Fire can devastate commercial properties, causing extensive damage from flames, smoke, soot, and water used to extinguish the blaze. Here’s what you need to know about fire damage restoration in 2024:
- Average cost: $8,000 to $18,000 ($4-$7 per square foot)
- Class A fires (paper/wood): $8,000 to $14,000
- Class K fires (kitchen/oils): $11,000 to $18,000
Key steps in the restoration process:
- Rapid response and damage assessment (within 48 hours)
- Water removal and drying
- Smoke and soot cleanup
- Disinfection and deodorization
- Repair and reconstruction
This guide covers:
- Types of fire damage
- Immediate post-fire actions
- Professional restoration techniques
- Equipment used for cleanup
- Factors affecting repair costs
- Insurance considerations
Quick action is crucial to minimize damage and get your business back up and running. Hiring certified professionals with specialized equipment is key for thorough restoration and preventing long-term issues.
Related video from YouTube
What Fire Does to Commercial Buildings
Fire doesn’t just burn stuff in commercial buildings. It’s a real troublemaker that causes all sorts of problems you might not even think about.
Checking How Bad the Damage Is
After a fire, you can’t just waltz in and start cleaning up. Here’s what the pros do:
1. Safety First
They wait for the all-clear from the authorities. No one wants to end up as a crispy critter because they were too eager to get inside.
2. Look Around
Experts do a walkthrough, eyeballing everything from walls to widgets.
3. Find the Hidden Stuff
They break out the fancy gadgets – thermal cameras, moisture meters – to spot damage you can’t see.
4. Is the Building Still Standing?
An engineer checks if the building’s still sturdy. Fire can turn steel into spaghetti and concrete into Swiss cheese.
Different Kinds of Fire Damage
Fire’s not picky. It’ll mess up your building in all sorts of ways:
Structural Damage: This is the big, scary stuff.
- Fire can make steel as weak as a wet noodle.
- It can turn concrete into a cracked mess.
- Wood? It might as well be kindling.
Smoke and Soot Damage: This stuff gets EVERYWHERE.
- Soot’s like that annoying houseguest who overstays their welcome, coating everything in sight.
- Different fires leave different calling cards:
- Wet smoke’s from slow, smoldering fires.
- Dry smoke comes from the fast, hot ones.
- Protein smoke? That’s what you get when organic stuff burns.
Water Damage: Yep, you read that right. Water.
- Firefighters don’t exactly use gentle sprinklers. Your stuff gets SOAKED.
- If you don’t deal with it fast, hello mold!
- And water + electronics = bad news.
Other Problems Fire Causes
Fire’s like that friend who brings uninvited guests to your party:
Air Quality Issues: The smoke might be gone, but those tiny particles stick around, ready to mess with your lungs.
Electrical System Damage: Heat and water can turn your wiring into a potential light show (and not the good kind).
Corrosion and Rust: Soot’s sneaky. It can start eating away at metal days after the fire’s out.
Business Interruption: The U.S. Fire Administration says nonresidential fires cost $2.8 billion in property damage from 2017 to 2019. And that’s not even counting how much money businesses lost while they were closed.
So yeah, fire in a commercial building? It’s not just about putting out the flames. It’s a whole mess of problems that can stick around long after the smoke clears.
What to Do Right After a Fire
A fire in your commercial property demands quick action. Here’s your game plan once the flames are out:
Making Sure the Building is Safe
Safety first. Don’t rush back in:
- Wait for the fire department’s green light
- Get a structural engineer to check the building
- Look out for dangers like weak floors or falling debris
Even if the fire’s out, the building might still be risky. Smoke and water can cause sneaky damage.
Protecting the Property
Once it’s safe, lock down your property:
- Board up windows and doors
- Cover roof holes with tarps
- Move valuable stuff if the building’s not livable
"Keep all receipts for emergency repairs. Your insurance might cover them." – Frontier Fire Protection
Talking to Insurance Companies
Ring up your insurance provider ASAP:
- Call your agent right away
- Give them the damage lowdown
- Ask about next steps for claims
- Document everything, including all chats with insurance
Pro tip: Take tons of photos and videos of the damage. Make a detailed list of damaged items, with descriptions and estimated values.
The more proof you have, the easier it’ll be to get your claim approved. Don’t skimp on the details – they’re your ticket to a smoother recovery process.
How Experts Fix Fire Damage
Fire damage restoration is no walk in the park. It’s a complex process that requires skill, experience, and specialized equipment. Let’s peek behind the curtain and see how the pros tackle this challenging task.
Checking Damage and Making Plans
First things first: the experts need to know what they’re dealing with. They don’t just waltz in and start cleaning. Nope, they meticulously inspect every inch of the property.
What are they looking for? Structural damage, smoke and soot residue, and water damage from firefighting efforts. They use fancy gadgets like thermal cameras and moisture meters to spot issues that might be hiding from plain sight.
"The first step in commercial fire damage restoration is a thorough assessment of the property." – On-Site Adjusting Team
Once they’ve got the full picture, they create a game plan. But before diving into repairs, they make sure the property is secure. This might mean boarding up windows or covering damaged roofs. Why? To keep out unwanted guests (both human and weather-related).
Getting Rid of Smoke and Soot
Smoke and soot are sneaky little devils. If left unchecked, they can cause major headaches down the line. Here’s how the pros tackle this challenge:
1. Ventilation
Time to let some fresh air in! They open all windows and bring in industrial-strength fans. This helps kick out those lingering smoke particles.
2. HVAC shutdown
The building’s heating and cooling systems get a timeout. This prevents smoke and soot from playing hide-and-seek throughout the property.
3. Protective gear
Safety first! The experts suit up with full protective equipment. We’re talking respirators, long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection.
4. Dry cleaning
Out come the heavy-duty vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters. These bad boys suck up loose soot particles from surfaces.
5. Wet cleaning
For stubborn residues, they bring out the big guns: commercial soot and smoke removers or a DIY mixture of rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or paint thinner.
Here’s a fun fact: different types of fires leave behind different kinds of soot. Wood fires? They usually produce dry soot, which is easier to clean up. Synthetic material fires? Not so much.
Fixing Building Damage
With smoke and soot under control, it’s time to tackle the structural damage. This phase is like a construction project on steroids:
1. Water extraction
If firefighters used water to douse the flames, job one is getting rid of standing water and drying everything out. Why? To stop mold from crashing the party.
2. Demolition
Some materials are beyond saving. These get the boot to make way for repairs.
3. Repairs
Damaged walls, floors, roofs, and other structural components get fixed up or replaced.
4. Deep cleaning
The entire property gets a thorough scrub-down, including any salvaged contents.
5. Odor neutralization
Nobody wants their building smelling like a campfire. Advanced deodorization techniques come into play to kick those lingering fire smells to the curb.
Throughout this whole process, restoration pros work hand-in-hand with insurance companies. This ensures all necessary repairs are covered and properly documented. It’s a team effort to get the property back in shape and ready for business.
sbb-itb-e038397
Tools Used for Fire Cleanup
Fire cleanup isn’t just about elbow grease. It’s about having the right gear. Let’s look at what the pros use to tackle fire damage.
Water Removal Equipment
After the firefighters leave, you’re often left with a wet mess. Here’s what helps dry things out:
Industrial Dehumidifiers: These machines pull moisture from everywhere. The Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi is a top pick, costing $6,099.94 to $6,777.71. It’s perfect for big commercial spaces.
Truck Mount Carpet Cleaners: These aren’t your grandma’s vacuum cleaners. The HydraMaster TMTG4000 Truckmount to Go, at $66,137.09, is a mobile powerhouse. It sucks water from carpets and furniture like nobody’s business.
Flood Pumpers: For standing water, you need a flood pumper. The Dri-Eaz HVE 3000 Flood Pumper, priced at $7,755.00, moves water fast to stop more damage.
A Doan Restoration spokesperson puts it simply: "The right tools get the job done safely, quickly, and without breaking the bank."
Smoke Smell Removal Tools
Getting rid of that smoky smell is crucial. Here’s what does the trick:
Ozone Generators: These machines make ozone (O3) to kill odors at their source. The Oasis Plus Ozone Generator can handle areas up to 40,000 cubic feet, pumping out 2.65 grams of ozone per hour.
Hydroxyl Generators: These are safer than ozone machines because people can be around when they’re running. The Titan 4000 Hydroxyl Generator covers up to 40,000 cubic feet and can run non-stop.
Thermal Foggers: These gadgets spread deodorizers that get into every crack and crevice. The ProRestore electric fogger turns liquid deodorizers into a fog that goes everywhere.
Air Scrubbers: These machines clean the air, pulling out smoke particles and smells. They often work alongside other odor-busting methods.
While you might find some of this stuff at Home Depot, the pro-grade tools pack more punch.
Parish Supply says it best about their Power-Plus Ozone Generator: "It doesn’t just hide bad smells, it wipes them out completely."
What Affects Repair Costs
Fire damage restoration costs for commercial properties can vary a lot. Let’s look at the main factors that impact these expenses.
How Bad the Damage Is
The extent of fire damage is a big deal when it comes to restoration costs. Here’s a breakdown:
Minor Damage: Got some smoke marks or light soot? You’re looking at $200 to $900 for cleanup. It’s usually a quick job that won’t empty your wallet.
Moderate Damage: Things get pricier with more soot or water damage from firefighting. Soot removal can cost $1,400 to $4,700, while dealing with water damage typically runs $1,000 to $4,600.
Major Damage: If you’re facing serious structural issues, brace yourself. Rebuilding parts of a commercial property can hit $100 to $155 per square foot.
The type of fire matters too. A Class A fire (think wood and paper) might cost $8,600 to $13,600 to fix up. But a Class D fire (metal fires in industrial settings) could set you back $15,600 to $24,800.
A Doan Restoration spokesperson puts it simply: "Worse damage means higher restoration costs. Act fast to keep damage from spreading."
What Insurance Covers
Your insurance can make or break your out-of-pocket expenses. Here’s the scoop:
Most commercial property insurance covers fire damage, but the details matter. Check your policy limits BEFORE disaster strikes. Watch out for exclusions – some policies might not cover electrical fires or have limits on smoke damage restoration.
Your deductible plays a big role too. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums, but you’ll pay more if you need to make a claim.
Consider extra coverage. Business interruption insurance can be a lifesaver, covering lost revenue while you’re getting back on your feet.
Here’s a real-world example: In 2022, a Phoenix commercial kitchen fire caused $150,000 in damage. The owner’s policy limit? $100,000. They had to cough up the extra $50,000 themselves.
Doan Restoration’s advice: "Work closely with your insurance and restoration team. Detailed estimates can help you get the full coverage you’re entitled to."
Doan Restoration
Fire damage can cripple a business. That’s where Doan Restoration comes in. They’re the go-to experts for commercial fire damage in Phoenix, AZ.
What Makes Doan Different?
Doan isn’t your average cleanup crew. They’re fire damage ninjas, armed with high-tech gear and years of know-how. Here’s what sets them apart:
Always On Call: Fire doesn’t wait, and neither does Doan. They’re ready 24/7 to jump into action. The faster they start, the less damage your business suffers.
One-Stop Fire Fixers: Doan handles everything from start to finish:
- Pumping out water left by firefighters
- Scrubbing away smoke and soot
- Drying out your building
- Kicking that burnt smell to the curb
- Rebuilding what the fire took
Tech That Gets Results: Doan’s not messing around with mops and buckets. They bring in the big guns:
- Thermal cameras to spot hidden water
- Industrial-strength dryers and dehumidifiers
- Air scrubbers that eat smoke for breakfast
Insurance Headache Relief: Dealing with insurance after a fire is like pulling teeth. Doan’s team speaks "insurance-ese" fluently. They’ll handle the paperwork nightmare so you can focus on getting back to business.
Pros Who Know Their Stuff: Every Doan tech is IICRC certified. That’s fancy talk for "they really know what they’re doing."
"We get it – every day your doors are closed, you’re losing money", a Doan rep told us. "Our job is to get you back in business ASAP."
Doan doesn’t just clean up. They’re laser-focused on keeping your downtime to a minimum. That’s huge for businesses where every hour counts.
They’ll give you a free estimate, too. No surprises, no hidden fees. Just straight talk about what needs to be done and how much it’ll cost.
Speaking of cost, Doan doesn’t post their prices online. Why? Because every fire is different. But that free estimate means you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into before you commit.
If your Phoenix business gets hit by fire, Doan Restoration is your best bet for a quick comeback. They’re fast, they’re thorough, and they understand that for you, time really is money.
Summary
Fire can wreak havoc on commercial properties. From 2017 to 2019, nonresidential fires caused a whopping $2.8 billion in property loss. That’s not pocket change.
When fire strikes, you need to move FAST. Why? Because the longer you wait, the worse it gets. Soot and smoke damage spread. Water from firefighting efforts (20-40 gallons per minute from each sprinkler head!) can weaken your building’s structure and invite unwelcome guests like mold.
So, what does the restoration process look like? Here’s the rundown:
1. Immediate response and assessment
Pros swoop in to check out the damage and spot any danger zones.
2. Securing the property
Think of it as putting a giant band-aid on your building. Board up broken windows and doors, tarp over roof damage. Keep the weather, debris, and potential troublemakers out.
3. Water extraction and drying
Get rid of that water ASAP. It’s not just about puddles – it’s about preventing mold, rust, and saving what can be saved.
4. Smoke and soot removal
This stuff gets EVERYWHERE. Even in your HVAC system. It needs special cleaning techniques to get it all out.
5. Structural repairs and restoration
Out with the unsalvageable, in with the new. Rebuild what’s been damaged.
6. Final cleaning and odor removal
The grand finale. Make sure everything’s safe, clean, and doesn’t smell like a bonfire.
Now, let’s talk money. The cost? It varies. A lot. Here’s a rough guide:
| Square Footage | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $6,500 – $12,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $12,500 – $19,000 |
| 4,000 sq ft | $19,000 – $29,000 |
Don’t skimp on hiring pros. As the Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration Team puts it:
"Hiring professionals who have extensive experience with the fire damage repair process… will help give you peace of mind and restore your building as quickly as possible."
What should you look for in a restoration company? Certifications (like IICRC), tons of experience, and the ability to show up fast when disaster strikes. A good company won’t just clean up – they’ll help with insurance claims and document everything.
Remember, this isn’t just about making things look pretty again. It’s about making your property safe and structurally sound. As the Best Option Restoration Team says:
"Recovery after a fire is more involved than washing walls, discarding furniture, and other basic cleaning tasks."
In short: Act fast, hire pros, and don’t underestimate the process. Your business depends on it.
FAQs
How to estimate fire damage costs?
Fire damage costs aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. But here’s the scoop: pros often start with square footage. On average, you’re looking at $4.25 to $6 per square foot for fire restoration.
Let’s break it down:
A 2,500 square foot commercial space? You might be shelling out between $10,625 and $15,000 for restoration. But don’t take that to the bank just yet.
Why? Because the actual cost can swing wildly based on:
- How bad the structure got hit
- Smoke and soot levels
- Water damage from putting out the fire
- Need for special cleaning (like those pesky HVAC systems)
"When it comes to how to price a fire-damaged house restoration project, there are many variables and no one single calculation you can do." – Forbes Home
Want the real deal? You need a pro to take a look. They’ll check everything from obvious burn marks to sneaky smoke damage hiding in the corners.
How do you assess fire damage?
Assessing fire damage is like playing detective. You’re hunting for clues that tell the whole story of what the fire did. Here’s how the pros do it:
1. Look Around
They start with the obvious stuff – charred materials, smoke stains, and water damage.
2. Sniff It Out
If it still smells like smoke, there might be damage you can’t see.
3. Get Hands-On
Feeling surfaces can reveal soot that’s invisible to the naked eye.
4. Find the Moisture
They use fancy tools to spot water damage from fighting the fire.
5. Check the Bones
This means looking for weakened beams, messed up electrical systems, and other safety no-nos.
"You’ll want to conduct an accurate assessment of how much water, soot, smoke and heat damage has affected each area. Look for and document any indications of water damage, grainy soot residue, pervasive smoky odors, and charred, stained or melted materials." – FCT Surface Cleaning
It’s not just about what you can see – it’s about digging deeper to uncover all the damage.
