Every fire loss is devastating, but property owners frequently ignore critical hidden damages. While hidden fire loss damages can be hard to detect with a quick survey, they should never be overlooked. Knowing what other impacts a fire can have on your property will give you insight into what to look out for when submitting a property insurance claim post-disaster.

Hidden Damages You Should Watch Out For

As far as unforeseen misfortunes go, a fire may lead to a lot of damage to your property. If you have never dealt with a fire in the past, you might not realize that it may cause additional, hidden damages. Secondary damages, such as those not directly caused by the fire, are common. If you want to be sure that you will 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. Because of this, the entire 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 a whole lot more. It can also have long-lasting effects on the health of young children.

While soot can be easily removed from floors, wall surfaces, and appliances, you should not attempt to do it alone. Your insurance should cover hiring professionals for soot and smoke odor removal. Airborne soot is invisible, so you will likely be unaware if you are inhaling it. Plus, the longer it remains, the more difficult 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 not only cause structural damage but also often induce water damage as a secondary repercussion. In the worst situations, black mold will form after water damage. Black mold can cause throwing up, headaches, and breathing problems if inhaled. Working with an expert to dry the area and look for mold after a fire is put out is vital before further restorations can be made.

Mold Problems

Mold buildup isn’t always a pressing concern, but it might turn into one way or another. When the water used to extinguish the fire is not adequately cleaned, it can cause mold growth in the future. A wet and warm atmosphere is necessary for mold to grow on a surface. These requirements are fulfilled when a fire breaks out and is suppressed on a property. As a result, the risk of mold invading your home increases considerably following a fire. So if you suspect mold after a fire, contact a remediation specialist to check your home.

Structural Damage

Structural damage is one of a fire’s many hidden consequences on a property. Although concrete is durable and difficult to break, it will become a problem if it is exposed to fire. Restoration businesses recommend keeping an eye out for structural damage signs like newly formed concrete fractures caused by the material’s development because of high temperatures.

After a house fire, structural issues pose a significant threat and need to be assessed by professionals. On the other hand, websites like puroclean.com provide information on how to deal with the aftermath of fire damage to structures.

Final Thoughts

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