3 Ways Water Can Cause More Damage After a Fire

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

3 Ways Water Can Extend Fire Damage

A fire at your business in Fort Myers, FL is stressful. Your thorough emergency plan protected your staff, but your building is in ruins. You know that you have to submit a claim for all the fire damage, but there is also a lot of damage from the water used to put a fire out. Careful documentation of all damage is the best way to get the results you want from your insurance company. Here are three ways water can cause more damage after a fire.

1. Electronics Can Be Ruined by Water Damage

If the fire was contained in one area of your business, your electronics might be salvageable. A commercial restoration company can take your electronics to be assessed by professionals who are knowledgeable about soot and smoke damage to electronics. However, electronics in the main area of a fire may be in more danger of moisture. While a local professional should give their input, water in computers and other electronics might mean you need new equipment.

2. Carpeting Can Be Salvaged from Flooding

A fire truck's hose pumps hundreds of gallons of water into a property that is on fire to extinguish the flames. Carpet can be professionally cleaned to remove the soot and smoke smell, but water-damaged carpet requires more intensive intervention. Since mold can form within 24 hours of exposure to water, any carpet that is growing mold should be pulled up and thrown out.

3. Walls Can Be Damaged by a Fire Hose

You may have a sprinkler system at your business. Sprinklers prevent fires from spreading rapidly. While sprinklers do some damage, a hose produces much more pressure and, therefore, more damage. The fire damage done to walls may have only produced burn marks while a powerful hose can break down drywall and seep into any porous material and cause mold to grow.

Fire damage is devastating, but more damage can be done by water when fire crews put the flames out. Careful documentation of every inch of your commercial space is essential for filing a claim with your insurance company.