If a Fire Didn't Cause Much Damage, Should You Fix It Yourself?

6/4/2022 (Permalink)

A fire loss should be taken seriously to avoid bigger problems.

Should You Repair a Fire If It Didn't Cause Much Damage?

A fire on your commercial property, even if there wasn't much fire loss, can put your business at a bit of a standstill. If the fire was small and caused minimal damage, you may be tempted to make the repairs yourself or ignore it for a while for the sake of your company. There are some reasons you should consider not doing this.

You Should Not DIY

Repairing fire and smoke damage can become dangerous without the proper PPE or protocols. You could even end up doing more harm than good. If you don't know exactly what you are doing, it may not get done properly and damage will persist. Although it may seem like a big deal, you should trust a professional fire remediation service.

water damage from firefighting efforts can eventually turn to mold
smoke damage can degrade electronics
specific techniques are required to remove soot from upholstery and documents
air quality is something that needs to be tested with specialized tools

You Are Probably Covered

Most insurance policies that protect against fire also include coverage for partial fire loss. Before you move anything, be sure to document everything you can with pictures and written lists. Partial losses are sometimes low on the priority list of insurance adjusters, so be sure to follow up frequently if you do not hear from them right away.

You Might Have More Damage Than You Think

Not all damage is immediately visible. Areas like the walls, siding, roof, windows, plumbing, wiring and heating system need a thorough inspection from an expert to truly assess any deterioration. Once damage is found, a professional fire restoration company can help you claim these damages on your insurance, as well.
Even in small doses, fire loss should be taken seriously to avoid bigger problems down the road. Attempting to patch it yourself could be a bad idea for both you and your commercial property. Don't be afraid to reach out to the right people when the time comes.