Fire Damage And Possible Restoration

Fire damage is the destruction that is caused by flames that strike a building or a home. The extent of the destruction is dependent on how severe the heat is and how long it has been going on. Some fires can be contained in a single floor or area by the firefighters and leave the rest of the structure unscathed. The key to keeping things under control is to call the firefighters as soon as possible and to try and put out the flames while waiting for them to come. It is important to remember, though, that the safety of the people takes precedence to putting out the fire.

Causes

The possible causes include, but are not limited to, explosions, lightning strikes, lit cigarettes, short circuits in wiring and many others. Fire damage from explosions can be extensive because of the initial explosion that occurs and the continuing blaze that can happen afterwards. These can be caused by gas leaks, ammunition and other sources. Some of these explosions can be willfully enacted by people with evil intentions or those who wish to create havoc and harm other people. Lightning strikes can cause flames to erupt when it basically hits a material that is conducive to it. Dried fields and trees can light up when struck by lightning. Lit cigarettes that are thrown onto dried leaves and fields can also light up as well as cause a blaze when hitting a blanket or the carpet. Crossed wirings or those that have short-circuited can also start a blaze when the conditions are right.

Insurance

Fire damage is covered by specific insurance policies. Homeowners or the building management need to be specific when they get insurance for their structures. Not all policies cover a blaze, and the destruction of the flames can be extensive and very expensive. Insuring the house or the building will help to cover some, if not most, of the cost of the structure and its contents. Some of the contents may be insured by themselves, especially if these are valuable. The claim can help in the restoration of the structure, especially if the destruction is limited to a particular room or area only. Many construction companies have specific renovation or restoration plans and designs, which can be a great help for those with fire damage. Some homes may not be insured, especially those that are not mortgaged. The cost of repair and restoration will lie solely on the owner, and this can be very expensive. Less severe damage that is isolated can be addressed as soon as the finances of the owner are available. Destruction of part of the walls and ceiling can be repaired at the expense of the owner if there is no insurance. Replacement of the damaged parts needs to be done to ensure that the structure will be stable and habitable. Some companies offer services that will put into order the damaged structure even without having repaired or renovated it yet. They can board up the windows and clean up some of the areas to make it habitable again.