A house fire, often considered one of the most devastating incidents that can happen to a property, is fortunately not a common occurrence. Nevertheless, each year in the UK, there are approximately 150,000 fire-related incidents.
In the aftermath of such an unfortunate event, a series of questions must be addressed. These should address concerns about the structure of the building, damage extent, material impact, and necessary repairs.
These inquiries require an expert and comprehensive evaluation. At Aspray, we have over 18 years of experience in handling fire claims.
Complexities: Oxygen-starved vs Oxygen-rich
Fire damage can take various forms, including water damage, smoke damage, and a breakdown of the structure. The intense heat of a fire might cause walls and ceilings to collapse.
Irrespective of a fire’s size, smoke damage can swiftly permeate a property. Even minor fires can inflict substantial harm, ranging from surface-level aesthetics to deeper, concealed issues within wall voids, floor spaces, and conduit systems. The pressurisation of the property during the fire can advance these concealed damages. Furthermore, thermal harm can affect plaster, brickwork, blockwork, as well as electrical and plumbing systems.
Following a fire, the air will cool, causing soot particulates to settle. An oxygen-rich fire produces a loose, black, dusty residue on surfaces and contents, while an oxygen-starved fire leaves behind a hard, greasy residue.
Sometimes, these smoke residues in remote areas might go unnoticed until surfaces are touched or disturbed. If these substances come into contact with moisture, they can lead to stains and acid erosion on surfaces, with stainless steel being particularly susceptible.
These fires occur when there is an ample supply of oxygen. They burn at high temperatures and are often characterised by open flames. Oxygen-rich fires cause extensive damage to structures, leaving behind charred remains, melted materials, and severe structural damage. Recovery from oxygen-rich fires typically involves extensive demolition and rebuilding.
Oxygen-starved fires occur when the available oxygen is limited. They smolder at lower temperatures and produce thick, dense smoke. While these fires may not cause as much visible damage, they can lead to pervasive smoke damage throughout the property. Removing the soot and odor from oxygen-starved fires can be a complex and time-consuming process.
A professional report on your fire claim
Prior to embarking on the rebuilding process, it is imperative to grasp the full extent of fire-induced damage. A qualified professional should generate a structural damage report to determine the damage’s scope and prescribe appropriate repair methods. This report serves as a crucial reference for all parties involved in the fire claim.
Once all remnants of the fire have been thoroughly decontaminated, the structural repairs and reconstruction can commence, adhering closely to the recommendations outlined in the structural damage report.
Case study: Devastating Fire damage claim
expertly handled by Aspray
This property was completely destroyed by fire, and the lives of those involved have changed forever.
The Aspray service is designed to handle all communications with the insurer, instruct specialist contractors, bring the property back to its pre-loss state, and most importantly have someone by your side to guide you.
As you can see in the pictures of this video, the property was completely destroyed and required an entire rebuild apart from the external facade.
Bill Maynard stepped up, with all his years of experience, calming presence, and professional skills, and immediately began to put the policyholder’s mind at ease, as best he could.
Anthony Baddeley pitched in with an in-depth understanding of property damage of this magnitude and ensured all damage was correctly accounted for.
This case study is a great example as to why we are the UK’s number one loss assessor.
Need help with your fire claim? Contact Aspray