Concealed Damages to Check for After a Fire

Every family could have their lives turned upside down by a house fire. Homes and valuables are destroyed, and lives are killed in the most terrible cases. A fire in your home could destroy more than just physical possessions. It can also ruin precious memories and force you to battle insurance firms for an extended period.

Smoke, fire, and the water utilized to put out the flame are the three causes that have led to the most visible damage. All things that are susceptible to the absorption of moisture or odors, such as but not limited to carpeting, furniture, and clothes, are damaged.

Hidden Damages of Fire

The results from a fire are far more extensive than they initially appear. Damages caused by fire might be invisible and difficult to spot. Following a fire, additional, less evident damages can be costly and threaten your family’s safety. This is the kind of damage we’ll discuss in this article.

1. Mold

The likelihood of mold growth grows when the water has penetrated your carpets, rugs, ceilings, floors, and walls. Building new flooring walls, drywall, or walls is not enough. The areas that are exposed to water should be completely dry or rebuilt.

Mold can cause serious health problems and can also cause harm to your home. Mold spores are tiny microorganisms that can be breathed in because they move through the air. Mold spores can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory diseases. You can search online for a reputable company for mold damage remediation services.

2. Gas Leaks

Firefighters have various tools for breaking down cabinets, walls, and glass during an emergency. The accidental nicks or scratches to gas lines typically turn into full-blown leaks if tools are used. If you come back to your home following an accident and can smell gas-like odors, you must leave immediately and call 911.

A gas leak can fuel an already burning fire and trigger another explosion which could result in serious injuries or death to bystanders. If there is a gas leak, shut off the valves immediately and call for assistance.

3. Electrical Damage

Also, fires can cause electrical damage. They can cause the melting of wires, cause junction boxes to be damaged, and produce live wires when spread across walls. Contact your power provider to switch off power when the fire is out.

However, while falling power lines are an immediate threat, a fire could be triggered when a wire that has been damaged ignites inside the walls. After the fire, firefighters will inspect the structure. However, the wire could be concealed under damaged house components.

4. Soot

Soot’s components originate from burning fuels such as wood or coal. As a natural consequence of living in an industrialized society, we are continuously exposed to the harmful effects of breathing in soot. However, soot damage during a fire might go unnoticed during the post-fire inspection of your home.

Always wear protective gear when working with soot, such as covering your eyes, mouth, nose, and hands. It may be more beneficial to work with professionals.

5. Sewage and Water Pipes

It’s a popular misconception that sewage and water pipes have fireproofing. The majority of modern plumbing systems do not make use of iron pipes. It is made of PVC or a similar durable, flexible material that can withstand the risk of cracks or leaks. These materials, however, tend to melt when heated to high temperatures.

The toxic and unpleasant gas could enter your home through damaged sewage pipes, which can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and trouble breathing. Lines that have been damaged may be releasing harmful carbon monoxide.

If you ought to know more about sewage and water piping problems, you can read articles on this page.