Though you do everything possible to maximize safety and reduce fire risk, commercial fires are still a possibility. These can be devastating, causing smoke and water damage and even threatening the integrity of your building. Here, Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas discusses how to evaluate a building for structural instability and your next steps after sustaining commercial property fire damage.
What To Do After a Commercial Fire
Commercial fires create ever-changing, unpredictable conditions. Though you might be worried about property damage, your first priority during and after a fire is to stay safe. Start by checking on all staff members and customers who were in or around the building at the time of the fire. Make sure everybody is secure, and get medical care for anybody injured or coughing.
Do not reenter the building until fire officials say it is safe. Firefighters’ efforts can create additional dangers, such as smashed windows and slippery ground. In addition, heat can linger long after the fire itself is gone. Burning may also create hazards such as sharp edges and exposed wires.
Even when the building is safe, avoid entering unless absolutely necessary—and use appropriate caution when you do. Contact your gas, electricity, and water providers to temporarily turn off all utilities. Be careful not to touch anything that may be contaminated by smoke. Record all damage with a notepad and camera to simplify communication. Finally, contact your insurance agency and local restoration specialist as soon as possible.
Signs of Structural Instability
When checking your commercial building for structural damage, here are some clues to look for:
- Loose power or gas lines: The first signs of damage are sometimes external. Loose lines are dangerous and often hint at bigger problems inside.
- Staircases out of level: If the steps of your staircase are misaligned, this may be an indication that the underlying structure has shifted. Avoid using unstable stairs.
- Jammed doors and windows: Wall movement can distort window and door frames to prevent opening. Don’t force stuck doors, as they may be supporting the walls around them.
- Sagging floors and ceilings: A damaged building frame may no longer support the joists, creating the feeling of soft or sagging floors. Ceilings may also appear to droop.
- Water buildup on roofs: Fire damage often causes clogged pipes, hindering proper drainage. Precipitation may also collect in low points on saggy roofs.
- Cracking noises: If you hear any cracking or popping sounds coming from inside your building, this may be a warning of structural failure.
- Flaking plaster: When walls twist due to structural instability, plaster may become detached. In severe examples, it may peel away in large sheets.
- Internal collapse: The most obvious sign of instability is actual collapse. This may occur on external walls, but it is more common in localized indoor areas.
If you notice any of these signs at your commercial property, evacuate the area. Unstable structures are dangerous due to the risk of sudden collapse. Make sure all staff have left the compromised building, then contact a specialist for inspection and repair.
Trust an Expert
While you may notice some warning signs yourself, you should always hire an inspector after a fire. Trained inspectors have extensive experience in evaluating commercial property fire damage. They may identify some indicators of structural damage that you would otherwise miss. An official inspection is the only way to guarantee that a building is safe or that all instances of instability are found.
If your inspector confirms that the building structure is unstable, get in touch with a fire damage restoration specialist to start planning repairs. Expert restorers have familiarity with common dangers, knowledge of the best repair practices, and access to specialized equipment to ensure a safe and comprehensive cleanup. They can also keep the process easy and efficient so you can get back to business as soon as possible.
Repairing Commercial Fire Damage in Dallas
If you need commercial property fire damage repair in North Dallas or the surrounding areas, contact Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas. We offer turnkey assistance from start to finish while restoring your property to its pre-loss condition. Because we keep all labor within a single company and don’t use subcontractors, we can promise efficient service. We even work directly with your insurance company to streamline the process. Find out today why Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas is the restoration team for you.
