Everyone knows that fire is extremely dangerous and highly destructive. Unfortunately, these kinds of disasters are quite common, whether it’s due to bad luck or carelessness. However, the aftermath of these catastrophes is often underestimated – especially when it comes to the costs that are incurred thereafter.
While damage to property would certainly be expected, the extent of that damage is often misjudged. There’re many knock-on effects that come with fire damage aside from the standard repairs, and they all cost money to fix.
Consequently, let’s explore what general costs can be anticipated when fire damage occurs.
Smoke and Water Damage
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just the flames that’re destructive when a fire occurs. In fact, the smoke they emit can cause just as much damage too. This is because it soaks into the depths of walls, ceilings and even things like carpets, clothes, rugs and additional furniture. Everything absorbs it, and it gets everywhere regardless of whether the flames have been suitably contained to a small area.
There’s also the matter of the residue that firefighters leave behind; if they’ve used lots of water and chemicals to outs any fires, then additional costs can be implemented here too. Obviously, they take no risks here, and go all out to extinguish even smaller fires to prevent the spreading. Therefore, if property owners are simply hoping to replace and repair the things that are charred or burnt alone, they’re sorely mistaken. It’s likely the entire building will need refurbishment.
Fines and Punishment
It’s an indisputable fact that most fires don’t just fall out of the sky (unless a barn roof is struck by lightning, for example). Where there’s a fire, there’s a cause, and usually a responsible party who didn’t do enough to mitigate the chances of the disaster. Ultimately, everyone has a responsibility to keep their properties as safe as possible.
For example, when it comes to commercial and workplace buildings, not following fire safety regulations can land these property owners with extortionate fines and time spent in prison, even if they didn’t strictly spark or kindle the fire themselves. Fires damage people as well as inanimate objects, and if a property owner is found liable for that, costly and just punishment will be enacted.
Fire Protection
If a fire has occurred, it’s down to the owner of the building to ensure that it never happens again. Of course, this should have been a priority from the moment the keys to the property came into possession. Still, if it took bad luck and a full-scale blaze to serve as a wake-up call, then those who’ve been inflicted by fire damage can do a few things here, providing they’re not embroiled in legal battles.
During repairs they can seize a chance to course correct here, outfitting their property to be more resilient to fire. It’s a costly process, but affordable under the right businesses. For example, property owners can utilise the services of companies like CCF, who offer numerous fire protection products at an affordable rate. From fire stopping barriers to fire protection accessories, there’s a whole range of help to choose from here that will mitigate the chances of a serious fire in future.