|
|
|
 |
Fire and Smoke Damage |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fire Damage
 |
The following information is based upon the leaflets
handed to policyholders before restoration work is
carried out by DryFast in their homes. "DryFast has
been appointed on behalf of your Insurance Company,
or their loss adjusters, subject to policy cover,
to assist in the restoration of your buildings and/or
contents. From the instructions received we
understand that your property has been affected by
fire and smoke damage. Our technician will be
grateful for your assistance in providing as much
information as possible about the incident and for
an opportunity to inspect the affected areas.
|
Once the estimate has been authorised
our technician will contact you to
arrange to commence or complete
necessary work. In dealing with the
incident, and depending on the severity
of the damage, some or all of the
following procedures may be followed
although the policy cover in force may
restrict the nature and extent of work
that can be completed. For example,
if your policy is contents only the
technician will not be in a position to
|
 |
remove fire damaged buildings materials, i.e. kitchen units or clean walls/ceilings etc. Initial
consideration will be given on emergency work to prevent further damage and the health and
safety of you, your family, the restoration technicians and any other subcontractors that may
need access to the property.
Emergency work may involve the following:
- Site safety. Have gas and electricity supplies been made safe?
- Preliminary detoxification which may involve thermal fogging, a technique producing
millions of deodorant particles in a fog that has a mist like appearance and ability
to go wherever the smoke malodour has gone.
- Ventilation of the property.
- The application of solutions to burnt/charred surfaces and smoke damaged walls to prevent
the evaporation of odour bearing molecules.
- Removal of burnt/charred building materials and/or contents items dependant upon
policy cover.
- Application of granular odour counteractants to control airborne odour particles.
Following the completion of the emergency work a detailed assessment of the damage to the
buildings and contents will be undertaken.
Buildings
The extent of restoration work possible will depend upon the intensity of the fire. The effects of
airborne smoke deposits may be visible throughout the property on surfaces, walls and ceilings.
Redecoration cannot be successfully completed without the removal or neutralisation of these
carbon
deposits. Smoke residue on most structural surfaces will be dry-cleaned initially to remove loose
deposits often followed by wet cleaning. Surface cleaning will remove the majority of smoke
deposits.
However, if the particles have been driven into the building's structural materials a sealant will be
applied, after cleaning, to prevent the reoccurrence of smoke odour and staining of subsequent
decorative finishes. If building materials are physically burnt then restoration is not possible and
building work and redecoration may be required, which will normally be considered separately
by your
Insurers or loss adjuster. Our goal is to leave the structure in a suitable condition for any other
subcontractors to complete their work.
Contents
After the emergency work has been completed our technician will, providing your cover provides,
assess contents items to determine the possibility of successful restoration. Other specialists such
as French Polishers, electrical engineers and upholsterers may be required to inspect damaged
items.
This will be discussed with you by the technician or loss adjuster. It is appreciated that affected
items may range from floor coverings to light fittings and everything in between and so a wide
range of restoration techniques have been developed. Depending upon the extent of damage it
may be necessary to remove items for cleaning off-site. All of this will be discussed with you.
Once an assessment of the items to be cleaned has been completed, an estimate detailing items
that can be economically restored will be provided to you. Insurers or loss adjusters for
their approval to proceed.
Items that are beyond economical restoration will be identified, listed and with your
agreement removed. Your Insurers or loss adjusters will require a list of these items to organise
replacement/settlement. Upon completion of the restoration work you will be requested by the
technician to confirm your satisfaction by signing a form. This will enable the final report to be
submitted to your Insurers for prompt settlement. We hope that the above information is useful
as an introduction to DryFast services and what you can expect. Should you require any assistance
please do not hesitate to contact us.
Caution: Safety is our paramount concern. Do not enter the property or disturb
machinery without consulting your DryFast Technician.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Health & Safety 
