Hello,
Following a fire or a flood in any building, residual effects of damages can often cause odors. Smoke fumes can pervade throughout a building and seep into areas above ceilings and within the building walls. Fabric finishes such as carpets and even designer wallpapers can absorb both water and smoke, resulting in the growth of bacteria.
The growth and spread of these strains of bacteria and mold will result in an extremely harmful and unsafe environment. For these reasons a thorough and systematic restoration of the immediate and adjacent damaged areas is more than a good idea. Such restoration is essential in returning a building to a habitable condition.
Restoration will most often begin by sealing off the areas where the damage occurred. Also, demolition of damaged finishes and systems is necessary. Containment is essential in order to confine any airborne particles to these areas. Once the areas are contained the demolition and removal of wet and damaged items and finishes can begin.
Demolition exposes the sub floors as well as the ceiling and wall framing. Once walls and ceilings are opened up, the insulation is exposed. Here again is another material with the properties of retention. Fiberglass insulation in any forms, whether it is battens or blown-in insulation, cannot be dried out or otherwise recovered once it has been exposed to water or smoke fumes.
The dry out process takes place following the demolition. This process requires the use of high speed blowers that circulate the inside air and the use of dehumidifiers that draw moisture out of the air, drying out the entire area. The dry-out procedure is monitored on a regular basis throughout the course of the activity and the moisture content is noted and recorded with the aid of digital equipment.
Once the areas are dried out the process of odor control can be effected. In this process all areas are treated with anti bacterial solutions. In situations where the damaged finishes have remained in place for a given time, it is often necessary to remediate the building for mold. When mold remediation is necessary, a building cannot be reoccupied until a clearance certificate has been issued.
Thank you,
Rene Vargas
www.SuperRestoration.com
Phone: 1-800-516-8059