Fire Damage: There's More Than Meets the Eye!

Experiencing a house fire can be a very traumatic experience. When the fire finally is put out, the damage left behind can be just as dangerous and deadly as the fire itself. Read on to learn more.

Smoke and Soot Damage

Often, smoke and soot do more harm than the fire itself. Smoke and soot byproducts will settle onto the walls, ceilings, furniture, and other surfaces after extinguishing the fire, causing severe etching and tarnishing. These symptoms can quickly become permanent if fire damage is not addressed immediately.

In addition to the negative consequences of smoke and soot in your house, these pollutants can harm your physical wellbeing. Inhaling smoke and soot can cause serious problems such as coughing, wet eyes, and even lung cancer.

Soot can also cause severe stains on your belongings. After a few days, smoke-damaged walls and floors commonly turn yellow. If not treated immediately, marble and granite countertops and exposed wood can become permanently stained.

Smoke and soot damage can cause metal surfaces such as aluminum, brass, steel, and iron to tarnish. The sooner these surfaces are treated by a specialist, the more likely they will be preserved and avoid lasting stains.

Stains are not the only thing to be mindful of when it comes to smoke and soot damage. Terrible and lasting odors will be left behind once the fire has been put out. A company specializing in fire damage restoration has the tools, products, and expertise to remove all foul-smelling odors caused by smoke and soot.

Water Damage

When flames are put out, the water utilized to do so causes damage to your home and possessions. The amount of force and pressure provided by fire hoses, in particular, may be severe. A sprinkler system will also cause significant water damage even though it is not as intense as a fire hose. 

Either way, you must act quickly to remove all traces of excess moisture. You would not want mold growth to occur, which can be toxic and deadly in some cases if left untreated. On top of worsening the air quality in your home, mold can eat away at construction components such as drywall, floorboards, and wood, thus weakening the structure of your home and exacerbating the problem.

After the fire has been taken out, assess the damage and call your insurer to make an insurance claim. You can try cleaning your home yourself, but avoid using any wet or fire-damaged tools. You run the risk of hurting yourself through dangers such as electrocution. 

Use a sump pump to remove excess water, and avoid using your vacuum because it is inefficient for the task at hand, and you will damage it by doing so. 

How a Public Adjuster Can Help

A public adjuster is a claims specialist that represents policyholders in the documentation, valuation, and settlement of residential and commercial insurance claims. Claims adjusters or independent adjusters working for an insurance company are obligated to solely represent the insurance company's interests.

While the insurance company's purpose is to pay you the least amount possible for your claim, your public adjuster ensures that you get every cent you're entitled to under the terms of your home's insurance policy. They will make sure your insurance claim is not denied by conducting a proper investigation into what caused the fire, proving you were not responsible. 

Read more on our blog if you wish to learn more about public adjusters.

Contact Us Today

TSO Adjustment Service has assisted hundreds of homeowners in obtaining their fair property insurance claims. We also provide nationwide emergency services 24 hours a day. Book an appointment by calling us at (215) 886-7440 or visit our contact page.