lightning

From Lightning Strike to Restoration: A Neighbourhood’s Journey Through Fire Recovery

Fire Restoration

Fire damage is a complex issue that can profoundly impact commercial and residential properties. Fires can originate from various sources, such as unattended open flames, heated appliances, or faulty electrical wiring. Lightning can ignite a rapidly spreading fire, demanding urgent restoration services to mitigate the damage. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, lightning strikes contribute to 17,400 fires yearly.

At PuroClean Property Restoration Experts, we offer comprehensive fire damage restoration services for local home and business owners. Our expertise extends to mold mitigation, emergency water damage restoration, and full reconstruction.

Lightning- Induced Fire Damage Restoration 

Last year, a dramatic lightning strike caused extensive damage to a neighborhood in Allen, TX. One such incident involved a lightning bolt hitting a house, igniting a blaze swiftly spreading to the adjacent property. The fire spread via the shared fence that closely lined both properties.

Both homes suffered severe damage, setting the stage for a challenging restoration process.

The living room faced extensive damage.

The homeowners, who had the same insurance carrier, sought our assistance for the mitigation and rebuilding efforts. The severity of the damage posed significant challenges. Initially, the insurance carrier considered demolishing the buildings. An engineer was called in to assess the structural integrity, and while he confirmed that the structures could be saved, the cost of repairs was high—and may cost more than rebuilding from scratch.

Despite the engineer’s findings, the homeowners chose to proceed with repairing the properties, just like their neighbor. This decision caused a complex and lengthy restoration process that spanned nearly a year.

Detailed Restoration: From Demolition to Rebuilding

The restoration began with the careful removal of damaged sections. Given the severity of the fire, substantial parts of the homes needed dismantling. Safety was a major concern, as the compromised structures required careful handling. The demolition team worked methodically, reinforcing areas before clearing debris from each room, ensuring worker safety and keeping the original structure as much as possible.

Maintaining the structural integrity was crucial in this restoration process.

After clearing and reframing the homes, a new roof was installed, marking a key transition from demolition to rebuilding. 

Addressing the extensive smoke and soot damage was the next critical step in the restoration process. Our team began by using sanders to meticulously clean every remaining stud, ensuring that no layer of soot or residue was left behind. This abrasive method effectively removed the thick, ingrained soot that had settled on the surfaces. Following the sanding, we employed chemical sponges designed specifically for soot removal. These sponges are highly effective at lifting soot from surfaces without causing further damage or spreading the contamination.

We applied a series of specialized cleaning and deodorizing products to tackle the pervasive smoke odor that lingered throughout the property. These products are formulated to neutralize and eliminate smoke particles, ensuring no trace of the fire’s odor remains.

The comprehensive cleaning process involved treating every affected surface with precision, from walls and ceilings to hidden crevices and structural components. Each step was performed with careful attention to detail to restore the home to a clean, fresh state, free from any lingering evidence of the fire.

The lightning-damaged home after our technicians cleaned it. 

As the final cleaning step, Chlorine Dioxide was applied to disinfect and remove odors thoroughly. This ensured the homes were structurally sound and free from lingering fire-related contaminants.

After the cleaning was complete, we sealed any necessary areas, preparing the homes for drywall installation and final finishes. The homes were then ready for the rebuild team to take over, with solid framing, secure roofs, and clean interiors.

The solid framing and restoration can be seen here.

Rebuilding after a fire is a meticulous and time-consuming process. Still, with careful planning and skilled workmanship, it is possible to restore a home to its pre-damage condition—or even better. This project demonstrated the importance of perseverance and expertise in fire damage restoration, allowing homeowners to preserve their homes while moving forward into a renewed future.

When Lightning Strikes, Trust PuroClean Property Restoration Experts

Our dedication to exceptional customer service distinguishes us from other emergency restoration companies. PuroClean Property Restoration Experts recognize the stress and disruption caused by fire damage, so we work with urgency and precision to return your home or business to its original state as quickly as possible. If you recently experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us at (972) 892-0000.