Every fire loss is devastating, but property owners frequently overlook significant hidden damages. While hidden fire loss damages can be challenging to identify with a quick survey, they should never be ignored. Knowing what other effects a fire can have on your property will give you foresight on what to look for when submitting a property insurance claim post-disaster.

Hidden Damages You Should Watch Out For

As far as unforeseen disasters go, a fire may cause a lot of damage to your property. If you have never dealt with a fire loss in the past, you might not realize that it might cause additional, hidden damages. Secondary damages, such as those not directly caused by the fire, are common. If you would like to be sure you’ll be compensated in full by your insurance provider, you must be aware of these potential problems.

Damage Due to Smoke and Soot

Remains of whatever was burned can be found in the smoke. As a result, the whole house is covered with black soot. Any damage caused by smoke or soot should be addressed quickly to prevent more complications with breathing, skin, eyesight, and much more. It can also have long-lasting effects on the health of young children.

While soot can be easily removed from floorings, wall surfaces, and appliances, you shouldn’t try it yourself. Your insurance provider should cover hiring a team of professionals to clean up fire and smoke damage. Airborne soot is invisible, so you will likely be unaware if you are inhaling it. Plus, the longer it stays, the harder it is to remove.

Water Damage

After extinguishing the fire, you should expect water to soak through every part of your home’s structure and furnishings. Fires result in structural damage and often cause water damage as a secondary consequence. In the worst situations, black mold can form after water damage. Black mold can cause vomiting, headaches, and breathing problems if inhaled. Hiring a specialist to dry out the area and look for mold after a fire is put out is crucial before any further repairs can be made.

Mold Problems

Mold growth isn’t necessarily a pressing concern, but it may turn into one sooner or later. When the water used to extinguish the fire is not correctly cleaned, it can trigger mold growth in the future. A wet and warm atmosphere is necessary for mold to grow on a surface. These requirements are met when a fire breaks out and is suppressed on a property. As a result, the risk of mold invading your house increases dramatically following a fire. So if you suspect mold after a fire, get in touch with a remediation specialist to inspect your home.

Structural Damage

Structural damage is one of a fire’s many hidden outcomes on a property. Although concrete is durable and difficult to break, it will become an issue if exposed to fire.

Restoration companies like PuroClean of Clairemont recommend checking for structural damage signs like newly formed concrete cracks caused by the material’s expansion because of high temperatures. After a house fire, structural issues pose a major threat and need to be assessed by experts.

Final Thoughts

Property damage from a fire is a frightening experience that requires a significant investment of time, effort, and mental strength in order to bounce back. Getting the assistance you need to recover immediately from a fire and deal with any hidden damages it will cause is crucial, so it’s best to seek the help of professionals specializing in restoration.