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fire and flood restoration

fire and flood restoration

Fire and Flood Restoration

When disaster strikes your home or business, every hour counts. Our company provides 24/7 emergency fire and flood restoration services, responding within hours—not days—to stabilize your property and begin the recovery process.

Fast Help After Fire or Flood Damage

We understand that fire and water emergencies don’t wait for convenient times. Our rapid response teams are available around the clock to provide immediate assistance when you need it most. Whether you’re dealing with smoke damage from a kitchen fire or standing water from a burst pipe, our certified technicians arrive equipped and ready to work.

Fire-related emergencies we respond to:

  • Kitchen fires from cooking accidents or grease flare-ups

  • Electrical fires from faulty wiring or overloaded circuits

  • Furnace and heating system fires

  • Chimney fires spreading to roof structures

  • Garage fires involving vehicles or stored chemicals

Water-related emergencies we respond to:

  • Burst pipes from freezing temperatures or age

  • Washing machine and dishwasher line failures

  • Water heater ruptures and leaks

  • Roof leaks after severe storms

  • Basement flooding from heavy rain or rising groundwater

  • Sewage backups and toilet overflows

Our primary goal is to stabilize your property within the first 24–48 hours. This critical window prevents secondary damage like mold growth, structural weakening from prolonged moisture exposure, and lingering smoke odors that become increasingly difficult to remove over time.

A restoration crew equipped with specialized tools arrives at a residential property severely affected by fire and flood damage, ready to begin the fire damage restoration process and assist the homeowner in restoring their property to its pre-loss condition. The team consists of highly trained professionals prepared to address water removal and smoke damage cleanup efficiently.

Fire Damage Restoration & Smoke Cleanup Services

Fire damage extends far beyond the visible flames. The destruction includes intense heat that warps materials, corrosive soot that etches surfaces, toxic smoke residues that penetrate deep into porous materials, and significant water damage from firefighting efforts. Understanding the full scope of damage is essential for effective restoration.

Our fire damage restoration process addresses every layer of destruction:

  • Remove standing water from fire hoses and sprinkler systems using submersible pumps and truck-mounted extractors

  • Assess structural damage to wall cavities, roof decking, floor joists, and load-bearing components

  • Inspect electrical wiring, outlets, and HVAC systems for heat damage and safety hazards

  • Evaluate insulation, vapor barriers, and subfloor materials for contamination

Deep cleaning and soot removal techniques:

  • HEPA vacuuming of loose soot particles from all surfaces before wet cleaning

  • Dry sponge cleaning for light, dry soot on painted walls and ceilings

  • Detergent washing with appropriate pH-balanced cleaners for heavy residues on concrete, brick, and drywall

  • Abrasive cleaning or soda blasting for stubborn soot on framing and masonry

  • Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning or removal based on contamination levels

Smoke odor elimination methods:

  • Ozone treatments to neutralize odor molecules in unoccupied spaces

  • Thermal fogging to penetrate cracks, crevices, and porous materials where smoke particles hide

  • Activated carbon filtration through commercial air scrubbers running continuously during restoration

  • Hydroxyl generators for occupied spaces requiring odor control without evacuation

We handle personal property with care, separating restorable items like furniture, electronics, documents, and artwork from items too damaged to salvage. Every finding is documented with photos and detailed notes for your insurance company.

Example scenarios we commonly address:

  • Small kitchen fires affecting cabinets, walls, and ceiling with localized soot spread

  • Multi-room fires requiring extensive demolition of drywall, insulation, and flooring throughout affected areas

  • Roof fires where water damage from firefighting efforts saturates attic insulation and upper-floor ceilings

Why Swift Fire Restoration Matters

The clock starts ticking the moment flames are extinguished. Acidic compounds in soot begin attacking your property immediately, and water from firefighting efforts creates its own set of problems. Delaying professional attention almost always results in more extensive damage and higher costs.

Within the first 24 hours:

  • Acidic soot permanently etches glass surfaces, windows, and mirrors

  • Plastics and appliance finishes become permanently discolored and yellowed

  • Metals like faucets, door hardware, and light fixtures begin corroding from sulfuric acid in smoke residue

  • Upholstery and fabric absorb smoke particles deeper into fibers

Within 48–72 hours:

  • Water left in walls, subfloors, and insulation creates ideal conditions for mold growth

  • Humid climates accelerate microbial activity, potentially requiring full mold remediation

  • Wood framing begins swelling and warping from moisture absorption

  • Wet drywall loses structural integrity and may collapse

After one week without intervention:

  • Drywall and insulation that could have been dried in place now require complete removal

  • Subflooring develops rot and delamination

  • Smoke odors become permanently embedded in building materials

  • Reconstruction costs increase significantly—often doubling or tripling initial estimates

Our Fire Restoration Process – Step by Step

The fire damage restoration process follows a systematic approach designed to restore your property to its pre loss condition as efficiently as possible. Our highly trained professionals coordinate with fire marshals, your insurance company, and building inspectors throughout the project.

  • Emergency call and dispatch: Our team gathers information about the fire’s origin, rooms affected, and current safety status, then dispatches a crew with appropriate equipment needed for your specific situation

  • Site inspection and safety evaluation: Technicians assess structural stability, check for electrical hazards, identify areas with standing water, and document all damage with date-stamped photos and detailed notes

  • Board-up and roof tarping: We secure the property by boarding broken windows and doors, covering roof openings with heavy-duty tarps, and isolating unsafe rooms to prevent weather intrusion and unauthorized entry

  • Water extraction and structural drying: Using submersible pumps and commercial extractors, we remove water from firefighting efforts, then position air movers and dehumidifiers to dry wall cavities, subfloors, and framing to acceptable moisture levels

  • Soot and smoke removal: Technicians systematically clean all surfaces using appropriate techniques for each material type, from HEPA vacuuming drywall to soda blasting exposed framing

  • Cleaning and sanitizing: We apply antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold, clean HVAC ductwork and components, and treat soft goods that can be salvaged

  • Final repairs and rebuild: Our team repairs or replaces damaged drywall, insulation, flooring, trim, and fixtures, matching original materials and finishes to restore your property to its pre damage condition

A technician in protective gear is actively removing soot from fire-damaged walls, showcasing the fire damage restoration process. This scene highlights the essential role of certified technicians in restoring properties affected by fire and smoke damage.

Flood & Water Damage Restoration

Water damage comes from many sources, and each type requires different handling. Clean water from broken supply lines poses different challenges than gray water from appliance failures or black water from sewage backups and river flooding. Our water damage restoration services address all categories with appropriate equipment and protocols.

Category 1 (Clean Water): Originates from supply lines, faucets, or rainwater with no significant contamination. Materials can typically be dried in place if addressed within 24–48 hours.

Category 2 (Gray Water): Contains some level of contamination from washing machines, dishwashers, or sump pump failures. Requires antimicrobial treatment and careful evaluation of porous materials.

Category 3 (Black Water): Highly contaminated from sewage, river flooding, or standing water that has supported microbial growth. Requires removal and disposal of all saturated porous materials including drywall, carpet, padding, and insulation.

Common flood damage scenarios we handle:

  • Basement flooding after heavy rain overwhelming foundation drainage

  • Water heater failures releasing 40–80 gallons onto flooring

  • Frozen pipes bursting in winter, sometimes releasing water for hours before discovery

  • Toilet and bathtub overflows causing ceiling damage to floors below

  • Storm damage allowing rainwater intrusion through roofs and windows

Our restoration process focuses on real building components: removing water from stud wall cavities, drying subfloor materials like plywood and OSB, treating cabinet toe kicks and bases, and ensuring insulation in exterior walls reaches acceptable moisture levels.

Emergency Water Removal and Drying

The first 24–72 hours after a flood or major leak determine whether materials can be saved or must be replaced. Our emergency crews arrive with specialized equipment to begin removing water and establishing drying conditions immediately.

Initial water extraction:

  • Submersible pumps remove standing water from basements, crawlspaces, and flooded rooms at rates up to 500 gallons per minute

  • Truck-mounted extractors pull water from carpets, padding, and hard surfaces

  • Wet vacuums address water in tight spaces, corners, and areas pumps cannot reach

  • Technicians cut weep holes in drywall to drain wall cavities and allow airflow

Structural drying setup:

  • Industrial air movers positioned strategically to create efficient airflow across all wet surfaces

  • Commercial dehumidifiers sized appropriately for the space—typically 40+ air movers per 1,000 square feet for saturated conditions

  • Desiccant dehumidifiers deployed in low-humidity environments or when faster drying is critical

  • Temperature management to optimize evaporation rates without damaging materials

Ongoing monitoring:

  • Daily moisture readings using pin and pinless meters in drywall, wood framing, and concrete slabs

  • Psychrometric calculations tracking temperature, humidity, and dew point to optimize drying conditions

  • Documentation of moisture levels at multiple points until materials return to 15% or below

  • Adjustment of equipment placement based on drying progress in different areas

Water Mitigation vs. Full Restoration

Understanding the difference between water mitigation and full restoration helps you know what to expect during the recovery process. Both stages are essential, but they serve different purposes.

Water mitigation focuses on stopping the damage from spreading:

  • Shutting off water sources at the main valve or individual supply lines

  • Extracting water and reducing humidity levels rapidly

  • Removing unsalvageable materials like saturated carpet padding, wet insulation, and damaged drywall

  • Cutting 2-foot flood cuts on wet drywall to expose wall cavities for drying

  • Applying antimicrobial solutions to wall cavities and subfloor materials to remediate mold before it establishes

Full water restoration completes the recovery:

  • Replacing removed drywall sections with new material, taping, and finishing

  • Installing new carpet padding and re-stretching existing carpet when salvageable

  • Replacing damaged flooring including hardwood, laminate, or tile as needed

  • Refinishing or replacing cabinets, trim, and baseboards

  • Repainting walls and ceilings to match original finishes

  • Reinstalling fixtures, outlets, and switch plates

For example, a wet carpet in a flooded basement might need only extraction and drying during mitigation, while the baseboards, lower drywall, and damaged padding require replacement during the restoration phase.

Combined Fire and Flood Damage: When Both Happen

Most structural fires also cause significant water damage. Fire department hoses can deliver thousands of gallons into a burning structure, and automatic sprinkler systems saturate entire floors. This creates a fire flood scenario requiring specialized expertise in both restoration disciplines.

  • Fire suppression water often exceeds 3,000 gallons in residential fires, pooling on floors and saturating materials

  • The order of operations is critical: ensure structural safety first, then remove water, install drying equipment, and only then perform soot cleaning and odor control

  • Wet soot creates unique challenges—it cannot be dry-brushed and requires different cleaning techniques than dry residue

  • Fire-suppressant foams leave chemical residues requiring specialized removal procedures

  • Warped hardwood floors may need complete replacement if heat and water damage occurred simultaneously

Case example: A living room fire in a two-story home often results in extensive water damage to the room below. Water from firefighting efforts saturates the living room subfloor, travels through electrical and plumbing penetrations, and causes the downstairs ceiling to collapse. The restoration process must address smoke damage on the upper floor while simultaneously extracting water and drying the lower floor—all before any reconstruction can begin.

The image shows industrial dehumidifiers and air movers strategically placed in a water-damaged room, revealing exposed wall cavities that indicate extensive water damage. This setup is essential for effective water damage restoration, helping to mitigate further damage and prepare the space for restoration services.

Protecting Structural Integrity

Fire and water together threaten structural components more severely than either hazard alone. Heat weakens wood and steel while water causes swelling, rot, and delamination. Our technicians work closely with structural engineers when damage affects load-bearing elements.

Structural inspection points:

  • Load-bearing walls checked for char depth exceeding 1 inch, which compromises wood strength by 20–30%

  • Roof trusses and rafters examined for heat damage, checking metal connector plates for loosening and wood for warping

  • Floor joists inspected from below for both charring and water saturation causing deflection

  • Steel supports and beam pockets evaluated for heat discoloration indicating potential strength reduction

  • Stair stringers checked for stability since they experience stress from both fire damage and water-saturated treads above

Repair decisions based on damage assessment:

  • Minor charring may allow in-place treatment with sanding and sealing

  • Moderate damage often requires sistering new lumber alongside weakened members

  • Severe damage necessitates full replacement with properly sized materials

  • Shoring may be required during reconstruction to safely support loads while repairs are completed

  • All structural repairs require local building permits and inspections before concealing work behind finished surfaces

What Property Owners Should (and Shouldn’t) Do After a Fire or Flood

Personal safety comes first after any disaster. Evacuate the property, call emergency services, and wait for official clearance from the fire department or other first responders before re-entering. Damaged structures can contain hidden hazards including compromised floors, unstable ceilings, and toxic air quality.

Safe actions to take:

  • Take photos and videos from safe locations outside the structure before boarding or tarping occurs

  • Contact your insurance company within 24 hours to report the loss and initiate your claim

  • Locate and secure important documents like identification, insurance policies, and financial records if authorities permit access

  • Arrange temporary housing if needed—your policy may cover additional living expenses

  • Keep receipts for all emergency expenses including hotels, meals, and clothing

Safety precautions when entering damaged areas:

  • Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to protect against debris, nails, and broken glass

  • Use N95 masks or better to filter smoke particles and mold spores

  • Wear work gloves when handling any damaged materials

  • Avoid areas with sagging ceilings, bulging walls, or standing water near electrical panels and outlets

  • Never enter if you smell gas—leave immediately and call your utility company

Things You Should Do While You Wait for Help

While waiting for professional damage restoration services to arrive, a few simple actions can limit further damage—provided they can be performed safely from accessible areas.

  • Turn off the main water valve if you suspect a burst pipe and the valve location is safe to access

  • Place aluminum foil or small wood blocks under furniture legs sitting on damp carpet to prevent staining and wood damage

  • Open windows for ventilation if the structure is sound, weather permits, and smoke or moisture levels are high

  • Move lightweight, undamaged items away from wet areas if you can do so without entering unsafe zones

  • Unplug electronics in affected areas if you can reach outlets safely without standing in water

  • Place towels around toilets and under sinks if minor leaks are ongoing to contain spread until professionals arrive

Things You Should Avoid After Fire or Flood

Some well-intentioned actions can create additional hazards or make restoration more difficult. Resist the urge to start cleaning until professionals assess the situation.

  • Do not turn on ceiling fans or light switches when ceilings are wet or sagging—water may have compromised electrical connections

  • Do not use household vacuums to remove water or soot, as this damages the vacuum and can spread contamination through your home

  • Do not wash painted walls, shampoo wet carpet, or power-wash soot-covered exteriors before professional assessment—improper cleaning sets stains permanently

  • Do not consume any food, beverages, or medications exposed to heat, smoke, or floodwater, even if packaging appears intact

  • Do not enter rooms with standing water if any electrical outlets or appliances are submerged

  • Do not attempt to remove wet carpet without proper moisture testing—the subfloor beneath may need treatment before new flooring installation

Insurance, Documentation, and Working With Your Adjuster

Thorough documentation significantly speeds up insurance claims and reduces disputes over coverage amounts. Starting this process early—before cleanup begins—protects your interests and ensures nothing is overlooked.

Essential documentation steps:

  • Take date-stamped photos and videos of each affected room, including wide shots and close-ups of specific damage

  • Photograph all damaged contents including appliances, furniture, electronics, and personal items before they are moved or cleaned

  • Create an itemized inventory with descriptions, approximate purchase dates, and estimated replacement values

  • Save all receipts for emergency expenses, temporary housing, and any supplies purchased

  • Request a copy of the fire department report if applicable

How restoration companies work directly with adjusters:

  • Providing detailed moisture maps showing the extent of water intrusion

  • Submitting comprehensive estimates breaking down each phase of work

  • Documenting scope of work with photos at each stage of the restoration process

  • Furnishing proof of drying with daily moisture readings and equipment logs

  • Coordinating site visits so adjusters can verify damage and approve additional work as needed

Coverage Considerations for Fire and Flood

Understanding your policy helps you know what to expect during the claims process. Coverage varies significantly based on the source and type of damage.

  • Most standard homeowners’ policies cover sudden and accidental fire damage, including water damage from firefighting efforts

  • Internal water damage from burst pipes, water heater failures, and appliance malfunctions is typically covered

  • Separate flood insurance is usually required for damage from rising rivers, storm surge, or overland water entering the property

  • Mold damage may have limited coverage or require specific endorsements, especially if related to long-term leaks

  • Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage helps pay for temporary housing, but limits and time restrictions vary by policy

Check your policy for:

  • Deductible amounts for different types of losses

  • Coverage limits for contents and structural repairs

  • Specific exclusions for mold, neglected maintenance, or gradual leaks

  • Requirements for reporting losses within certain timeframes

Why Choose a Professional Fire and Flood Restoration Company

Choosing a certified, full-service restoration company means working with experts who handle everything from emergency power and board-up to complete reconstruction. Professional restoration services combine speed, expertise, and equipment that simply isn’t available through DIY efforts or general contractors unfamiliar with disaster recovery.

Availability and response:

  • 24/7/365 emergency response including nights, weekends, and holidays

  • Typical on-site arrival within 2–4 hours for most local calls

  • Immediate dispatch of crews with equipment matched to your specific situation

  • Coordination with emergency services and utilities as needed

Qualifications and capabilities:

  • Industry certifications including IICRC standards for water damage (S500) and fire restoration (S541)

  • Background-checked, highly trained professionals with ongoing education requirements

  • Commercial-grade drying equipment, air scrubbers with 99.97% HEPA filtration, and specialized cleaning tools

  • Established safety protocols protecting both crews and occupants

Customer experience:

  • Clear communication with regular progress updates throughout the project

  • Assistance navigating insurance questions and documentation requirements

  • Respect for personal property with careful handling, packing, and storage when needed

  • Single point of contact from initial call through final walkthrough

  • Restoration needs assessment tailored to your specific property and circumstances

What to Expect When You Call Us

From the moment you call, we focus on understanding your situation and getting help to you as quickly as possible. Our intake process gathers the essential information needed to respond quickly with the right resources.

During your initial call:

  • We ask about the time of loss to understand how urgency affects restoration options

  • We identify the source of damage—fire, water, or both—and which rooms are affected

  • We confirm whether the property is safe and accessible or if emergency board-up or tarping is needed

  • We gather contact information and coordinate access with you or your property manager

Upon arrival:

  • Technicians walk through the property with you (if available) to assess visible damage and discuss immediate concerns

  • We explain the restoration process, outlining what happens first and why sequencing matters

  • You receive an initial written or digital estimate range covering emergency stabilization work

  • We answer questions about timelines, insurance coordination, and what to expect in the coming days

  • Work begins immediately on priorities like water removal, emergency power restoration, and securing the property

When disaster strikes, the stress of property damage can feel overwhelming. Our job is to take that burden from you, handling every aspect of restoration from initial response to final repairs. We work closely with you and your insurance company to restore your property to its original state as efficiently as possible.

Ready for help? Our certified technicians stand ready 24/7 to respond to your fire and flood restoration needs. Contact us now for immediate assistance—we’ll be on-site within hours to begin restoring your life and property.

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