How To Efficiently Address Water Damage After a Fire

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

If your business ever endures a fire, your building will likely sustain multiple forms of damage. In addition to direct fire destruction, your office space may be saturated with water, requiring extensive water cleanup efforts.

Why Water Damage Is Likely

Any existing water damage will originate from two sources. As fire burns, it creates smoke, which can activate the building’s sprinkler system. To fully extinguish the blaze, firefighters will spray it with water, further saturating your work area.

The Cleanup Process

Depending on the severity of the fire, the entire fire cleanup process can take some time to complete. The water cleanup phase is an important aspect of the process and involves several steps.

1. Dry Out the Space

Drying out the affected part of your building is an important first step. You can increase ventilation by opening windows. You can also use fans and a dehumidifier to expedite the process.

2. Remove Wet Materials

Carpet, drywall and insulation are three materials that you will need to promptly evaluate and remove if saturated. These items can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew and usually need to be replaced.

3. Dry Out Office Equipment

In addition to walls and flooring, your office furniture and equipment will probably also show signs of water damage. You need to dry and individually assess each item for salvageability. To prevent short-circuiting printers, computers and other electrical devices, unplug them and consider having a professional restoration team assess their viability.

4. Prevent Mold Growth

Part of the smoke cleanup process involves cleaning intact walls and surfaces with a dry chemical sponge or a mild detergent. Once these areas are clean, you may want to spray with them a water and bleach mixture to prevent mold and mildew.

5. Verify the Space Is Dry

Allowing your office space to completely dry before finalizing repairs is important to help prevent future mold growth. Before replacing insulation, drywall and carpets, verify the absence of moisture.

With time and effort, a business in Dover, NJ, can successfully recover from a fire. Although tedious, the water cleanup phase is an essential part of the process that must be completed before your building can be properly restored.

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