What To Know About Partial Commercial Fire Losses

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Peoria, AZ

Here Are Some Things To Know Before You File Your Claim

Not every blaze completely destroys a commercial building. You could instead end up with a partial fire loss. This could include soot or smoke damage that affects equipment and furniture.
Even a partial loss may require the assistance of fire restoration specialists. This, in turn, could force you to contact your insurance provider. 

Inspections
A small fire to your property or a larger blaze in a neighboring building could cause hidden damage. You cannot assume that your premises is safe just because you do not see any obvious problems. Instead, bring in a licensed professional to inspect the area.
Do not just rely on the insurance adjuster to perform the inspection. The engineering professional should check the following:

• Iron and steel structures
  
• Framing and interior walls
  
• Windows
  
• Roof
  
• Heating and plumbing systems
  
  

Cleaning and Restoration
Any damage to the above areas should be addressed right away. Your insurance should pay for the costs of cleaning soot, odors, and smoke that result from the fire. Depending on the extent of the partial fire loss, the remediation could include repairing or replacing damaged items, as well.
The adjuster may try to convince you to save money by wiping dirty surfaces yourself. However, you need a true deep clean to keep your structure intact and safe for employees. You should thus let professionals handle most of the restoration.
File an insurance claim so your provider can cover the remediation costs. Keep the claim open for at least six months in case you notice any additional harm to the premises. Indoor plants, in particular, may die well after the fire ends.
If you suspect that your Peoria, AZ, property had a partial fire loss, have an expert inspect the building for possible damage. You should also have the building cleaned as much as possible. Your commercial insurance may cover the cost of repairs, but contact your provider to clarify the details of your policy.