Where There’s Fire, There’s Water: Understanding Fire and Water Damage Restoration

Some say fires are one of the most devastating events that can happen to your home or business, but what about when you face water damage as well? The combination of fire and water damage restoration is often overlooked, but as those living in a 16-unit condo complex in DeKalb County, east of Atlanta, GA in October 2024 discovered, where there is fire, there is water. 

In the early morning of October 5, 2024 residents were jolted awake as the fire alarm went off alerting them that two buildings and a breezeway were engulfed in flames. Thankfully, all residents were found safe, but their personal belongings were mostly destroyed. What wasn’t taken by the fire, was found to be damaged by the firefighting efforts and sprinkler system. This left 40 residents displaced and unable to pick up the pieces from this terrible event. 

For many, the realization that they need both fire and water damage restoration isn’t a common thought, especially after a devastating event where pressures, stresses, and uncertainty are high.

Why Fire and Water Damage Restoration Go Hand in Hand

When you think of fires, you likely think of the flames, smoke, ashes, and maybe even odor, but when firefighters are needed and sprinklers activate, thousands of gallons of water. While firefighting efforts and sprinkler systems are needed, they often cause extensive water damage on top of the fire damage within the home or business. So now instead of needing just fire restoration, both fire and water damage restoration are required to achieve the best possible outcome and get the property back to pre-loss condition. 

Soot and Smoke Cleanup

With fire also comes the hard reality that soot, smoke residue, and odor are left behind, which can be embedded into walls, ceilings, and any remaining belongings. When inhaled, soot and smoke can cause severe health concerns like respiratory problems, eye irritation, and skin issues. Not to mention residual fire odor is unpleasant and can far outlast the actual event.

According to the Air Pollution Control District of Santa Barbara County, “most smoke is a mix of very small liquid droplets and solid particles that can remain airborne for up to a week.” Because of this, smoke particles can linger in the air and HVAC system for weeks if left untreated. This is why professional restoration companies like ACR use state-of-the-art equipment to tackle these challenges.

Some of the services ACR can provide include soot removal, deodorization, HVAC cleaning, and total loss inventory management for damaged items like electronics, garments, and artwork. When you bundle fire and water damage restoration with ACR, you can rest assured knowing that your property is in the compassionate hands of the most highly credentialed professionals in the industry.

The Hidden Hazards of Water Damage

For the onlookers of any fire, the immediate thought is to put it out. What many don’t realize is that with firefighting efforts also come saturated floors, walls, furnishings, personal belongings, and more as gallons and gallons of water are pumped in to extinguish the flames. Now, many of the items that were spared by the fire have become ruined with water damage. But that’s not all, sometimes the water can be contaminated and even more dangerous than initially realized, which is why getting the right professionals involved early is critical.

Whether you’re a property manager, building engineer, facilities manager, or an insurance adjuster, working with a restoration company like ACR can give you fast answers to whether or not exposure to standing water is a threat to health and safety, but also to aid in the recovery efforts needed to avoid unnecessary costs and long-term displacement.

There are also other secondary concerns like mold growth and weakened structures that need to be addressed. So unfortunately for many, water damage doesn’t just affect what’s visible - it also infiltrates hidden spaces like HVAC systems, areas behind walls, and under carpets.

When a Georgia single-family home experienced a devastating water line break in the upstairs bathroom, the damage spread to the kitchen below, causing severe flooding and structural damage. ACR quickly jumped in and assessed the damage to determine what it would take to restore this family’s home to its pre-loss condition.

The insurance company initially sent three adjusters, estimating repairs at just $20,000—a figure far too low to cover the full extent of the damage. At our recommendation, a senior adjuster and consultant were brought in. Their detailed estimate came to $60,000, accurately reflecting the repairs needed.

We worked with them to write the scope, negotiate with the insurance company, and secure the full $60,000 coverage for our customer.

The Duality of Fire and Water Damage Restoration

Dealing with both fire and water damage restoration simultaneously is not easy. Fire-damaged areas that are later soaked with water create a mixture of problems like charred materials absorbing water leading to increased rot and mold risk. 

Most professionals will tell you that fire and water damage requires a rapid response so that efforts can be made to address both simultaneously. Choosing professionals who are knowledgeable in both fire and water damage restoration as well as compassionate about what just happened to you are qualities that cannot be ignored. 

ACR opts to utilize a mitigation-first approach meaning we try to clean, dry, and be as proactive as possible instead of simply saying that a tear-out and replacement is necessary. Our goal is to help you get your property back to its pre-loss condition ASAP. 

Fire and water damage doesn’t always have to equate to losing everything. ACR has helped multiple families and businesses with restoration services that boast compassionate and gentle care. 

ACR has spent nearly four decades listening to clients in order to speak directly to their unique challenges in the Education, Residential & Commercial Property Management, Property & Casualty, and Healthcare & Assisted Living vertical markets to provide customized project solutions. No matter if it’s water damage, mold growth, or restoring gym floors, our approach to tackling the losses is always the same - to maintain operational continuity. We mitigate risk while reducing expense and loss of use to you and your business.

Click here to learn more about our fire damage services and here for our water damage services.