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There is a difference between repairing something and repairing it properly. If you come across a situation you don't know how to fix, then you need to call the experts. There are repair professionals who specialize in everything from ovens to roofs. Knowing how to select and hire the right one is half the battle. That's one topic you will find explained here on this website. We've also collected various other articles on repairs and restoration. We don't expect you will be an expert on the topic by the time you finish reading, but we do think you'll be better informed and more able to hire the right expert.

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The Structural Problems That Need To Be Repaired When Restoring Fire Damage

by Clara Nichols

When restoring fire damage to your home, there may be structural issues that need to be repaired. Sometimes, the damage fire is not very visible. Therefore, you want to get professional help with inspecting and repairing any damage to a building after a fire. The following information will help you with repairing the structural damage:

Concrete and Masonry Materials

The foundation of your home is likely either concrete or block materials. These materials can be affected by the heat from a fire. The damage to concrete and masonry that you want to look for after a fire includes:

  • Yellowish discoloration of concrete due to heat
  • Severe cracking on the surface of materials
  • Powder-like flaking due to materials becoming softer
  • Flaking on the surface of concrete and brick finishes

The damage to concrete can cause the foundation of your home to deteriorate. This can cause issues with settling and other structural problems if you don't have the damage repaired when doing fire damage restorations.

Wood Structural Framing

Wood may seem to be one of the most obvious materials that are damaged during a fire. The problem with wood is that it can be weakened due to the fire and the heat. Some of the issues with the wood structural framing that you need to look for when restoring your home include:

  • Noticeable loss of mass of lumber due to fire
  • Charring on the surface that causes cracks
  • Black soot deposits on wood surfaces

The wood framing that has chard surfaces will need to be replaced during the restorations. If there are materials with soot and smoke embedded in the wood grain, you may want to replace them too. Replacing these materials will ensure that smoke and fire smell does not linger after the repairs have been completed.

Steel and Structural Metal Materials

You may think about the damage that a fire can cause to metal materials, but they may need repairs. These materials can be weakened due to the heat of the fire and need to be checked. Some of the metal structural components that may require repairs include:

  • Aluminum structural materials (like porch enclosures)
  • Steel support columns
  • Structural steel beams
  • Metal structural connections

The metal materials are going to need to be inspected for defects and issues that can cause problems with the structure. If they have been weakened, they are going to need to be replaced.

Structural damage can be a problem with your home when doing fire restorations. Thus, it is important to contact a professional fire damage restoration service to ensure that the structural problems are addressed. They can provide further information regarding fire damage.

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