What is the Fastest Way to Clear a Home from Kitchen Fire Debris?

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

We know the steps to get your home back from fire damage.

Residents of Mississauga Trust SERVPRO to Provide Honest, Efficient Fire Debris Removal Services. 

Do I need to arrange for transport and disposal of non-salvageable items?

Our service covers both the removal and safe disposal of fire debris at a Mississauga waste facility. Depending on the breadth of damage, SERVPRO can arrange dumpster rental on your behalf to place non-salvageable materials during restoration using trusted suppliers. Our technicians are capable of thoroughly inspecting your property to designate which materials are restorable and which need disposal. We can remove charred cabinet doors, drawers fittings, and electrical outlets from the property as part of the service.

Is fire debris dangerous?

Combusting materials can release monoxides and other harmful gases. However, these usually disperse quickly within the first few hours. There may still be hazards in the property, including sharp edges, loose fittings, malfunctioning appliances, or slip and trip hazards. Inhaling airborne soots or ash can also be an issue when removing fittings or disturbing the affected area. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiration masks and heavy-duty gloves, can help to protect restorers during the removal of charred items. There are several safety steps essential to limiting potential dangers:

Shutting off power and gas supply to the affected area

High temperatures and pressure can damage wiring, appliances, and supply valves. Employing emergency gas shutoffs and cutting electrical supply to the affected area is an essential step in ensuring the safety of the property. 

Awareness of potentially hazardous materials

Buildings pre-1980 can contain dangerous materials in their construction. These materials may include asbestos or lead-based paints, which should not be disturbed without professional abatement services. Our team can procure specialists for the removal of any materials that they suspect contain harmful substances.

Structural weakening or insecurity?

Kitchen fittings can loosen under the intense heat and pressure of a fire. When joints weaken, there is a high chance that fittings can collapse. This weakening may occur when cabinet doors or shelves are taken from their fittings. 

Are charred building materials non-salvageable?

In some situations, building materials or cabinet fittings are entirely or partly salvageable. Charring on wooden frames, metal appliances or doors may only have damage on grains close to the surface. Sandblasting equipment sends thousands of tiny grains against a surface to peel away surface damages. On woods, sandblasting works in a similar way to using sandpaper, providing a clean, smooth surface that can be repainted or refinished. Often, cabinet doors can be removed and replaced while restoring the interior of the cabinet using sand or soda blasting to reduce expenses.

What services are available for the replacement of non-salvageable contents and fittings?

- Reinstallation of doors, cabinets, and drawers as well as venting ducts, sockets, and light fittings

- Base-coating of walls and ceiling using an odor sealing paint

- Safe, professional removal of non-salvageable appliances providing a clean space for new appliances to be installed

Can you begin installing replacement items immediately after debris removal?

Before the restoration procedure begins, our technicians need to ensure that the space is clean and free of odors. Once the debris is removed, technicians can set to work on burn-marks, soiling, and sanding of surfaces. Using chemical agents, we can remove wet smoke residues from the affected area and bring in ultra-low-volume fogging equipment to tackle odors. We can only begin the restoration service once space is returned to a sanitary state.

What chemical cleaning agents should I use on smoke and soot residues?

- Clean, warm water can help to remove light to moderate soiling from walls, surfaces, and ceilings

- Water-based solvents are effective at dissolving certain soots that may have bonded to a surface

- Oil-based solvents for soiling that has a greasy texture

How can I prove non-salvageable items to my insurance adjuster?

In some situations, restoration may already be underway before you have a chance to speak with an insurance adjuster. Any items that are removed from the property by SERVPRO technicians are meticulously cataloged and are included in your service paperwork. This inventory can be passed onto an insurer as proof of non-salvageable items, if necessary, at the end of service. 

Where can I dispose of fire debris?

Fire debris can be hazardous and can release ash or soots into the environment. For these reasons, it is not appropriate to use regular waste services for the disposal of charred or burnt materials. These materials need disposal at an approved waste facility or landfill in the area. SERVPRO can transport any debris from your property to a facility for safe disposal.

Clearing your property of unwanted debris after a kitchen fire is most efficient when using professional services. Contact SERVPRO of North Mississauga at (905) 238-7376.