After dealing with the devastating and traumatic experience of a fire, we can look at the damage and think all is lost. Depending on the extent of damage and a few other factors, it is possible for some items to be saved.
What Type of Damage is it?
During a fire, there are many events happening that can cause damage to your home and belongings. There is typically also water damage and smoke damage that should be taken into consideration when assessing the damage.
In general, anything that was actually damaged by the fire should be thrown away. If the fire was a dry fire- fueled by wood, paper, and other dry materials- it is much easier to salvage some of the items affected by the smoke of the fire. When there is gasoline, oil, grease, or other fuels in the fire it causes the fire to be much more devastating to your belongings. When plastics burn they create a wet smoke that can be super destructive and difficult to remove completely. Its also important to note that the longer the fire is spreading, the more damage it is causing and the more difficult it will be to salvage anything.
Many times water is used from fire hydrants or sprinklers to put the fire out, and damage to your water appliances can also cause there to be more water damage in these events. If the damage is from water, it will be difficult to salvage items made from porous materials. It is always good to talk to a professional restoration company for any concerns you may have about keeping or disposing of damaged items.
What is its value to me?
Often times, items that hold sentimental value or important documents are damaged in house or property files. We know that assessing these items and seeing what is salvageable is going to be a heartbreaking process. Though some things will be extremely difficult to restore such as letters or certain heirloom items, it may be worth it for you to research and see if there is anyone who can restore these items.
Many times wooden items can be saved or restored, but you may want to consider if it is worth the time and effort versus investing in a new piece of furniture entirely. In some circumstances that may be the better option for you. Only you can know whether or not an item is worth the time and effort to restore, so go with your gut and ask about the items that mean the most to you.
All fires are different and cause different damage, so it is difficult to know for certain what will be salvageable and what you should consider replacing. Our experts at Vortex Restoration are here to help you with your assessments and answer any questions we can in your time of need. Fire restoration is a long and difficult process- one you shouldn’t have to handle on your own. Fires don’t only happen during business hours, so we can be reached 24/7 to help in your time of need. Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can clothes be saved after a house fire?
Many can. Clothing that was only exposed to smoke can often be restored with specialized cleaning and deodorizing, which works much better than a home washing machine, since regular detergents can set smoke odor into fabric. Items that were scorched, melted or soaked with dirty water are usually a loss. Do not wash anything until a professional has looked at it.
Can upholstered furniture with smoke damage be cleaned?
Sometimes. If the fabric was only exposed to light smoke, professional upholstery cleaning and deodorizing may restore it. Heavy soot, a strong lingering odor or water damage usually means the cushions and padding hold contamination that cannot be fully removed. Solid wood frames often clean up well even when the fabric does not, so reupholstering can be an option.
Can electronics be saved after smoke exposure?
Some can, but do not plug them in to test. Soot is acidic and conductive, so powering up a smoke covered TV or computer can short the circuits. Electronics restoration specialists can clean the internal boards, and the sooner they are cleaned the better the odds. If a device holds important photos or files, ask about data recovery first.
Can photos and important documents be restored after a fire?
Often, yes. Photos and papers damaged by smoke or water can sometimes be cleaned, and wet documents can be frozen to stop mold and then freeze dried. Handle them as little as possible and do not try to separate stuck photos yourself. Replacement copies of birth certificates, passports and titles can be ordered from the issuing agencies.
Will insurance pay to clean my belongings, or only replace them?
Most homeowners policies cover both. Insurers often prefer cleaning when it restores an item for less than replacing it, and replacement when it does not. Your contents coverage, deductible and whether you have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage all affect the payout. A restoration company that works directly with insurance companies can help document which items can be saved.
What is a contents packout after a fire?
A packout is when a restoration crew inventories, photographs, packs and removes your belongings from the damaged home. Items that can be saved are cleaned and stored while the house is repaired, and nonsalvageable items are listed for your claim. Vortex offers packout services across Ventura County and Santa Barbara County, with storage in an onsite container or their warehouse.
Should I make a list of damaged items before I throw anything away?
Yes. Photograph and video each room, then list items with descriptions, brands, approximate age and where you bought them. Keep damaged items until your adjuster says they can go, because tossing them early can make that part of the claim harder to prove. Old photos, receipts and bank statements help fill in details.
Can mattresses and pillows be saved after smoke damage?
Usually not. Mattresses, pillows and bedding foams are very porous and absorb smoke odor and fine soot deep inside where cleaning cannot reach. Since you breathe close to them every night, most restoration pros and insurers recommend replacing them. Bedding like sheets and comforters may come clean with professional laundering if the exposure was light.
What household items usually have to be thrown out after a fire?
Food, medicine and cosmetics exposed to heat or smoke should go. So should burned items, stuffed toys, mattresses and anything soaked by firefighting water that cannot be fully dried and cleaned. Plastic items that melted or warped also tend to hold odor. Hard surfaced items like glass, ceramics, metal and sealed wood usually have the best chance of being saved.
Can belongings be saved after wildfire smoke gets into a home?
In most cases, yes. Wildfire smoke usually leaves lighter residue than a fire inside the house, so clothing, furniture, curtains and hard goods often respond well to professional cleaning and deodorizing. Homeowners in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County should act soon after the smoke clears, because ash and soot become harder to remove the longer they sit.
