What Are Some Effects of Fire Damage in a House?

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Just because fire missed direct contact with something doesn't mean it escaped fire damage.

Fire damage is a lot more common than anyone would like it to be. However, other than the fire itself, there is a lot more damage that happens from the event from elements such as smooth, soot, ash, stains, and odors. Preventing the fire in the first place is always advisable, but in case a fire breaks out, it is important to know how to deal quickly with the other problems that come with it. 

Structural Damage

Fire, out in the open, is hot, but when you have a fire inside a building with different materials burning simultaneously, it can get extremely hot. In fact, it is hot enough to burn durable materials such as steel and even glass. When firefighters use high-pressure water to put a fire out, the pressure of the water also breaks and damages a lot of things, and most materials cannot withstand the sudden change in temperature.

These problems combined can cause major structural damage in the building, especially if the fire has been burning for extended periods of time. Other than the belongings, the walls, floor, and roof need to be inspected to ensure they are safe to use before the reconstruction process begins. 

Smoke Damage

The other main problem is smoke. Different fires yield different smoke. Considering how many things are burning in the house fire, it's hard to say what the exact chemical composition of the smoke will be. In any case, these particles will pollute the air, becoming a health hazard for humans and animals. 

Even in areas where there is no apparent fire damage or visible smoke, the air can still be polluted because of the chemicals from the smoke. This is why it is important that you have the air quality in the building, and even the buildings surrounding the site, inspected before people may enter. Contact with such air can lead to various breathing problems, red eyes, nausea, and cognitive problems. 

Soot Damage 

Soot is often confused with ash, but they are two distinct things. Soot is a tiny and light particle with an oily nature. Because of its size and density, it can easily float around with the smoke and reach other areas of the home. It has the typical smell of burnt carbon, which can contaminate otherwise unaffected areas. Inhaling this substance is possible since it is present in the air and can lead to all kinds of breathing-related problems. Getting soot on your skin can lead to irritation and redness and, in extreme cases, can even result in the development of cancer because of exposure. 

Water Damage 

Small fires can be put out with an extinguisher, but larger fires will nearly always require water. It is counterintuitive, but water damage is a major problem in house fires. There are two ways that this can happen. 

First, the water discharged by the sprinkler system or water used by firehouses to put out the fire will also start damaging the property.

As it collects, it will dampen and damage floors, walls, and belongings. 

Second, as the fire rages, it will heat pipes in the plumbing, which can cause them to explode and leak water into the facility. Again, this will lead to all kinds of water damage, including corrosion and rust. 

If these issues are left untreated, they can lead to the development of mold, fungus, and other pests from too much water.

Conclusion

If you have experienced a fire, you must know there is a lot more that will be done than just putting the fire out. Ideally, you should have an expert look at your property and give you an in-depth evaluation of the entire structure. Then you should hire some experts to help you with the reconstruction process. 

If you have suffered fire damage in your home, contacting a professional restoration company like SERVPRO is important. We have the experience and equipment necessary to restore your home back to its pre-fire condition.