What Can Expect After a Partial Loss?

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians are trained in fire and water damage restoration.

Everything You Need to Know About Partial Losses

A partial loss can be confusing and can take more time than a total loss. However, it is also an opportunity for improvement and positive change for your business. You may want to consider updating your insurance coverage or security system as a result of this experience.

A partial loss can seem like more work than a total loss, but SERVPRO of Ebensburg can help. We have the resources and expertise to take care of your home or business after a fire. Here are some common questions we hear from our customers:

What has to be cleaned up?

• Structural damage: The structure may be damaged by fire and smoke, which can cause the walls to bow, the roof to sag or collapse, and even the foundation to crack.

• Cleanup: If this is a partial loss, you will need to remove all contents from your home so they can be cleaned, deodorized, and stored until it’s safe for them to come back inside. Some items may be salvageable while others might not.
• Carpets: A carpet that has been drenched with water (and possibly exposed to smoke) will need replacement if it was an expensive one or if its color or pattern is important. You may want to consider replacing all of your carpets after a fire—even those that were not damaged—for reasons of appearance and safety; they really don't look good when they've been soaked with water!

What happens to the contents of my home or business? 

All contents will be inventoried and moved to a safe place to be cleaned, deodorized, and stored until the structure is ready for them. Once the fire has been extinguished, your property manager or adjuster will walk through with you to see what can be saved. They'll take photos of any damage so you can review it later. If there's any question about whether something was damaged by the fire or whether it's been stolen, an inspection report from an expert should clear things up for you.

Can I clean my carpets? 

Carpeting can be cleaned or replaced. If you have a partial loss, your carpet will likely have to be cleaned and deodorized as a result of smoke damage. You’ll want to hire a professional to do this. If the damage is too severe for cleaning alone, however, carpets may need to be removed entirely and replaced with new ones.

Carpets should also be dried using fans and/or dehumidifiers after they've been cleaned. The moisture in wet carpets can cause mold growth if left untreated—and once mold sets in on your property—it's extremely difficult (if not impossible) to get rid of completely!

What about the electrical outlets in my home?

Electrical outlets and light switches often sustain damage in fires, so replacing these items is a good idea for safety purposes. However, it's also important to note that this job can be very time-consuming.

The wiring in your house may have been damaged by water or smoke as well as heat. If this is the case, installing new wiring will be necessary to restore power to your home—and it will be even more time-consuming than simply replacing electrical outlets and light switches!

If you’re an owner of a business, you may have some questions about what to expect after a partial loss. This happens when only a portion of your building is damaged in comparison to the total loss. While this can seem like more work than a total loss, SERVPRO of Ebensburg can help!

The best way to restore your home after a partial loss is to call SERVPRO of Ebensburg. We can help you with all stages of the restoration process, including clean-up, deodorization, and repairs. Our technicians are trained in fire and water damage restoration so they know exactly what they are doing when they arrive on the scene.