Every fire loss is devastating, but property owners frequently ignore significant hidden damages. While hidden fire loss damages can be challenging to identify with a quick survey, they should never be overlooked. Knowing what other effects a fire can have on your property will give you insight into what to look out 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 handled a fire, you might not realize that it may cause additional, hidden damages. Secondary damages, such as those not directly brought on by the fire, are common. If you would like to be sure you’ll be compensated in full by your insurance provider, you must be aware of these possible issues. In addition, consulting with a restoration company can help you learn more about how to resolve hidden damages after a fire.
Damage Due to Smoke and Soot
Remains of whatever was burned can be found in the smoke. As a result, the whole house is covered with black soot. Any damage caused by smoke or soot must be dealt with immediately to prevent further 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 shouldn’t attempt to do it on your own. Your insurance provider should cover hiring a team of experts to clean up smoke and soot. Airborne soot is undetectable, so you will likely be unaware if you inhale it. Plus, the longer it remains, the harder 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 cause structural damage and generate water damage as a secondary repercussion. In worst cases, black mold can develop after water damage. If inhaled, black mold can cause throwing up, headaches, and breathing problems. Working with a specialist to dry out the area and check for mold after a fire is put out is vital prior to any further repairs can be made.
Mold Problems
Mold growth isn’t always a pressing issue, but it might turn into one way or another. When the water used to extinguish the fire is not correctly cleaned, it can trigger mold growth in the future. A damp and warm environment is needed 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 house increases dramatically following a fire. So if you suspect mold after a fire, get in touch with a remediation expert to check your home.
Structural Damage
Structural damage is 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 exposed to fire. A disaster restoration company recommends 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 problems pose a significant risk and need to be assessed by experts.
Final Thoughts
Property damage from a fire is a frightening experience that calls for a significant investment of time, effort, and mental stamina in order to bounce back. Getting the assistance you need to recover immediately from a fire and deal with any hidden damages it will cause is crucial, so it’s best to seek the help of experts specializing in restoration.
