Every fire loss is devastating, but property owners frequently overlook significant hidden damages. While hidden fire loss damages can be challenging to identify with a quick survey, they should always be addressed. Knowing what other effects a fire can have on your property will give you insight into what to look for when submitting a property insurance claim post-disaster.
Hidden Damages You Should Watch Out For
As far as unforeseen disasters go, a fire may lead to a lot of damage to your property. If you have never dealt with a fire loss before, you might not realize that it might cause additional, hidden damages. Secondary damages, such as those not directly caused by the fire, are common. If you want to be sure you will be compensated in full by your insurance provider, you must be aware of these potential problems.
Damage Due to Smoke and Soot
Remains of whatever was burned can be found in the smoke. Because of this, the whole house is covered with black soot. Any damage caused by smoke or soot must be dealt with quickly to prevent more complications with breathing, skin, eyesight, and a whole lot more. It can also have long-lasting effects on the health of young children.
While soot can be easily removed from floorings, wall surfaces, and appliances, you should not try to do it yourself. Your insurance should cover hiring professionals to clean up smoke and soot. Airborne soot is invisible, so you will likely be unaware if you are inhaling it. Plus, the longer it remains, the more difficult it is to eliminate.
Water Damage
After extinguishing the fire, you should expect water to soak through every part of your home’s structure and furnishings. Fires not only cause structural damage but also often cause water damage as a secondary consequence. In worst cases, black mold will develop after water damage. Black mold can cause vomiting, headaches, and respiratory problems if inhaled. Hiring a water removal in Clairemont expert to dry the area and look for mold after a fire is put out is crucial before any further repairs can be made.
Mold Problems
Mold growth isn’t always a pressing concern, but it may turn into one sooner or later. When the water used to extinguish the fire is not cleaned correctly, it can cause mold growth in the future. A wet and warm atmosphere is necessary for mold to grow on a surface. These requirements are fulfilled when a fire breaks out and is suppressed on a property. As a result, the risk of mold invading your home increases dramatically following a fire. So if you suspect mold after a fire, contact a remediation specialist to inspect your home.
Structural Damage
Structural damage is just one of a fire’s many hidden consequences on a property. Although concrete is durable and hard to break, it will become a problem if it is exposed to fire.
Restoration companies highly recommend keeping an eye out for structural damage indicators like newly formed concrete fractures caused by the material’s expansion because of high temperatures. After a house fire, structural issues pose a major threat and need to be evaluated by professionals.
Final Thoughts
Property damage from a fire is a frightening experience that calls for a significant investment of time, effort, and mental strength in order to bounce back. Getting the assistance you need to recover quickly from a fire and deal with any hidden damages it will cause is vital, so it’s best to seek the help of experts specializing in restoration.
