Author Archives for: Jen

How Does Smoke Damage Impact Your Home?

Fires themselves can cause a huge amount of destruction to your home, the flames burning items and the structure of your home. Things melt and shatter and after that, the smoke damage from the fire can be devastating. Smoke damage left unassessed can ruin your home and the contents of it. Even if it is an area that was not impacted by the flames themselves.

It doesn’t take a big fire to cause smoke damage. Not only can this impact your items like furniture but even has the ability to impact the very structure of your home. This is why the cleaning process is vital. Making sure that soot and smoke are cleaned up as they can act like an acid eating away at your home if left be.

How Does Smoke Impact My Home?

Smoke can impact different materials differently, alongside the temperature and type of fire this can also make a difference to the smoke damage. The worst way smoke can do damage is by seeping into any cracks or small spaces similar in your home and go unnoticed for years causing structural damage to your home.

How Fast Do You Need To Act?

Time is not on your side when it comes to smoke damage, the sooner you act the better. The faster you act, the less likely you are to cause permanent damage. For example, painted walls and flooring need to be addressed within 24-48 hours dependent on the level of damage. Staining can also be a major issue. Metal surfaces can also corrode if left untreated. The longer the damage is left untreated the higher the bill will be when it comes to repairs.

If you are looking for professional advice on smoke damage in your home contact us here.

Home Fire Evacuation Plan: Before, During and After a Fire

Evacuating your home may seem like a terrifying ordeal and probably is one of the scariest things that can happen any homeowner. The danger for you and your family, as well as the potential of losing your home, is a devastating thought. Having an evacuation plan can be vital in aiding the ability to act promptly should need ever arise.

Here is what you should do:

Before –

Preparation is key and here are some vital things to have prepared in advance:

  1. Go Bag – This is a pick up and go bag that contains all the essentials you need to leave in a hurry. Cash, footwear, clothing, emergency medication are all examples of items suitable for your Gobag.
  2. Preparation – Prepare your family by highlighting the nearest exits from every room and pick a place outdoors for everyone to meet should an emergency every arise. There is no harm in practicing this with some drills.
  3. Car – making sure that your fuel is never too low can be vital in an emergency situation. Make sure that you always have surplus fuel for an emergency.

During –

During an evacuation, panic can set in and preparation can sometimes go out the window. However, having practiced how to get out and where to go will give you structure and provide you with the best decisions to maintain your safety.

  1. Communicate and Talk – Try to keep in contact with your family, those in the home during the time of the fire and if it is a more widespread fire, then keeping in touch with officials may be necessary too.
  2. Animals and Pets – Part of your evacuation plan and prep should be to have your animals well trained enough to come when they are called. Always keep your pets in a place where they can be easily evacuated.
  3. Health & Safety – always think health and safety in such an event and afterwards be sure to work with medical services as required to deal with any injuries, smoke inhalation or other medial issues.

After –

Once the fire is out you might start thinking about going inside to find something or to check on the damage. Do not put yourself in danger. Wait for professionals to arrive to help you through the process.

If your home has been affected by anything mentioned in our article feel free to contact us here for additional help

Home Fire Damage: The First Steps To Take

If your home has been damaged by fire this can be an extremely traumatic event. The shock and sense of loss can be overwhelming and unfortunately during this hard time some quick decisions need to be made. It’s hard to know where to start to get things on the path back to normal but here is a starting point for you.

  • When the fire brigade has left, the building requires your responsibility. First things first, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible for them to send out a claim form and arrange for a loss adjuster to call. The damage will need to be inspected before you begin to clean or start any initial work on the property. However, if emergency work is required to protect the property from further damage discuss this with your insurer. 
  • Your insurer may ask you to ensure a few things are in place to prevent any further loss or damage to the property. These can include securing doors, windows and marking areas unsafe for entry. If the roof or stairs has been damaged do not enter the property until it has been deemed safe by a building contractor. 
  • If your home is going to be left unoccupied contact your local Garda station to let them know. 
  • If your home is not habitable it may be necessary to make alternative arrangements. Short-term rentals are available but before you book anything check your insurance policy to see if alternative accommodation is covered by your insurance policy.

Advance Maintenance Limited offer clients an experienced and efficient team to deal with your home or business insurance claim. As general contractors and insurance company approved contractors we are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and our systemised approach to claims ensures a quick and responsive service to fire damage repair claims. Contact us to find out more.