SERVPRO Customer on Experiencing a House Fire

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

A Houston, TX homeowner and SERVPRO customer received a call no one wants to receive from neighbors telling her that her home was on fire. The family had just left to get something to eat when they received the call. The neighbors in her tight knit community called the fire department before contacting her, but the fire moved fast and a significant amount of damage was done in the short time it took for the fire department to arrive. 

Returning home, they were devastated to find their home completely burned and that they had lost nearly all of their possessions. In the moments after the fire the family learned that the fire also took their family pets and they were devastated. 

During this difficult time the last thing the family wanted to do was have to clean the damage from the blaze. Having a company like SERVPRO to handle this for them allowed them to process the tragedy away from the home. It took months for the family home to be rebuilt and for them to cope with the loss of their beloved pets, but slowly life returned to normal for them. 

They now live happily in their rebuilt home and the homeowner shared that she tried to find the positive in the situation as that was the best way for them to cope with the fire. 

While rebuilding the family was able to add two additional rooms to their family home, giving each of their children their own room. This is something that helped the family as they tried to get back to life before the fire. The homeowner says anyone experiencing a fire should try to stay positive and that it might take a while, but that life will return to normal. 

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bellaire will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –713-266-9294