Repair or Replace Smoke Damage
The aftermath of a fire can leave a lot of your items damaged, but that does not mean everything is lost. Some items that are damaged by smoke can be repaired. However, this is not a typical household cleaning job as there are experts to turn to when it comes to fire damage restoration as well as the repair or replacing of smoke damaged items.
It should be noted that the soot and smoke left by a fire can be nearly impossible for homeowners to clean without the use of professional equipment. A simple Google search of “how to clean smoke damaged items” won’t do you too much good. That is because much of the stains left by smoke penetrate items beneath the surface. That could require a deep scrub accompanied by sanding and potential refinishing. You should instead be wondering what can be saved from smoke damage. Here are some more helpful hints when repairing or replacing smoke damaged items.
Get started right away
It takes a matter of minutes for smoke to discolor items. Within hours, smoke can residue can begin to stain bathroom floors, porcelain, countertops, appliances and furniture. Waiting for days can do even more damage as that could lead to a permanent yellowing of the walls, staining of upholstery, and corroding metal. Needless to say, smoke damage repairs should be addressed as soon as possible. The longer you leave items alone, the quicker they’ll fall into disrepair, at which point you’ll need to replace them entirely. However, before cleaning, be sure to completely document the damage so that you can file the proper claim with your insurance company. Cleaning before documenting this damage is going to hurt you during the claims process.
Wood items
To repair wood items with smoke damage, there are a couple of options. Unfinished wood can sometimes be fixed by applying a sealant that will attempt to conceal the odor of smoke. Finished wood is often more salvageable. Stripping the surface layer before sanding and finishing can repair those items. This also applies to wood floors. While it may sound simple, it is a job that is best handled by professionals.
When to replace
Re-grouting tile counters that are unable to be cleaned is a painstaking process. At that point, it is best to replace the stained countertops. Carpets can be cleaned if they have been affected by just a light amount of smoke. But when the smoke is heavy, it’s time for a new carpet. If you have a laminate floor, it is important to check the foam layer underneath. If that has been damaged by smoke, replacement is in your future.
Remove items
Items that are damaged by smoke should be removed from the home, even if you are trying to repair them. Removal will serve the function of mitigating the smoke damage. The longer those items remain in your home, the more damage they could do framing, walls and other structural components.
Making decisions on whether or not an item or structure is best repaired or replaced can be difficult, even with the information provided above. That is why a good first step to recovery is to call your local public adjuster. They will perform a professional assessment of the damage and work with the insured to make the repair vs. replace decision as well as determine the next steps in their best interest.
Remember, public adjusters work for claimants, not the insurance companies, and AmeriClaims’ clients routinely get significantly larger cash settlements than what their insurance companies originally offer. Tough times are made a bit easier with a AmeriClaims public adjuster on your side.
