Hiring an experienced professional is the first step in any successful fire and smoke damage restoration effort. 

Once hired, your restoration expert will assess the damage and identify key repair areas.

Typical steps in the repair process include:

• Deodorization
• Smoke extraction
• Air scrubbing
• Removal of damaged materials
• Structural repairs and reconstruction

Experienced professionals, like those at Rainbow Restoration^®, will carry out these tasks based on the level of property damage you’ve incurred.

No part of dealing with smoke and fire damage is pleasant; yet, a few aspects stand out as particularly challenging. Some difficult aspects include:

• Smoke odor removal – Removing the smoke odor is difficult but necessary. If smoke odors are not properly removed, it can lead to adverse health effects for future occupants.
• Secondary damage due to weather – This is of particular concern in Charleston, which is humid and rainy. Fires often leave buildings partially exposed to the elements. If it rains before the building is covered, it can cause serious damage to the property.
• Damage from firefighting efforts – Firefighters can cause water damage and may leave behind dangerous chemical foams and powders that are necessary to extinguish the blaze. These must be removed before the building can be re-occupied.

Smoke inhalation and toxin exposure pose risks to both occupants and restoration professionals. For safety purposes, everyone present at the restoration site should wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE).