Managing Water Damage Following a Fire

When putting out the flames of a fire, a considerable volume of water is expected to be used. However, utilizing too much of it can lead to issues that may need immediate attention. Many people don’t understand that water damage can occur after a fire due to firefighters’ excessive use of a firehose or a fire sprinkler system. 

Water can flood the structure, damaging the wall surfaces, floorings, ceilings, and even appliances. Water can cause a severe need for damage repairs, not just for the property but also for your overall health.

Checklist of Water Damage Repairs

You may have started making a checklist of what needs to be replaced or repaired after evaluating the fire damages. However, you might not be seeing the complete picture. Some water damage is noticeable, and you can see it quickly, like smoke or fire damage, yet, the challenging part regarding water damage is that it can enter into places not visible to the naked eye. 

If left unattended for a long duration, the repair expense can add up quickly and become expensive. You can consult with restoration companies Shreveport LA to do inspections and provide you with strategies to repair water damage in your property.

Cleaning

Cleanliness is essential. After most of the destroyed items get cleared out, you must instantly clean up and disinfect them. The cleaning process will be repeated, and depending on the severity of the damage, you may find yourself cleaning the exact locations many times. 

To reduce major health hazards, the best thing to do is use bleach solutions and other disinfectants. You can check out companies like PuroClean of Shreveport and learn about full clean-up services regarding water damage.

Electrical

It’s possible that some electrical components in your residential or commercial property, and wirings behind your walls, have been ruined to the point they currently pose a fire risk of their own. It is likely that your electrical equipment, such as computers and television sets, were also damaged by the fire, smoke, and water. In some situations, your insurance provider may reimburse the cost of replacing these items.

Airing Out Your Home

You don’t want any lingering moisture following water damage. Drying out your house or work environment should be a top priority before, during, and after repairs. Make use of dehumidifiers in the areas that sustained the worst water damage and circulate the air using fans in every room. 

Distribute fresh air throughout the home by using ceiling fans and dehumidifiers in locations with water damage. In such extreme conditions, you may need industrial drying out systems, at which point you should consult with an expert.

Caulk and Seal

The seals surrounding appliances and things such as bathtubs and toilets will get compromised if water has been standing in your home or business for an extended period. The possibility of devastating destruction develops if these seals split or end up being loose in any way. Examine all seals and replace any damage with caulk to complete the repair. You can do this when the cleaning is complete.

Conclusion

It might take a long time to get your home or business back to normal after a disastrous event. It is not a simple process when it comes to water damage repairs. Many different structure locations can be affected, and if the damage is serious enough, you may be forced to replace critical structural components. While many people can conduct simple repairs, a complete assessment and restoration are best left to specialists.