Why You Need a Professional Fire Restoration Company

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

Think twice before attempting to do the work of a fire restoration professional.

If your Portland home was recently involved in a fire, you may be hoping to handle the situation yourself to save some money and avoid costly repairs. Unfortunately, the variables and complexities involved with fire restoration may be a bit much for the layman. Below, we explore several reasons why it is in your best interest to hire a reputable fire restoration contractor such as SERVPRO of NW Portland.

Health & Safety

You may feel that you are free from danger after the flames have been extinguished. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

When plastic, textiles, rubber and finished wood burns, it creates soot that contains many toxic particulars.

Particles containing asbestos, tar, formaldehyde, ammonia and other harmful materials float through the air and are not always visible to the naked eye. Exposure to these materials should be avoided, as they can cause a number of health problems ranging from asthma all the way to bronchitis and cancer.

During the cleanup process, exposure to these particles are at its highest, but unless the area has been cleaned adequately by a professional, adverse health effects of the smoke can persist for years to come. It’s not worth the risk to you or your family.

Specialized Equipment Is Needed

Some rags and a bottle of degreaser is not adequate enough to clean up after a fire disaster. Soot cannot merely be wiped away. All surfaces will need to be deep cleaned to eliminate the health risks and caustic odors lingering throughout the area. Professional tools and knowledgeable technicians with proper training are needed to thoroughly and safely restore the area.

It is also of note that washing smoke damaged clothing and textiles in a standard consumer level washing machine can potentially cause more damage and leave unwanted odors in your machine. Dry cleaning is your best option if you wish to salvage clothing that has been in a fire.

You Could Unintentionally Dispose of Salvageable Items & Valuables

An untrained layman could potentially throw out items that appear to be beyond repair or restoration. SERVPRO of NW Portland utilizes advanced recovery techniques and employs a full time contents department dedicated to restoring damaged valuables after a fire disaster and has a state of the art facility outfitted with specialized equipment designed specifically for this purpose. In addition to restoring your salvageable items, the items deemed unsalvageable will be disposed of in a proper manor, minimizing unwanted health hazards.

The Process of Restoration is Complicated

Restoring your home or business to a preloss condition is not as straightforward as it initially appears. There are contents to salvage and dispose of, cleaning and abating and structural repair. Additionally, insurance claims will need to be navigated to decrease the financial impact of the damage. Efforts to save a buck by attempting this work yourself could potentially cost more money if salvageable items are disposed of and insurance claims are not properly handled. A trustworthy and reputable fire restoration contractor who is familiar with the ins and outs of the entire process of restoration is a far better option.

Contact SERVPRO of NW Portland Today

 After the fire trucks are gone, your Portland home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Northwest Portland has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet. 

Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. Feelings of confusion and stress are common, and you need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We always treat your family with the greatest empathy and respect, and we’ll treat your property with great care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (503) 283-3658