Fire and Water Damage Restoration

Fire and Water Damage Restoration Questions

Why does fire damage always come with water damage?

Because extinguishing a fire pumps hundreds — often thousands — of gallons of water into the structure. Fire hoses deliver over a hundred gallons a minute, and everything below the fire floor gets soaked: ceilings, walls, insulation, flooring. In most house fires, the water and smoke damage together exceed the burn damage itself.

What should be done first after a house fire — smoke or water cleanup?

Water first, almost always. Smoke residue is stable for days; wet drywall and insulation start growing mold within 24–48 hours, and standing water keeps wicking upward into materials the fire never touched. The professional sequence: safety clearance, water extraction, structural drying, then smoke and soot remediation on the dried structure.

Does homeowners insurance cover fire and water damage restoration?

Fire is the classic covered peril — flames, smoke, and the water used to fight the fire are all normally covered, including resulting damage. Document everything before disposal, keep receipts for emergency measures, and get the restoration scope in writing; fire claims are large, and organized documentation is what keeps them moving.

How long does fire and water damage restoration take?

The water phase — extraction and structural drying — typically runs 3–7 days. Smoke remediation and repairs extend the timeline: minor kitchen fires may wrap in 1–2 weeks, while significant structure fires run months once reconstruction joins. The mistake that stretches every timeline: letting the water phase wait while smoke gets the attention.

Can I stay in my house during fire and water restoration?

Often not initially: smoke residue is a respiratory irritant, wet materials breed mold fast, and power may be compromised. For contained kitchen fires with quick water cleanup, staying is sometimes workable. Your insurer's additional-living-expense (ALE) coverage typically pays for temporary housing when the home isn't habitable — use it rather than toughing out air you shouldn't breathe.