Fire Damage Restoration Process

We Are Ready to Help Your Chicago Home Right Away

There are many situations in which Chicago homeowners do not know about a fire loss incident at their residence until many other people do. Neighbors can call 911 on behalf of the house next door, which can get firefighters and first responders en route, but then what do you do? Upon first hearing about the destruction to the property, you might think of the situation as a total loss without realizing the extensive training, equipment, and products available to reputable restoration professionals like our SERVPRO team.

We have technicians able to quickly mobilize and reach your property within hours of the first notice of loss (FNOL.) Because of our central location, we can often reach residences and businesses faster than those that could get stuck on 90 or 290 during the slower parts of the commuting day. Because of our standing relationship as a preferred vendor for Chicago area insurance companies and property management firms, we can be ready to begin our mitigation and restoration of your fire loss before the firefighters have vacated the premises.

The Exact Needs of Your Property

Loss incidents vary significantly in severity and present effects, making their recovery far from a one-size-fits-all solution. To determine the best solution for each residence, we must consider:

• The materials used in constructing the building
• The health hazards present
• Deterioration of materials and contents
• Needed equipment and personnel

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (773) 434-9100

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.