as a priority.
Prioritize safety above all. If the fire department hasn’t already cleared the scene, do not re-enter the property. Ensure everyone in your household is safe and evacuated immediately if necessary. Be cautious about smoke inhalation and wear a mask if available. If the building’s structural integrity is compromised, avoid entering it to prevent further injury.
F&WDR will coordinate with the Incident Commander to proceed with board up as soon as the scene has been “cleared”.
As soon as you’re able, contact your insurance provider to report the fire damage. Provide them with a detailed description of the situation and ask about your policy coverage for fire damage. Take comprehensive photos of the damaged areas and items, including structural damage, soot, and water damage from firefighting efforts. These will be essential for your claim.
If it’s safe to do so, remove undamaged items from the affected areas to prevent further damage. Intense or long fire exposure can weaken structures and destabilize materials. If there is a risk of falling debris or an unstable floor or ceiling do not enter the area. Smoke and water damage can worsen over time, so moving items to a clean, dry space can help minimize losses. Use clean, dry cloth to gently blot soot from walls, ceilings, and surfaces if you can do so without risking injury. Be mindful of electrical hazards and avoid plugging in electrical appliances until they have been checked by a professional. If you have health concerns, respiratory issues, allergies etc. you should refrain from unnecessary exposure.
Open windows and use fans to improve ventilation and reduce smoke odors. Proper ventilation can also help in drying out wet areas that resulted from firefighting efforts. If the fire causes damage to the roof or windows, use caution when opening them and consider boarding them up temporarily to prevent further exposure to the elements. Do not draw contaminated air into the affected area and do not discharge smoke and soot contaminated areas into otherwise unaffected areas.
F&WDR can provide protection for windows, doors, or the roof that have been damaged. We can secure the property to prevent unauthorized entry and protect it from further weather damage. Covering broken windows with boards or heavy-duty plastic sheeting to prevent animals, rain, or vandals from causing more harm. This will also help to keep the property safe during the recovery process. The installation of a temporary fence, temporary power, and lighting, temporary toilet of other essentials are available as needed.
At Fire & Water Damage Recovery, we’re dedicated to making the restoration process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, providing expert care and exceptional results. Reach out now!
Don’t wait for disaster to strike—take proactive steps today. Schedule a restoration plan with F&WDR now and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for anything that comes your way. Trust our experts to protect your property when it matters most.
F&WDR is a family-owned and operated local company with four locations to insure a quicker response and better service to San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Santa Rosa.