Fire residue concentrations, distribution, and impact of systems (e.g., HVAC).
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What is Fire Damage?
Fire damage refers to the physical damage to a property as a result of burning. This damage may either be directly caused by the flames or could occur due to smoke and other corrosive substances emitted by the fire. There are three types of fire damage. The first is damage caused by flames, the second is damage caused by smoke, and finally the damage caused by substance and the act of extinguishing the fire. All three types come with their own problems, so it’s important to understand what they are and how they affect your home.
Fire Science
Fire is the visible effect of the process of combustion which is a special type of chemical reaction. It occurs between oxygen in the air and some sort of fuel. The products from the chemical reaction are completely different from the starting material. The fuel must be heated to its ignition temperature for combustion to occur. The reaction will keep going as long as there is enough heat, fuel and oxygen. Combustion is when fuel reacts with oxygen to release heat energy. Combustion can be slow or fast. Combustion that results in a flame is very fast and is called burning. Combustion can only occur between gases. Fuels can be solids, liquids or gases. During the chemical reaction that produces fire, fuel is heated to such an extent that it releases gases from its surface. Only gases can react in combustion. Gases are made up of molecules. When these gases are hot enough, the molecules in the gases break apart and fragments of molecules rejoin with oxygen from the air to make new product molecules such as water molecules (H2O) and carbon dioxide molecules (CO2) along with other products if burning is not complete.
Fire Damage Severity
The levels of fire damage severity can be described by typical damage responses including, but not limited to:
The levels of fire damage severity can be described by typical damage responses including, but not limited to:
Light Fire Damage
Fire residues can generally be removed by cleaning alone and are confined to specific areas or may be more widespread. Building systems and assemblies may be impacted (e.g., HVAC). Painting or replacement may not be required. Smoke odors may range from undetectable to moderate. Contents may not require removal and may be restored in place. There will likely be few non-salvageable contents.
Moderate Fire Damage
Fire residues and odors are more intense or persistent with greater distribution and deposition. Fire residues may be removed by source removal procedures, but certain surfaces may require cosmetic repair (e.g., painting, other forms of refinishing, or containment) or replacement. Building systems and assemblies (e.g., HVAC) are likely impacted to levels that require cleaning. Fire odors may range from faint to strong. Contents may be able to be restored on-site, manipulated to other less damaged areas of the building if possible, or may require removal. There will likely be some non-salvageable contents (e.g., food or other consumables).
Heavy Fire Damage
Fire may have caused physical damage (e.g., burning, scorching, charring) to structural materials such as framing, millwork, and finishes near the fire source. There may be heavy deposits of fire residues over a wide area and involving building systems and assemblies (e.g., HVAC). Enclosed wall and ceiling cavities may be infiltrated by fire residues. Fire residues may require aggressive source removal (e.g., abrasion, media blasting) in localized areas. Fire odors are very strong, particularly those from smoldering, or oxygen-starved fires. Salvageable contents will likely need to be removed for offsite restoration and to allow for building restoration and repair. There will likely be some non-salvageable content.
Severe Fire Damage
Fire damage to major building elements such as floor or roof framing, HVAC, and other building systems and assemblies. These fires likely will have extensive water damage from fire suppression or plumbing failures due to high temperatures. Such damage often requires building stabilization and mitigation services (e.g., board-up, roof tarping, shoring). Very aggressive source removal may be required (e.g., demolition, abrasion, media blasting) in substantial portions of the building. In certain severe damage situations, the restorer should be aware that some materials may be damaged beyond restoration and repair, or the cost of restoration may exceed the cost of replacement. Fire odors are very strong and may be difficult to remove or persistent. Use of fixatives and sealers may be required for complete odor control. Salvageable contents may be limited and will require removal for restoration, and so that building repairs can be made. There will likely be a substantial amount of non-salvageable content.
Why Choose Water Nerds?
- Water Nerds is a family owned and operated business
- We are professionally licensed, insured, and bonded
- We have a superior understanding of water, fire, and mold sciences
- Building thermodynamics experts
- 24/7 emergency response
- Fast response times
- Internal insurance claims team
- Internal legal team
- Free estimates
- We guarantee our work
Clients We Serve
- Residential
- Commercial
- Contractors
- Property Managers
- Private Business Owners
- Educational Institutions
- Government
- Insurance Industry
No matter how severe the fire damage or size of loss, we can help. Water Nerds LLC is a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor which specializes in fire damage restoration. Our goal is to provide cost effective fire damage restoration for all of our clients in need of disaster recovery services. We focus on high quality construction through the use of various subcontractors which are experts in their associated trades. Contact us for a free estimate today!
