No matter if it’s a small kitchen fire or flames that engulf your home, it’s important to schedule professional fire damage restoration. Fire damage restoration goes beyond taking out ruined appliances and wet drywall or cabinets. It helps keep building residents safe and protects properties from more damage. Here are five surprising truths about fire damage restoration that every homeowner should know.

1. Soot and Smoke Residues Are Major Threats

One lesser-known fact about house fires is that putting them out can cause more damage than the flames themselves. When people go back home or to work after these events, they often find pools of water, soaked furniture, and a damp, musty smell. Many people think water damage is the biggest health risk. But soot and smoke penetration often pose a greater threat.

Did you know that smoke odors and smoke residues can be as detrimental as smoke itself? Inhaling smoke can lead to serious breathing problems.

Soot and smoke residues are rife with volatile chemicals and hazardous particulate matter. Soot can harm residents’ health. It can also leave permanent stains on furniture and building materials.

2. Psychology and Emotions Play Important Roles in Clean-up

Fires are devastating, no matter where and the size of them. Owning property is a big investment. Property owners often feel deep grief, loss, and shock. They may find it hard to keep appointments, manage insurance claims, and take other important steps for recovery.

It’s important to choose experienced companies that restore fire damage with care. The right restoration team shows professionalism and keeps cleanup and repairs on schedule.

3. Proper Protective Gear Is of the Utmost Importance

After a minor house fire, you might feel tempted to pull out your wet-dry vacuum and start the cleanup yourself. Fire restoration experts use high-quality personal protective equipment. This protective gear helps reduce skin contact, eye contact, and breathing in smoke, soot, mold, and other harmful substances.

4. Hidden Moisture Can Wreak Havoc on Homes

Another good reason to hire professional restoration services is the chance of hidden moisture. You might think that moisture problems are in check as soon as you’ve suctioned up standing water. Unfortunately, water can make its way into the air pockets within porous building materials. Lacking professional air movers, heaters, blowers, and fans, this moisture can fester for weeks or months on end.

5. Fast Action Is Essential for Preventing Mold

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, mold spores can form within 24 to 48 hours of any flood event. This makes it the best time to schedule fire damage cleanup as soon as fire inspectors clear the building for re-entry.

What you don’t know about fire damage restoration could hurt you. For expert fire damage restoration in California, contact H & L Remediation.