When a fire occurs, the damage often extends beyond what is immediately visible. In addition to superficial damage that is readily apparent such as smoke stains and soot residue, a fire can compromise the foundation, roof and interior framing, weakening the stability of the entire building. Excess water and trapped moisture can also create the perfect breeding ground for destructive mold and mildew if not addressed right away. Because of these hidden dangers, it’s important to get a professional fire damage inspection as soon as possible.

What is a Fire Damage Inspection?

A fire damage inspection carefully looks at each area of the structure to assess fire damage. A technician will examine important structural features such as the foundation, framing, roof, walls and windows, while also taking into account superficial damage that may have occurred, such as discoloration from smoke and soot.

At Dry Kings, we thoroughly inspect the exterior and interior of the structure to determine whether the building is safe and what steps are needed to restore the structure to its pre-loss condition. A fire damage inspection consists of the following:

Roof inspection

The heat generated from a fire can destabilize the roof of your building. Water damage can also lead to structural issues and the growth of harmful mold. We will thoroughly assess the roof for structural issues and identify any areas that may be susceptible to mold growth.

Structural Inspection

During a fire, iron and steel that’s used to frame a building can deteriorate under the elevated temperature. This can lead to an overall reduction in strength, as well as buckling and twisting, which are all factors that can further destabilize your structure. During the fire damage inspection, we will carefully assess any steel or iron within the structure to determine if damage has occurred.

Exterior Walls, Stucco and Siding Inspection

Exterior walls can be damaged during a fire. When exposed to extreme heat, stucco, which protects concrete block masonry, can chip and splinter and vinyl siding can melt. It’s also possible for excess water to get trapped under siding, making the structure vulnerable to mold. We will carefully inspect your exterior walls for degradation and water damage.

Foundation Inspection

One of the most important aspects of a fire damage inspection: the foundation. Anchored foundations and other concrete structures can be severely damaged by the fire and heat, compromising the stability of the structure. We will thoroughly inspect the foundation and other concrete structures for chipping, cracking, discoloration, reduction in strength and elasticity, and loss of bond between reinforcing steel and concrete.

Window Inspection

With any fire, there’s likely to be some discoloration of the windows. Breaking and warping is also common. However, in some cases, window frames can melt. We will inspect all windows to assess fire damage and potential structural issues.

Interior Walls and Framing Inspection

If the internal framing of your building has been damaged during the fire (either by heat or water), it can compromise the stability of the entire structure. This stage of the fire damage inspection may involve opening up internal walls to establish whether the framing is damaged.

Plumbing and Heating System Inspection

While copper pipes tend to be resilient during a fire, pipes made of PVC, PEX and ABS are prone to heat damage. Our technicians will inspect pipes and heating ducts for signs of damage. If heating ducts are intact, they may need to be cleaned to remove soot and smoke residue.

Interior Inspection

Fire, smoke, soot and water can damage the interior of a structure in a multitude of ways. Our technicians will thoroughly inspect the interior to check for damage to paint, carpet, upholstery, clothing and other belongings. We will also inspect all surfaces and appliances for swelling, buckling, warping, odors due to smoke penetration and other damage.

Call the Fire Damage Inspection Experts at Dry Kings

After our team has completed a fire damage inspection, we can begin stabilizing the structure to salvage as many building materials as possible. To help set your mind at ease, we offer a free consultation on the insurance process, which provides you with all the information you need to make decisions about your property.

To learn more about our fire damage inspection process, give us a call at 844-DRY-KING. We will respond as soon as possible to meet your water, fire, and smoke damage recovery needs and restore your property to its pre-loss condition.