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Fire or storm damage to framing.

A structural engineer should decide what stays, and a licensed contractor should shore and repair under that direction.

Customers put it like this

  • we had a fire, what can stay?
  • a tree hit the house
  • storm tore off part of the roof
  • charred beams in the attic
Prepare this job in ForeBotFind another guide

Stop first if

  • Fire or storm damaged framing may be unstable.Stay out and keep people clear. Call emergency services and a structural engineer.
  • Power lines are down, or you smell gas.Leave the area. Call the utility or emergency services from a safe distance.
01

Ask on the call

5

Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.

  1. Is everyone out, and has the fire department released the building?
  2. What part of the structure was hit?
  3. Is anything sagging, hanging or leaning?
  4. Are the power and gas off?
  5. Is framing wet from firefighting or rain?
02

Bring

5
  • Hard hat and boots
  • Flashlight
  • Tape measure
  • Moisture meter
  • Phone for photos
03

Check on site

5
  1. Have the structure confirmed stable before anyone goes in.
  2. Map charred and heat-darkened framing.
  3. After char removal, measure what is left of each section for the engineer.
  4. Look for heat damage at fasteners and connectors.
  5. Meter wet framing and note where water sits.
04

Keep on the record

4
  • Photos of all damage before removal
  • Remaining section sizes
  • Moisture readings
  • List of connectors exposed to heat

General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.