24/7 Fire Damage Restoration in Acworth, GA

Why does a house fire in Acworth also leave water damage behind?

Firefighting water soaks walls, floors and insulation, so after a fire the home needs water extraction and drying as well as soot cleanup.

Fire hoses put out a lot of water fast, and sprinkler systems add more. That water runs through ceilings, soaks insulation and pools on floors, often in rooms the fire never reached. Left alone, it leads to mold and structural damage on top of the fire loss. That's why fire damage restoration in Acworth starts with two things at once: stopping water damage and stopping smoke and soot from causing more harm.

Fire & Water Damage Quick Answers

Three problems

fire damage, smoke and soot, and firefighting water

First step

wait for the fire department to clear the home before going in

Water urgency

mold can start within 24 to 48 hours in wet materials

Soot urgency

soot is acidic and can stain and corrode surfaces over time

Smoke odor

needs cleaning of surfaces and air, not just air fresheners

Insurance

fire is generally covered by standard homeowners policies; check your policy

Firefighting water: the hidden half of a fire loss

Firefighting water damage follows the same rules as any water loss: extract it, dry it and remove materials that can't be saved. Because it mixes with soot and debris, it's dirtier than clean tap water.

• Standing water is extracted from every level
• Soaked insulation and ceiling drywall are removed
• Wet carpet and pad are usually removed after a fire
• Floors, walls and framing are dried with dehumidifiers and air movers
• Moisture is monitored until materials are dry
• See water mitigation in Acworth

Soot cleanup and smoke damage cleanup in Acworth

Soot is fine, oily and acidic. It settles on walls, ceilings, cabinets and belongings and can stain and corrode surfaces if it stays. Smoke damage cleanup in Acworth depends on what burned:

The wrong cleaning method can smear soot deeper into surfaces, so testing comes before scrubbing.

Smoke odor removal

Smoke odor gets into drywall, insulation, carpet, fabrics and HVAC systems. Smoke odor removal usually combines:

• Removing materials that can't be cleaned
• Cleaning every surface soot touched
• HEPA air scrubbing to remove fine particles
• Thermal fogging or hydroxyl treatment to neutralize odor
• Cleaning or replacing HVAC filters and checking ductwork
• Sealing cleaned framing with odor-blocking primer before rebuild
• Air fresheners only cover the smell for a short time; the source has to be cleaned or removed.

How does fire and water damage restoration work?

What to do after a fire in your Acworth home

• Wait for the fire department to say it's safe to go in.
• Contact your insurer right away.
• Don't turn on the HVAC, which can spread soot through the ducts.
• Don't wipe soot off walls or furniture; it can smear and set.
• Photograph everything before cleanup.
• Remove valuables only if it's safe.
• Call for board-up and water removal to stop further damage.

Kitchen fires and smaller fires

Not every fire is a total loss. Kitchen fires, small electrical fires and furnace puff-backs can fill a home with soot and odor while doing little structural damage. These still need professional soot cleanup, because protein residue from kitchen fires is nearly invisible and holds a strong odor, and puff-back soot can coat an entire house.

How much does fire and water damage restoration cost in Acworth?

Cost depends on how much of the home was affected by fire, smoke and water. A small kitchen fire with soot cleanup costs far less than a structure fire with water throughout. Larger fire losses often run well into five figures once rebuilding is included.

Is fire damage covered by insurance?

Standard Georgia homeowners policies generally cover fire, smoke and the water damage from putting the fire out, along with temporary living costs under additional living expense coverage. Check your policy for limits and deductibles. See water damage insurance claim help in Acworth

Related services

• Emergency water extraction in Acworth
• Mold remediation in Acworth
• Water damage repair in Acworth
• Storm water damage cleanup in Acworth

Fire and Water Damage FAQs

Fire and water damage in your Acworth home?

Stop the damage from spreading. Our fire and water damage crew in Acworth, GA is ready 24/7 for firefighting water, soot cleanup and smoke odor removal across 30101 and 30102. Call (470) 672-2095 and a crew is dispatched immediately.