After Fire Damage, Securing the Building Is Essential

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage.

After a fire happens in your Sandy UT, business, getting back on track doesn’t happen overnight. As you wait for the adjuster to arrive and approve the fire damage and restoration company to start the work, the damage to your business may leave it in a compromised position. To avoid additional damage, it is essential to secure the property via tarping or boarding up holes and other potential entry points.

Preventing Secondary Damage Prior To Fire Cleanup

Along with the damage from the fire that may have created unwanted openings to your building, there are likely broken windows from the emergency responders putting out the flames. Leaving those exposed areas as is may become a costly endeavor.

Benefits of Board Up Services

Board-up services are a relatively simple way to keep your business secure. In most cases, the restoration company you have selected will provide these services. Ensuring that the property is properly secured while awaiting restoration offers many benefits.

• Maximize Insurance Coverage: Most insurance carriers will require roof covering and board-up services. While your business insurance will likely cover the damage from the fire, as well as the water damage sustained while putting it out, secondary damage likely won’t be covered. If the openings are not covered and heavy rain happens, it means more damage to the property. That additional damage will likely not be covered. Neglecting the property may also affect how much your insurance provider is willing to cover.
  
• Prevent Looting: A property with clear entry points is a prime target for thieves and vandals. That leaves any area of the property that wasn’t affected by the fire open for unwanted guests. From expensive electronics to fixtures and pipes, there are many items in a business that may be worth stealing. Securing the property minimizes the chances of someone gaining entry into the property.
  
• Keep Animals Out: Wild animals love to find new places to make a home. Even a small, broken window may provide enough space for something to get in. Once the property is riddled with pests, it means extra cleanup and potentially damaged furniture, walls and other items.
  

How Board Up Services Work

A restoration company typically offers these temporary services as part of the restoration plan. During the initial property inspection to determine restoration needs, a certified specialist will also determine areas that require temporary covering. This may include tarping over a hole in the roof or installing plywood over broken windows or other holes. For boarding up, a professional will use high-quality plywood that has been recommended for such purposes by FEMA. This wood is designed for exterior use and is a minimum of 5/8 inches thick. The affected area will be carefully measured, and then plywood pieces will be attached with screws to ensure it stays put until proper cleanup can begin.

When your business sustains fire damage, it isn't always a simple cleanup. Considering that it takes time to properly restore the property, it is essential to ensure that any openings are properly covered to ensure additional damage doesn't happen.