Contractor’s Guide to Fire Restoration: Step-by-Step Process

Fire restoration is a critical and specialized area of construction that requires a strategic approach, expertise, and attention to detail. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or new to fire restoration, it’s essential to have a clear process in place for efficiently restoring properties after a fire. Below is a guide and step-by-step breakdown of what contractors should do immediately after a fire, leading to full restoration.

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Secure the Site

The first and most important step after a fire is to ensure the safety of all personnel and the structural integrity of the building.

• Coordinate with local authorities: Ensure that the fire department has officially cleared the site, confirming that it’s safe to enter.
• Assess structural hazards: Inspect for compromised walls, roofs, floors, and other structural elements that may pose risks.
• Wear protective gear: Contractors and crew should wear appropriate safety gear (e.g., helmets, gloves, respirators, and fire-retardant clothing) when working on-site.
• Install temporary fencing: If necessary, install temporary fencing around the property to secure the area from unauthorized access and protect passersby from potential hazards.

Step 2: Perform an Initial Damage Assessment

Once the site is secure, it’s time to conduct an initial damage assessment. This is a critical step to determine the scope of work and understand the extent of fire, smoke, and water damage.

• Visual inspection: Assess the building for obvious fire damage, including structural destruction, charring, and burnt materials.
• Identify water damage: Often, water used to extinguish the fire causes significant damage. Look for waterlogged areas, mold growth, and standing water.
• Evaluate smoke and soot impact: Inspect walls, ceilings, and floors for smoke damage and soot buildup. Smoke can penetrate deep into materials and leave behind lingering odors.
• Take detailed notes and photos: Document everything with photographs and notes. This will be useful for insurance claims and planning the restoration process.

Step 3: Mitigation and Prevent Further Damage

The next step is to mitigate any further damage and secure the property from external elements and potential deterioration.

• Board-up windows and doors: If windows and doors have been destroyed or damaged, board them up to prevent rain, wind, and unauthorized entry.
• Install roof tarps: If the roof has been compromised, install tarps or temporary covers to prevent water infiltration.
• Extract standing water: Use industrial-grade pumps to remove any standing water from firefighting efforts. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours, so it’s crucial to address water issues immediately.
• Dry out affected areas: Use dehumidifiers, air movers, and fans to dry out any water-damaged areas to prevent further structural damage and mold growth.

Step 4: Clean Up Fire, Smoke, and Soot Damage

Once the site is secure, begin the cleaning process to remove smoke, soot, and fire-damaged materials.

• Remove damaged materials: Clear out any materials that are beyond repair, such as burnt drywall, flooring, and furniture. Use dumpsters to manage debris.
• Soot and smoke removal: Clean all surfaces using specialized cleaning products designed to remove smoke stains and soot. Soot can be acidic and may cause further damage if not removed promptly.
• Air scrubbing: Use air scrubbers equipped with HEPA filters to remove smoke particles from the air, improving air quality and reducing odors.
• Odor elimination: Utilize odor removal techniques, such as ozone treatments, hydroxyl generators, or thermal fogging, to eliminate lingering smoke odors. Smoke can penetrate deep into porous materials like wood and drywall.

Step 5: Structural Repair and Restoration

After the site has been cleaned and secured, it’s time to begin repairing the structural components of the building.

• Structural evaluation: Work with a structural engineer, if necessary, to evaluate and repair major structural elements, such as the foundation, load-bearing walls, and roofing.
• Framing and drywall: Replace damaged framing and install new drywall, flooring, and insulation where necessary.
• Electrical and plumbing repairs: Fires often damage electrical wiring and plumbing systems. Ensure that these are properly inspected and repaired by licensed professionals.
• Rebuild affected areas: Focus on rebuilding sections of the property that were severely damaged, matching original architectural details when applicable.

Step 6: Final Touches and Rebuilding

In this stage, contractors will focus on finishing the restoration process and ensuring the property is returned to its pre-loss condition or better.

• Painting and finishing: Apply fresh paint, install new flooring, and replace fixtures. This is where the cosmetic side of the restoration takes place.
• Final inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of all repairs and make sure all systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are functioning correctly.
• Client walk-through: Do a walk-through with the property owner to review all completed work, address any concerns, and ensure satisfaction.

Step 7: Documentation and Insurance Liaison

Fire restoration is often covered by insurance, so it’s important to work closely with insurance adjusters and the property owner to ensure proper documentation.

• Provide detailed reports: Submit a comprehensive report that includes the scope of work, estimates, and any additional costs incurred during restoration.
• Photos and records: Submit all before-and-after photos, along with receipts for materials and labor costs, to the insurance company.
• Facilitate communication: Act as a liaison between the homeowner and the insurance adjuster to expedite the claims process and avoid delays.

Fire Restoration Tips & Tricks for Contractors or DIY’s:

Handling fire restoration projects requires not only technical expertise but also strategic decision-making to ensure safety, efficiency, and a successful outcome. Here are some unique tips and tricks that can help streamline the process, minimize costs, and maximize client satisfaction.

1. Prioritize Air Quality from Day One

• Trick: Deploy air scrubbers immediately upon entering the site. This not only removes harmful smoke particles but also creates a safer environment for your crew. While drying and debris removal are happening, start running HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to clean the air.

• Tip: Install additional air purification systems near HVAC systems to prevent smoke particles from circulating. This can reduce secondary contamination, saving you time on future cleaning efforts.

2. Use Specialized Soot Sponges for Quick Cleanup

• Trick: For soot removal on walls, ceilings, and floors, use dry-cleaning sponges (also called chemical sponges). They don’t require water and can lift soot particles effectively without smearing them, which is crucial for delicate surfaces.

• Tip: Start with dry sponges to clean areas before introducing any liquid cleaners. This reduces the risk of embedding soot deeper into porous materials like wood and drywall, preventing staining and prolonging cleanup times.

3. Control Odors with Thermal Fogging

• Trick: Instead of just using air purifiers and surface cleaners, incorporate thermal fogging as a powerful technique for odor elimination. Thermal foggers heat deodorizing agents and release them into the air as a fog that penetrates deep into cracks, cavities, and porous surfaces.

• Tip: Use thermal fogging in conjunction with hydroxyl generators, which are safe for continuous operation around people. Hydroxyls neutralize odors and airborne contaminants, providing a comprehensive solution for lingering smoke smells.

4. Conduct Moisture Mapping Before Demolition

• Trick: Before tearing out fire-affected materials, use moisture mapping technology (thermal cameras or moisture meters) to identify hidden pockets of water from fire extinguishing efforts. This prevents unnecessary demolition and identifies areas that need targeted drying.

• Tip: Consider moisture mapping even in areas not visibly affected by water. Sometimes water seeps behind walls or under floors, which can lead to mold growth if not detected and addressed early.

5. Use Temporary Electrical Power for Efficient Work

• Trick: Set up temporary power (via generators) early in the process, even if it’s just for lights and air movers. This allows your crew to work more efficiently and keeps critical restoration equipment, like fans and dehumidifiers, running continuously.

• Tip: Place portable power distribution units (PDUs) throughout the site for easy access to electricity, reducing downtime and ensuring that the drying and cleaning processes continue uninterrupted.

6. Layer Restoration with Fire-Resistant Materials

• Trick: During rebuilding, use fire-resistant materials to help safeguard the structure from future fire risks. Products like fire-rated drywall, cement board siding, and non-combustible insulation offer additional protection.

• Tip: For an extra layer of safety, recommend intumescent paints to your clients. These specialized paints expand when exposed to heat, helping to slow down the spread of fire.

7. Targeted Demolition with Heat Mapping

• Trick: Before demolition, perform a heat map assessment to identify areas most affected by extreme heat. Materials exposed to high temperatures may appear structurally sound but could have weakened over time. By focusing on these areas, you reduce unnecessary tear-downs and save salvageable materials.

• Tip: Use heat maps in tandem with infrared cameras to evaluate both fire and water damage in hard-to-see places, like attics or behind walls, ensuring a thorough assessment.

8. Insurance Liaison Tip: Over-Document the Process

• Trick: Go beyond standard documentation. Use 3D imaging technology (such as Matterport cameras) to create a digital replica of the fire-damaged property. This gives insurers and adjusters a clear visual understanding of the extent of damage, speeding up the claims process.

• Tip: Keep a video diary of your work progress. Video documentation is not only helpful for insurance purposes but also reassures your client of the work being done at every stage.

9. Conduct a Pre-Walkthrough for Client Approval

• Trick: Before conducting the final walkthrough with the client, perform a pre-walkthrough with your crew. Fix minor issues (e.g., touch-ups, cleanup) ahead of time to ensure the property is in perfect condition for client presentation.

• Tip: Consider creating a client checklist that includes each element of the restoration process (walls, ceiling, flooring, odors, etc.). This shows transparency and helps guide the client through the final inspection.

10. Anticipate Post-Restoration Inspections

• Trick: Many clients may request inspections from third parties (like engineers or local authorities) post-restoration. Be proactive by offering a pre-inspection assessment that checks for structural soundness, electrical safety, and compliance with local building codes before the official inspection.

• Tip: Build relationships with local inspectors and adjusters. A strong rapport with these professionals can result in smoother and faster approvals, helping you close projects efficiently.

Bonus Tip: Offer a Post-Restoration Maintenance Plan

• Trick: Create a post-restoration maintenance package for clients that includes ongoing inspections, HVAC cleaning, and smoke alarm testing. This adds value to your service and can generate future business.

• Tip: Include fire prevention education with the maintenance plan. Offering tips on smoke alarm placement, escape routes, and fire-resistant materials can demonstrate your commitment to the client’s safety, building long-term trust.

Conclusion

Fire restoration is a challenging but rewarding field for contractors, and having the right tips and tricks can make all the difference in delivering high-quality, efficient work. By using specialized tools, leveraging advanced cleaning and restoration techniques, and maintaining excellent client communication, contractors can stand out in the industry while providing exceptional service.