What Does a Fire Restoration Company Do?

A fire in your home or property can be scary. The heat, smoke, and water from firefighters can hurt your house. After a fire, many people ask, “What does a fire restoration company do?” These companies help make your home safe again. They use expert tools and training to fix fire damage and other problems.

In this guide, you will learn what a fire restoration company does step by step.

roof of house damage by fire

What Happens After a Fire

When a firefighter puts out a fire, your home may still have problems. There can be water damage, smoke damage, and soot all over. Moisture from the water can lead to mold. Sometimes there are leaks in the plumbing or damage to the roof, floor, ceiling, or basement.

A fire damage restoration team comes in to check for structural damage, hazards, and hidden risks.

Step 1: Emergency Service

A fire restoration company offers emergency service. They come fast, day or night, to keep your property safe. They know how much stress you feel after a disaster like a wildfire or storm.

Step 2: Inspection and Planning

The restoration team does an inspection of your house. They look at the fire damage, smoke, soot, debris, and water damage fire. They check the attic, basement, duct, drywall, furniture, carpet, upholstery, and even your clothing and textile items.

They use special equipment like HEPA filters and vacuum machines to test indoor air quality. They make a plan for the fire restoration process.

Step 3: Water Removal

Many people forget that a fire department uses a lot of water to stop flames. That water can cause damage. The restoration professionals use pumps and water extraction machines to remove extra water. This step helps prevent water damage and stops mold and sewage problems.

Step 4: Drying

After the water is gone, the restoration company uses fans and drying machines. This helps with moisture that can stay inside walls, floor, or carpet. They also look for asbestos, plumbing leaks, or broken electricity lines.

Step 5: Cleaning Soot and Smoke

Soot and smoke are sticky. They smell bad and can hurt your health. Smoke damage restoration is an important job. The team uses ozone, vacuum, and filtration machines to clean smoke damage. They wash furniture, floor, clothing, and even attic spaces.

They also clean duct systems so the odor does not spread through the air.

Step 6: Removing Odor

Bad smells from fire, soot, and smoke can stay for months. The restoration contractors use special tools like ozone machines, HEPA filters, and antimicrobial sprays. This makes your home smell fresh and safe again.

Step 7: Fixing Damage

After cleanup, the company starts fixing the house. This part is called fire damage repair or renovation. It can include:

  • Drywall repair
  • Fixing roof and ceiling damage
  • Replacing carpet and floor
  • Fixing plumbing or electricity problems
  • Construction or demolition when needed
  • Making sure your stove and other appliances are safe

Sometimes they also work on furniture, textile, and clothing so you can use them again.

Step 8: Checking for Hazards

A restoration contractor looks for hazard problems like:

  • Mold
  • Asbestos
  • Weak concrete
  • Broken plumbing pipes
  • Bad indoor air quality
  • Contamination from sewage

This makes sure your home is safe for your family.

Step 9: Help with Insurance

Many people have questions about their insurance policy after a fire. Fire restoration companies help you talk to your insurance provider. They can show proof of damage and write reports. This can help you get money to fix your property.

what does a fire restoration company do

Extra Services

A good restoration company does more than just fix damage. They may also help with:

  • Storm damage restoration after a flood, storm, or natural disaster
  • Water damage restoration
  • Disaster restoration after a wildfire
  • Mold remediation
  • Odor control
  • Fixing upholstery and furniture

Some people know companies like Servpro for these jobs.

Who Works at a Fire Restoration Company?

A restoration company has many experts. These restoration professionals know about:

  • Fire safety rules from the National Fire Protection Association
  • How to use antimicrobial sprays and cleaning tools
  • How to keep indoor air quality safe
  • Construction, demolition, and renovation
  • How to lower risk after a disaster

Why Hire a Fire Restoration Company?

If you try to fix a house after a fire by yourself, it can be dangerous. Fire restoration companies have the right equipment. They know how to handle smoke, soot, heat, and moisture safely.

They also protect your reputation by making your home look good again. Hiring restoration contractors also saves time and stress.

house damage by a fire

What Does the Fire Restoration Process Look Like?

Here is a short list of the fire restoration process:

  • Emergency service
  • Inspection
  • Water extraction
  • Drying
  • Cleaning soot and smoke
  • Odor removal
  • Repairs and construction
  • Insurance help
  • Final inspection

Common Places with Damage After a Fire

Fire restoration companies look at these places:

  • Attic
  • Basement
  • Roof
  • Drywall
  • Ceiling
  • Floor
  • Carpet
  • Plumbing
  • Electricity
  • Duct system
  • Concrete and foundation

Fire Safety Tips

To stay safe, follow these fire safety tips:

  • Keep your stove clean
  • Do not leave a candle or stove on
  • Check electricity and plumbing often
  • Know your insurance policy
  • Have a plan for natural disasters like wildfires, floods, or storms

How to Pick the Best Restoration Company

When choosing restoration contractors, look for:

  • Professional skills and training
  • Good reputation
  • 24/7 emergency services
  • Knowledge about fire damage restoration and water damage restoration
  • Experience with insurance companies
person repairing wall from fire damage

FAQs

What does a fire restoration company do?

A fire restoration company cleans, dries, and fixes your home after a fire. They remove smoke, soot, odor, and help with repairs.

How long does fire restoration take?

The time depends on the damage. Some jobs take a few days, while others take weeks for construction and renovation.

Will insurance cover fire restoration?

Most insurance policies cover fire damage restoration. Your restoration company can help with inspection and reports.

Can a fire restoration company fix water damage too?

Yes. Many restoration companies also do water damage restoration, storm damage restoration, and mold cleanup.

Why is smoke cleanup important?

Smoke damage restoration keeps your health safe. It removes soot, odor, and dangerous particles from the air. Contact us today for more information or call emergency in your area.

Picture of Eric Allison

Eric Allison

Eric Allison is a seasoned professional in property restoration, serving as the primary contact and founder of Preferred Restoration Services, LLC, based in Tustin, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has developed extensive expertise in addressing fire, water, and mold damage, ensuring properties are restored to their pre-loss condition.