Fire vs. Water Damage
Catastrophic damage to a home is something no one wants or ever thinks will happen, but the unfortunate truth is it can happen. The two most common types of catastrophic damage are water and fire damage. You may have some interesting questions about the two damage types. There are certain levels of care that comes with each type.
Fire and water damage restoration require different cleaning and need a different approach from the restoring crews.
This does not mean there are not similarities between the two types of cleaning. Containment of the damage is important, as is the inspection of the damage to determine what should be done. Most importantly, is the empathy that should be shared with the homeowner. No doubt they will be distraught, angry and going through several emotions that will require the restoration crew to be aware of these feelings and act accordingly.
Here are some big differences between the two approaches:
- Fire – Safety is paramount for responding to a fire job, so taking care that the property is secure is the most important thing to do. Boarding up holes in the home is the first step and afterwards the cleanup and restoration can begin. Packing up items and taken off-site to clean if necessary. Crews can then begin the major work of soot and smoke odor removal plus demolition and reconstruction.
- Water – Water loss is different from fire because there is often water remaining after the damage is done. Therefore, removing any remaining water is paramount before any work can begin. Rescued contents should come out, and drying equipment brought in. Depending on the degree of damage, Category 2 or 3, carpet and padding may need to be removed and disposed of properly. Drywall, which can also be damaged, may need to be removed. (N.B. Last month’s blog discusses the category of water damage.)
Fire and water damage is certainly different. There is one big similarity between the two that is certainly worth mentioning again. The empathy that is necessary to share with the homeowner. Homeowners can be very much on edge from the damage and considerably distraught. Working with them, taking care to be aware of their needs and getting the work done as soon as possible. Fire or water, the homeowner’s needs should be carefully considered.
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