Beware of Hidden Fire Damage
Published by: Paul Batchie, pbpublic@gmail.comPublished on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13
Many in Connecticut have seen the more dramatic effects of house fires, such as collapsed roofs, charred beams, and water damage from firemen's hoses. But if you’ve suffered a house fire, you also need to be aware of more subtle forms of damage that may have been inflicted. Though this type of damage is harder to detect, if left uncorrected it can cause problems and cost you money later on when you think the fire and its expense is well behind you.
The most common hidden damage after a fire is smoke damage. Not all smoke damage is readily apparent. Most people think that all smoke is the same, but that is not the case. Depending on what material was burning, smoke damage can be visible or not, odorous or not, and can have varying degrees of toxicity. For your house to return to a normal state it is imperative that all smoke deposits be thoroughly removed or the odors can return and the toxicity can continue to do damage to respiratory health.
Another form of fire damage that is often underestimated is damage to electronic equipment. While direct heat damage to electronics is usually easy to detect, the corrosive effects of soot and smoke-borne acids may not be. If corrosive chemicals have been deposited inside delicate TVs, audio equipment, cameras and the like, they will continue their destructive work when the components are turned back on and heat up. Unless this hidden damage is remediated before the equipment is placed back in service, this could cause a significant expense at a time when your insurance adjustor has already closed your case.
Fire can spread through a house in strange ways. The same copper wires that conduct electricity also conduct heat very well. Therefore, heat damage to wire insulation can extend into walls and ceilings even when there is little sign of surface damage. For this reason, it's critical to make sure that all damage to electric wiring is thoroughly ferreted out, since damaged wire insulation can itself be a cause of fire later on.
Also, give close attention to special possessions such as jewelry, artwork, fine furniture and prized books. These typically are very dear objects that would be very expensive, if not impossible, to replace. It might seem tempting to take the easy road and pass off slight discoloration or odor as acceptable, but this not only will affect your enjoyment of the piece, it will affect its resale value.
At this point you're probably getting an uncomfortable feeling for how extensive fire damage really can be – often far beyond what first presents itself to the untrained eye. For this reason, if you’ve had a fire it is imperative that you bring a qualified fire damage restoration specialist in Connecticut onboard to help you. He has the testing equipment to detect hidden smoke damage and to determine its potential toxicity. He has the experience to evaluate damage to electronics, and the technology to safely scrub off corrosive deposits. He regularly works alongside conservators who can evaluate damage to fine articles and perform restoration.
With the latest equipment and knowledge won by experience, a qualified restoration specialist can make the difference between saving and losing valuable items, and can often save you money in the process. More importantly, he can be your advocate in dealing with your insurance company.
With the right people on your side, you will get through the ordeal of dealing with a house fire in Connecticut, and you will be comfortably back in your home as quickly and smoothly as possible.
To find a Connecticut or Westchester County fire damage restoration specialist near you, contact us today or browse our directory.
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