This will depend on the severity and nature of the fire. In most cases it is not advisable to continue living in the property until it has been professionally cleaned.
Yes – depending on the source of the fire and the items which have burnt there may be high levels of chloride within a property. These can cause permanent damage to surfaces and in concentrated volumes can be harmful to health. Using a variety of techniques and air purification equipment, these can easily be removed to make the property safe again.
This will depend on the severity and nature of the fire – in most cases it is not advisable to continue living in the property until it has been professionally cleaned.
In a severe fire, doors or windows may be broken and the normal security system on a property can become ineffective. Broken or cracked windows can be boarded, as can doors, and a temporary lock fitted. In extreme cases, a heras fence can also be erected to deter unwanted visitors, or a security guard posted outside of the property.
Soot and smoke damage will be differ depending on the surface, in most cases the residue can be removed to make the area ready for re-decoration, but some staining may remain – if the soot and smoke is not professionally removed staining may still become evident even after redecoration. On surfaces such as brick or stone, specialist cleaning techniques are used to remove smoke or soot.
After a fire prompt cleaning and removal of debris is essential to minimise secondary damage. If removed quickly, soot residue can be successfully cleaned from most surfaces –soot often contains high levels of chlorides (acid) and uPVC window frames and stainless steel fixtures may become permanently pitted, stained and marked if cleaning is not completed quickly. We therefore always aim to commence cleaning within a few days of the request, often sooner, to ensure the occupant can return to their home as quickly as possible.
