Dangers of DIY Fire Damage Cleanup

Fire damage cleanup is more than just ‘cleaning up,’ especially when it concerns your home and possessions. The damage after a fire can seem daunting and overwhelming, leaving many homeowners wondering where to start. If your home has suffered fire damage and you feel the urge to start to clean up on your own, hold off until you hear what we have to say. Five Valley’s Restoration has been providing fire damage cleanup in Missoula for over 30 years – so it is safe to say we know a thing or two about cleanup. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when attempting to clean up after a fire without help from trained professionals. 

Fire Damage Cleanup Missoula

1. They forget to call their homeowners insurance company and document all the damages done before cleaning up. An insurance adjuster will need to come and inspect your property and the damages sustained before any repairs or cleanup can be attempted. You have to show proof of damage and loss in order to get insurance to cover said damages, and removing, clearing, or cleaning anything before that proof has been obtained may affect what your insurance will cover. Make a list of losses, document all damages, and take pictures to show proof of damage. It is best to wait until an inspection has been performed before any other steps are taken.
2. They leave their home susceptible to further damage. After the fire has been put out, it is important to take precautions to mitigate any further damage to your home and property from the elements, weather, rain, wind, and animal or human intruders. Temporary repairs and securities can be put into place to safeguard your home from the elements. For example, if your roof has sustained damage from the fire, then tarping may be required in order to keep moisture and exposure from the elements from causing further damage inside your home. Broken windows and doors may need to be covered , boarded up, and sealed to keep unwanted things out. 
3. They try to handle the cleanup process on their own. Smoke and soot left behind following a fire can pose serious health threats, and should not be handled without proper safety equipment, cleaning materials, and safe methods. The longer the damage sits, the worse it gets, so not being able to dedicate all your time to cleaning up after a fire can actually make matters worse. Without the proper equipment, training, and experience, you risk causing further damage and getting subpar results. Instead, make the call to Five Valleys Restoration and Cleaning. We are available anytime, day or night, to respond to your emergency. We understand how overwhelming fire damage cleanup is, and that is why our goal is to fix your property and your home as if the fire never happened. From start to finish, you can rely on our expertise to make the entire fire damage cleanup process as easy and worry-free for you as possible.