How do we restore fire-damaged structure?

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

What Is Structure?

Structure is considered any part of a structure that is permanent. Items are called structure if they are permanently attached to a building. For example, the framework of a building including walls, ceilings, floors, attached floor coverings, doors, and windows are structure. Other items might be called structural components, such as cabinets, light fixtures, the heating and cooling system (HVAC), and bath fixtures. An easy way to distinguish structure from contents is to imagine turning the building upside down and shaking it; what falls out is contents and what remains is structure.

Methods of Structural Cleaning

Before cleaning structure, the restorer tests to determine the appropriate cleaning method. Appropriate means a method that will effectively remove the residues from the surface or material without damaging the surface or material itself. One goal of testing is to categorize materials as washable or non-washable: ? Washable: Materials that can be wet cleaned. Applying a waterbased cleaning product to the material will not damage the material. ? Non-washable: Materials that cannot be wet cleaned. Applying a water-based cleaning product to the material could result in additional damage, so the material must be cleaned by a dry cleaning method. The type of residues on a material may also determine the cleaning method. Oil- or grease-based residues will require a dry solvent cleaning agent, even though the material being cleaned would not be damaged by water-based products