Other Precautions to Take
As well as boarding up windows and doors, there are a number of other precautions to take to minimize the risks of further damage.
First and foremost, examine locking systems on any doors left standing. Is the lock still in working condition? Does it appear likely to break when used, or does it seem able to perform its proper function?
If you have a working lock on any doors, be sure to use it. However, you may want to board the doorway up anyway, for added peace of mind.
Another step is to search for any valuables that may remain in the home and survived the flame with minimal damage. As mentioned above, morally-bankrupt individuals may see your damaged property as ‘easy pickings’ – no working security alarm, nobody home etc. – but if you leave salable goods available, you’ll only be making their task easier.
If your property is deemed unsafe to enter, you’ll obviously be unable to search for valuables yourself, but if you are given the all-clear, do this immediately. Remove objects which you think others might not even see as worth taking – such as electronic items – as internal components may still be worth something beneath superficial damage.
If you’re staying at a hotel or with a friend, you may be unable to keep many valuables with you, especially if you’ve managed to secure a lot of them. Consider asking friends and / or family if they would be willing to store them for you, just until your home is restored, or look into hiring a storage unit. This may mean a little extra expense, but can save you more money and heartache in the long run (especially for items with sentimental value).
Boarding up your home after a fire can be a time-consuming task, but it’s well worth doing. This will ensure your property stays in its ‘purest’ post-fire state, and allow the specialists you hire to restore your home to work without having to contend with weather-damage, vandalism, or any other extraneous damage.
Fire-damaged homes are usually boarded with plywood, but other woods may be used. However, depending on the number of windows, doors, or structural holes to be covered, the cost of this wood may mount up quickly.
At Reactic Restoration, we’re an experienced team dedicated to the very best fire and smoke damage restoration services. We perform immediate board-up services to reinforce your home against the above risks, and we’ll also inspect and evaluate all contents and structural damage, remove acidic smoke & soot, and restore your property.
Want to know more about how we can board up your property and tackle the damage caused by smoke and fire? Call us on (510) 275-3708 now.