The last thing an owner of a commercial property wants to deal with is fire damage restoration in Tampa, Florida. It is a difficult time for the owner and possible tenants or workers who rely on that building in a variety of ways. However, it would help if you got your commercial property restored as soon as possible to ensure that life for those involved can go back to normal on the same level as soon as possible. There are a few different steps to consider, from first encountering the damage to finally restoring it.
Steps of fire damage restoration
- Before Restoration Begins: If you are in the commercial property once it is deemed safe to enter, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, you should limit your movement so that you are not continuing to spread soot particles. You should also shut off all electronics to prevent soot from damaging them further. Next, be sure to take the time to prioritize critical areas that you need to get your commercial property functioning again. You’ll also want to be sure to secure any important documents. Finally, don’t attempt any cleaning yourself, and be mindful of any electrical fixtures that may have been exposed to water damage.
- Contact the Professionals: If you don’t already have an emergency contact for this situation, you need to find a professional in fire damage restoration. Many professionals in the area of fire restoration offer 24-hour support. Contact a reputable company such as Contractors Inc as soon as possible. They will be able to have someone on site to assess and inspect the damage quickly so that a plan can be put into place.
- Inspect and Assess: If is essential to explore the extent of the fire and potential water damages. An inspection will determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This assessment will help develop a plan of action. Your technicians will work with investigators, insurance companies, and the fire marshal to solidify the plan of action and determine priority areas.
- Site Security: Fire damage can leave your building unsecured. Fire can compromise windows, walls, and even your roof. Your technicians can help determine what areas need to be fixed, even if only temporarily, to secure your building from unwanted intrusions.
- Water Removal: Depending on your emergency fire system and the extent of your fire, you may have standing water that needs to be removed from the building before any repairs can be completed. Water can lead to further damages such as mold, so it is crucial that water is removed as well as any water-damaged materials such as tile or carpeting. The extent of the removal will vary from case to case. What is important is that water is removed, and areas are allowed to dry.
- Removal of Smoke and Soot: This is one of the initial steps in restoring your commercial property. Your technicians will use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remove all traces of the fire. Once the smoke and soot are cleaned, a deodorizer is commonly used to remove, clean, or seal odors.
- Restoration: Depending on your extent of damage, what restoration means for your commercial property in Tampa, FL, can vary. Restoration can involve minor repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpets. This could also mean replacing ceiling tiles that could have been damaged from either the fire or water damage. Floor coverings are usually removed to prevent any harmful contamination from settling onto the floor. This also means removing any damaged components that could cause harm or simply can’t be restored and disposing of them properly. It could also mean significant reconstruction, such as the complete rebuild of flooring or walls. Restoration also includes ensuring the structural integrity isn’t compromised, including subflooring and support beams.
Handling fire damage
No one wants to deal with fire damage to their commercial property in Tampa, FL. It is stressful and can feel overwhelming to try to restore your property to pre-fire conditions. However, you want to restore your property as soon as possible, so it is important to turn to a team that will be meticulous in ensuring that your property is restored correctly. The Tampa commercial renovation specialists at Contractors Inc have years of experience handling a wide variety of fire restoration projects, large and small. We understand the importance of restoring your building as quickly and as effectively as possible. Contact us to learn how we can assist with every aspect of your fire damage restoration project.
