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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Burleson, Texas
    Posts
    90

    Default Clarification Help

    Hopefully you guys can help. I have house that was struck by lightning and burned pretty much all of the attic. Now a contractor for the insurance company is trying to reuse as much as possible. I have told him that anything that has any smoke damage must be completly replaced. Am correct in stating this and if so where in the IRC could I find a referance? Any and all help is appreciated.

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    Dylan Whitehead

  2. #2
    Ted Menelly's Avatar
    Ted Menelly Guest

    Default Re: Clarification Help

    Hi Dylan

    Smoke damage in itself is not a bad thing as far as the framing goes. The drywall, wiring, good bit of the plumbing all affected by heat.
    Unless the wood is actually scorched or heated to cracking it should be ok. If the entire attic was pretty much burnt then the roof comes off and salvage what you can in the frame down stairs. It is really to tough to call with out a good look. I use to do a lot of rehab after fires. Every home fired is different.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Re: Clarification Help

    Dylan,

    Is this your personal home or a home you've inspected?

    I don't believe it is a requirement that the timbers have to be replaced just due to smoke, although they should be sealed.

    rick


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    745

    Default Re: Clarification Help

    I always say that if there is any charcoal on any part whatsoever then that piece gets replaced!

    As others said smoke...not bad on wood...needs sealing!

    Wiring and PVC look close!

    How old is the house?


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Clarification Help

    Struck by lightening = wiring damage, even without the fire.
    Look close, probably cheaper to replace than to test and examine every piece of wire, lightening can do strange things.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Burleson, Texas
    Posts
    90

    Default Re: Clarification Help

    This is a house that I am having to inspect as it is being rebuilt. I will try to post some pics today. The house is going to be completly rewired. It had all aluminum wiring with some add ons that they spliced the aluminum wiring directly to copper. My main concern was the charred studs and top plates. The other concern was how well does the sealant work on keeping the smoke smell out.

    Dylan Whitehead

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: Clarification Help

    Quote Originally Posted by Dylan Whitehead View Post
    My main concern was the charred studs and top plates.
    My understanding is if the damage is 1/4 inch or less of the framing members reuse is allowed.


    The other concern was how well does the sealant work on keeping the smoke smell out.
    .
    If the sealant ( usually an Aluminum in color ) is applied correctly works very well .

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Dearborn Heights, Mi
    Posts
    38

    Default Re: Clarification Help

    I've done a number of fire repairs when I was still contracting. Most of the building inspectors I worked with would only allow fire damage that was 1/8 inch or less.

    Anytime I observe more than 1/8 inch fire damage, I will flag it on my report.


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