Types of Fire Damage, RI

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Different kinds of damage can occur when structure or contents burn. Of course, many materials are destroyed in the fire, being partially or completely consumed in the combustion process. Beyond that, further damage happens as heat and smoke residues impact the materials. Even more damage occurs as firefighters attempt to extinguish the fire. Water and other extinguishing agents used to fight the fire can actually cause more damage to the building. In reality, a fire damage consists of several kinds of damages. Materials suffer burning, charring, heat damage, smoke damage, and even water damage.

Levels of Fire Damages

Not all fires result in the same level of damage. Not all fire damages require the same type of restoration procedures. Any particular loss could involve a range of damages from minor to major. A description of three levels of fire damage - minor, medium, and major - will provide an idea of the restoration services required to address each level of loss. 

Minor Fire Damage 

Smoke residues affect only certain rooms or areas. The amount of smoke residues is light to moderate. Restoration may involve dry cleaning and/or wet cleaning of ceilings, walls, floors, and contents. Few areas need to be repainted, and only minor items require replacement. 

Medium Fire Damage 

The amount of smoke residues is moderate, and more materials require wet cleaning to remove residues. The number of areas requiring repainting and items requiring replacement increase. Floors may need to be refinished. Heat damage to drywall, cabinets, and contents requires more materials to be replaced. Contents might be cleaned at the job site. Smoke odors are noticeable, possibly requiring additional deodorization procedures after cleaning. 

Major Fire Damage

Fire and heat damage is severe near the source of the fire. Structural framing and finishes may be charred, requiring structural repairs. Smoke residues are distributed through a large portion of the building, and smoke odors are strong and possibly pungent. Emergency services are needed, such as boarding up the structure, establishing a source of electricity, winterizing the building in cold weather, and removing smoke-filled and charred debris. Restoration will involve extensive cleaning of the structure and probably require restorers to pack and move out all salvageable contents for off-site cleaning. Multiple methods of deodorization are needed to remove smoke odors.