Fire Damage Restoration: The Insurance Process

The Steam Team Helping Install Fire Alarms

When you and your home or place of business are victims of fire damage, the recovery process can be overwhelming. One of the first things you’ll need to do is contact your home insurance company to discuss how to proceed—and ASAP, to prevent further damage to belongings that could potentially be saved. We’ve compiled some tips for communicating with your insurance company during the claims process.  

Leave a trail

Document everything! Have a mindset of gathering proof or evidence, in case any challenges come up later. Confirm updates on your claim or any promises made over the phone by sending a quick follow-up email or letter.   

Be polite and proactive

Everything goes into the company’s records, so no matter how frustrated or justified you feel, refrain from saying or writing anything that would make you come across uncooperative or the cause of any delays or problems. And don’t make the insurance company a target of your venting emotions related to your loss. Instead, be proactive about staying in touch and offering proof of your losses.  

Stay organized

Keep a separate folder, notebook, and/or binder of all paper mail and printouts, and organize any related electronic communications in a separate folder in your inbox. Also, keep a diary of when you spoke with your insurance company, to track info and jog your memory should you need to look back.

Cleanup and restoration are going to require professional help, so you’ll want your insurance company on your side. After speaking with your insurance, you will need to hire a company that can take care of the fire and water damage. It’s important to act fast to minimize permanent damage. The Steam Team offers restoration services 24/7 within 24–48 hours of a fire. Call the emergency line at 800-880-7785, and we will send out a restoration professional to assess the extent of the fire or water damage and provide you with an estimate of costs.   

Water Damage In Austin

The Steam Team Office In Austin, Texas

Pets make loyal, loveable additions to the family, but they’re not the most considerate of companions… especially when it comes to the carpet. For starters, our pets don’t think twice about tracking mud around, and housetraining is a battle in itself.

We’ve compiled a few tips to help you implement a system that protects your carpet from day-to-day damage.

Keep an Enzymatic Cleaner On hand

It’s important to use an enzymatic cleaner on urine—it’s the only product that contains enzymes that break down the non-water-soluble components in urine, such as uric acid. Use as directed on the bottle. If the stain persists, you can try your trusty commercial carpet cleaner, or mix your own solution, using water and dish detergent, or water, baking soda, and white vinegar. As we always suggest... Remember not to scrub the stain. Instead, blot the area with a clean cloth.

Set Up a Paw-Wiping Station

After romping around the muddy backyard, Fido hurries inside, leaving filthy paw prints in his path! Do yourself (and your flooring) a favor and set up a paw-wiping station near the entryway.

Spread out a towel (or doormat) at the backdoor, suitable for your pet to step on as they enter. You can layer this towel with a damp, smaller towel to help wipe away mud. Set a spray bottle and soft bristle brush nearby, if necessary.

Conceal High-Traffic Areas with Decorative Rugs

An area rug is easier to replace than carpet! A smaller pattern will be more forgiving of dust, dirt, and fur. Be sure to include your area rugs in your normal vacuuming routine.

Hire the Professionals

How often should you have your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned? Well, this will depend on how much foot traffic/wear and tear your carpet has endured. Contact The Steam Team if you notice any staining, discoloration, or if your home needs a professional’s magic touch!