Fire Damage in Oak Hill Can Be Problematic

3/11/2016 (Permalink)

Oak Hill Residential Fire Damage Problems 

Taking care of Oak Hill residential fire damage quickly means that you can return to your property and your normal life. Fire can wreck your home from the inside out and cause a lot of costly and time-consuming issues. From determining whether you can salvage and restore your items or need to replace them entirely to dealing with the lingering smells, cleanup after a fire can be a lot of work. Even when the flames don’t destroy your home, soot, smoke, and water can cause extensive damage. 

The Aftermath of a Fire

Immediately after a fire in Oak Hill, the sheer amount of work to do may seem overwhelming. The best way to handle this is to break it down into stages. First, the Oak Hill fire damage will need to be assessed to see what is required. Make a list in priority order of rooms that have been affected. Remember that damage can go beyond what is immediately apparent. You should also board up any broken windows and contact a roofing company to inspect the roof for any signs of damage. Once you’ve documented all the damage, cleaning is the next priority.

Clean House

Your hardwood and linoleum flooring should be mopped to get rid of dirty smudges from the fire. If mopping and wiping it down with cleaning solutions does not work, you may need to refinish or reseal the flooring. Carpets can be cleaned as well and may be able to be salvaged in many cases. However, it’s important to ensure that the padding underneath is not retaining water. Mold can become an issue when moisture is left in the carpet pads. If your walls and ceilings are heavily covered in black soot, they should be wiped down. If the soot does not come off or there is any damage to the drywall, a thorough cleaning will prepare the walls to be repaired and repainted in the future. 

Restore or Replace Possessions

There may be items that need to be cleaned and restored or even replaced throughout your home. Furniture that hasn’t been damaged by flames may retain a smoky scent. Having the upholstery steam-cleaned may help remove the smell. Lamps, artwork, draperies and decorative items may just need a quick cleaning, but they may also need to be completely replaced. Make a list of the items that are necessary to replace right away and the ones that can wait. This can help keep you on task and reduce the amount of time you spend shopping. Don’t forget to check electronics for signs of fire damage and clean them thoroughly before seeing if they still work. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of South Nashville is ready to handle all of your Oak Hill residential fire damage cleanup needs. We have the right tools and resources needed to clean up after any disaster. When fire damage occurs in Oak Hill, Brentwood, or Berry Hill, we have the personnel to help. Call us for fast and reliable services at (615) 331-0200.