For those who suffered losses in the High Park Fire in June, the problems don’t go away quickly.
According to Jerry Hegwood of Absolute Dry Water & Fire Restoration Services, issues have recently surfaced in homes that were affected by smoke damage or soot. “Soot becomes acidic when it gets wet,” Jerry explained, and that acidic substance is now causing problems for homes in the fire area. The soot can even damage marble or granite countertops.
Jerry, who owns a home in Glacier View Meadows, noted that damage from soot is not usually detectable until it has become a big issue. “That’s why it’s important to call in the experts who see this damage every day,” he added.
A full-service restoration company, Absolute Dry can assess smoke, soot or fire damage in a home. The company will meet with insurance companies to establish the full scope of work, and experts perform the repair work that is necessary. The company can replace anything damaged, from roofs and siding to carpet and granite countertops. They also do well testing.
Jerry and partners have done restoration work for several years and have worked on fire-damaged properties elsewhere in the state. They encourage people affected by the High Park Fire to have damage assessments done now, since insurance companies have time limits on paying for damages.
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A testimonial from a Absolute Dry customer:
As the former deputy sheriff up here and, with more than 14 years of law enforcement, I can assure you I’ve never seen anything like the High Park Fire. Having some understanding of the dangers of fire, smoke and soot, I knew I needed some expert help. When I met with Jerry and the Absolute Dry team, I realized there was not an area of this disaster they were not prepared to handle. Absolute Dry did not stop with the smoke damage in my home — they took water well samples, explained how to protect my family & vehicles from the fire’s after effects, and even met with my insurance adjuster to determine what needed to be done according to the IICRC standards. They took a complicated situation like dealing with insurance, simplified it, and gave me insight into a world many of us (thankfully) don’t experience very often. I’ve watched Absolute Dry help my neighbors and many in my community — whether it was bringing log posts in from Canada, HEPA air filtration devices to keep our air safe at home, or partnering up Noble Erosion to explore grants and find a long-term solution for our community. And it’s important to be vigilant, even months and years after a disaster of this magnitude. Besides all the secondary damage that is appearing on properties, which is the result of the soot, there are medical issues beginning to arise, especially in the lower part of Hewlett Gulch where all the soot and contaminants from higher ground is blowing, draining and settling. Thanks Absolute Dry! It shows when you care.
Sincerely,
Rob Harris
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Besides restoration work, Absolute Dry Water & Fire Restoration Services offers full rebuilds and does erosion control on burned land.
For more information, contact Jerry at 970-817-4454 or go to www.absolutedry247.com.
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