People who live in the greater Denver area know fires are always a threat. Forest fires can sweep through the area and damage or destroy homes. Fireplaces lit in the winter can have embers pop out and set a rug ablaze. There are numerous ways fires can start in the dry Denver climate. Fire damage cleanups can be challenging and require the correct waste management strategy. You may be thinking, “How close is the landfill near me”? Taking the waste to the dump yourself is unnecessary. For dumpster rentals in Denver, call Dumpstermaxx. We can help you with roll off dumpsters and dumpster bags. We will pick up and haul away the filled dumpsters once you are done. The process will take longer than a regular home cleanout or spring clean out. Let’s take a look at some ideas about how to best clean up after a fire.
First, make sure the building you are entering is structurally safe, this can easily be ascertained from the fire department that responded. If the building is structurally unsafe, you will have to consider demolition. If it does have to be demolished, dumpster Maxx can provide you with rental dumpsters for the bulk trash pickup you will generate. If the structure is sound, some minor repairs may be required before you can enter. Once you are sure it is safe to enter the building, then you need to see what can be salvaged from inside. Open all doors and windows to air out the home or office while inspecting it. In some cases where chemicals have burned, a breathing mask may be required due to noxious fumes. Floor fans can help dry out puddles left from fire hoses and help remove the smell of smoke.
Water damage from extinguishing the fire may have saved your home or business, but it can ruin furniture, appliances, electronics, and art hung on the wall. Carpet and upholstery inside the house or building will have to be removed; the stench of smoke is extremely difficult to get out. Make sure to roll up the carpet when throwing it into the dumpster to allow more space inside. You may find that the amount of carpet and upholstery being disposed of is too big for the waste container you rented from us. We have multiple dumpster sizes and can deliver additional dumpsters to you, or larger trash receptacles are needed. Once the carpet and upholstery have been removed, you can inspect everything else. While your furniture is outside is the best time to inspect it, sunlight is far better than any artificial lighting to look for damage. Throw any furniture that cannot be salvaged into the dumpster. You may, or may not, want to move undamaged furniture back inside, it may be easier to get other damaged items out with the floor cleared. Inspect all remaining items to determine the extent of the damage and see if repair is possible. Any electronics or appliances that don’t work may have some value and can be sold for scrap, make sure to set those aside to decide if they should be thrown away or not.
Cleaning soot off of walls, the ceiling, and remaining appliances and furniture will require a lot of cleaning products and will produce even more waste which will be added to your bulk trash pickup. It is essential to factor in the amount of trash from your fire clean up when initially ordering dumpster rentals from us. The most commonly used product used to remove soot is Tri-sodium Phosphate (TSP) make sure to wear gloves and goggles when using TSP to remove soot. Removing smoke smell from remaining furniture and clothes may require a professional cleaner familiar withsmoke damage. A yard clean up may be necessary as well if any of the structure was torn off by firefighters or the surrounding trees and bushes were burned.
Although any fire is devastating, with a little planning and determination, your home or office may be usable again. Call or Email Dumpstermaxx today, we can help you organize your fire damage clean out and organize all your trash removal and junk hauling needs.