What Damage Can A House Fire Cause?
A house fire is a scary event that can take lives and destroy everything you own. If your home was subject to a fire, you may be wondering about the extent of the damage. If you would like to know more about house fire damage, keep reading.
Burned Items/Materials
Of course, a fire can burn items and materials inside the house. Not only does this include your belongings, but it includes the actual house, such as:
- Flooring
- Drywall
- Wood
- Asphalt and wood shingle roofs
- Siding
In many cases, this damage is only cosmetic. However, if the fire reaches support structures, it can cause parts of the house or the whole house to collapse. For example, if the fire destroyed the roof's support system, the roof may collapse onto your home. In some cases, the damage is too severe to save the house.
Smoke-Tainted Materials
Even if the house remains intact, there may be continuing issues. The smoke left behind can absorb into materials. This releases VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, that can cause many issues, including:
- Irritation to skin, eyes, nose, and throat
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Lack of coordination
- Damage to major organs like the liver and kidneys
- Cancer
To make these safe, you'll need to have them deep cleaned to remove any VOCs and smoke. You may also need air cleaners to help bring in some fresh air.
Water Damage
Water is the main way to fight a house fire. However, this can lead to a lot of water damage inside the home, and water damage is a disaster all on its own. Water damage can lead to:
- Rotting materials
- Unpleasant odors
- Disease, especially in standing water
- Mold
Water damage can happen fast, so it's important to start the cleanup process immediately. If done fast, the restoration company may be able to save materials like carpet and drywall.
Because of the water used to put out the fire, there may also be electrical issues, such as damage to the fuse box. In fact, in some cases, there could be the risk of electrocution. Even if the power is off to the house, if it is still connected to the city electrical system, there is a possible risk of electrocution.
A house fire is devastating, but there are many providers who offer fire damage restoration services. With good services, you may be able to save your house after a fire. If you would like to know more, contact a fire damage restoration provider today.