The Tragic Trifecta: Fire, Smoke, and Water Damage

When a natural disaster strikes, it comes with little or no warning and rarely arrives alone. It could start as a single bolt of lightning to your roofline that bursts into flames. Once the storm ends and the fire department leaves, you’ll face fire, smoke, and water damage. All three can equal hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your home or business.

This “tragic trifecta” can be overwhelming, and each type of damage requires a different restoration method. But that’s where Restorations by Highmark comes in. Unlike other restoration companies, we can handle the devastating effects of fire, smoke, and water damage. Plus, we’ll be by your side during the entire insurance claims process and will restore your property to its normal, livable state in no time. Here’s how we do it.

Any time you experience a disaster that involves property, it’s essential to coordinate with your insurance provider. However, dealing with insurance companies can be confusing, especially when fire, smoke, and water damage are all involved.

To help with your insurance claim, Restorations by Highmark’s estimators were insurance adjusters earlier in their careers, so they understand the processes and tools needed to submit an accurate claim. One of the critical tools we use is the creation of a Matterport scan of the property. This 3D imaging camera system creates a virtual tour of the inside of a building. We’ll use this scan to understand the extent of the damage, inventory the building’s contents, and create a detailed restoration estimate.

To further expedite the claims process, here are a few things you can do at the first sign of property damage:

• Turn off Utilities: If not already handled by the fire department, shut off electricity, gas, and water to prevent additional hazards.
• Remove Valuables: If safe, move important documents, electronics, and sentimental items to a dry, secure location.
• Keep Damaged Items: Do not discard items until your insurance adjuster has evaluated the loss.
• Ventilation: Open windows and doors to improve ventilation and reduce smoke odor if the air outside is safe.
• Avoid DIY Water Cleanup: Using household fans or heaters can worsen water damage or spread soot.
• Contact a Restoration Company: Insurers will typically require an expert evaluation of the damage and a written estimate to restore the property.
• Understand Your Coverage: Fire damage usually falls under standard homeowners’ insurance policies, covering structural damage and personal belongings. Some insurers consider smoke damage as part of fire damage; others may treat it as a separate line item. Water from firefighting efforts falls under fire damage.

Restoring a property affected by fire, smoke, and water damage is more complex than dealing with just one type of damage. You’ll need a professional restoration company experienced in handling all three types of disasters, and one that can also restore your property.

Here are the steps we take when we arrive at your home or business:

1. Emergency Response

• Safety First: We’ll ensure your family is safe, and the property is structurally sound and safe to enter.
• Secure the Property: Board up broken windows, doors, and exposed areas to prevent further damage.

2. Damage Assessment

• Structural Inspection: Evaluate the extent of the damage to walls, roofs, and floors.
• Matterport Scan: This 3D video scan captures the exact state of the destruction for insurance purposes and allows us to create an accurate restoration estimate.
• Navigate Insurance: Because our estimators were adjusters, they can help you navigate the insurance claims process and be your advocate to get the best possible outcome. The Matterport scan and a restoration estimate are submitted to your insurance company by Restorations by Highmark.

3. Water Damage Mitigation

• Water Extraction: We use specialized equipment to remove standing water and properly dry affected areas.
• Dehumidification and Drying: Industrial dehumidifiers and air movers dry out wood and other structural components of the home.
• Mold Prevention: Water damage can lead to mold growth if not addressed quickly. We’ll apply solutions to keep mold spores from forming.

4. Removal and Cleanup:

• Damaged Materials: We’ll remove any damaged drywall, flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and personal belongings that cannot be cleaned or repaired.
• Contents Restoration: Items that can be salvaged will be cleaned and deodorized in our state-of-the-art ozone cleaning system and then stored in our secure storage facility until your property is fully restored.
• Smoke Damage Cleanup: Smoke leaves a sticky residue that penetrates surfaces. We’ll use specialized cleaners and techniques to eliminate odors and residues.

5. Full Property Restoration

• Redesign: You’ll work with one of our interior designers to select new tile, flooring, custom cabinets, countertops, and fixtures.
• Reconstruction: Our restoration specialists will rebuild damaged areas, including roofing, drywall, and mechanicals, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. New cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures are installed.
• Final Inspection: A final walkthrough ensures all fire, smoke, and water damage has been properly addressed.

Professional property restoration ensures comprehensive cleanup, proper documentation for insurance claims, and peace of mind knowing your home or business is safe and fully restored. Attempting DIY restoration after fire, smoke, and water damage can lead to:

• Hidden Damage: Smoke residues and water saturation may be invisible but cause long-term problems.
• Health Risks: Smoke particles, soot, and mold can compromise indoor air quality and pose serious health risks.
• Incomplete Insurance Documentation: Improper cleanup can complicate insurance claims.

Experiencing fire, smoke, and water damage simultaneously is daunting, but understanding the process—from insurance claims to professional restoration—can make the path to recovery more manageable.

With decades of experience in home and business restoration throughout the Twin Cities metro, Restorations by Highmark can help remedy the challenges of multi-faceted disasters. Contact us today for expert restoration services you can trust.