The duration of a restoration project always varies based on a number of factors including extent and severity of the damage as well as the size of the structure. In general, fire restoration can vary from a couple days to a couple months. Duraclean will visit the site to provide an accurate cost estimate and time frame.

Lingering residue will pose health hazards and affect the quality of air. Even if you don't feel the fire damage is severe and there is no significant structural damage, it may not be safe to reside in until the restoration is complete. A licensed fire restoration professional can inspect the property and they can determine if it is safe for occupancy.

It is common for homeowners to think that fire damage was confined to one room—only to find out days later that the smell and the residue of smoke has spread throughout their entire home, even in areas where the flames did not spread. As smoke travels the residue can cling to soft surfaces such as curtains, bedding, and carpet. It can also spread to your roof and walls. This residue is actually unspent fuel and sets the foundation for a subsequent fire. To ensure that your home is entirely free of smoke residue, it’s important that you contact a professional remediation crew such as Duraclean rather than simply trying to identify all affected areas yourself.

If your home has major fire or smoke damage you need to follow these steps:

1. Relocate Your Family temporarily as soon as possible: Fire-damaged homes are often structurally unstable, so you should relocate your family until you know the extent of the damage. Due to lingering smoke residue, a subsequent fire could ignite, so it’s important that you get your family out of harm’s way.

2. File a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim: Submit a written notice to your homeowner’s insurance company as soon as possible.

3. Call Duraclean: Our team will help you secure the area and avoid subsequent fires. Wait a while, your insurer may dispute your claim due to smoke residue. We will evaluate the damage and give you an estimate for the cost of repairs. We can also help you file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company.

Fire and smoke cleanup can be a very complex project. Even if your home doesn't have major structural damage, specific tools and techniques are necessary to remove smoke residue. If you make an oversight, a fire could possibly be started, and your insurance company may dispute your claim, arguing that your own negligence was a contributing factor.