Is Water Damage Common To See After A Fire?

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

Is Water Damage Common Following A Fire?

People often associate water damage with a leaking pipe or flooding. But did you know that water damage can often be a common result of fire damage? Fire suppression systems and tactics used by firefighters to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading can result in extensive water damage. When water comes into contact with smoke or soot particles, these can be absorbed into wall coverings and other materials that are difficult to clean and dry out. This can then cause mold growth just a few days after the fire has happened.

Water damage is common to see after a fire

Water damage is often a result of fire damage. Fire sprinklers go off when a fire starts, and firefighters use water to put out the fire. When this occurs, it adds an entirely new level to the mitigation and restoration process.

Wet ceilings and walls need to be dried carefully after a fire

When a fire and water damage occur, the structure and contents of your home need to be dried out immediately. If this process is not done properly, you may be left with long-term problems: mold and mildew growth, structural damage, and other unwanted effects.

For example, ceiling tiles can sometimes be removed without causing any structural damage to walls or ceilings. However, if not dealt with carefully, removing these tiles can cause wood framing behind them to rot prematurely (or even collapse).

A certified water and fire cleanup crew can come in as soon as the fire has been put out and begin the mitigation and restoration. From start to finish, the crew will take care of your home and restore it back to preloss conditions.

Some materials are hard to dry out enough 

When you've experienced fire and water damage, it's best to clean up and dry out your home as quickly as possible. However, some materials and wall coverings are hard to dry out enough to prevent mold. In many cases, materials that have been affected by fire and water damage need to be removed and replaced to prevent any further damage to your property.

Wet flooring and wet carpets must be removed as soon as possible after a fire in order to prevent secondary damage. 

If you see signs of mold in your home after a fire or other natural disaster, it's crucial that you get professional help right away. Mold can cause serious damage to your property.

The next time you hear about a fire, remember that water damage is often unavoidable. Though a fire and water loss might seem devastating, just know that there are highly trained teams available to help with all the cleanup and restoration necessary. For example, SERVPRO of Laguna Beach is the leading expert in fire damage cleanup and restoration in the greater Laguna Beach area. Our team offers our services around the clock, so no matter when a loss occurs, our team is there to help!