What Can Fire Damage In County Downs Do To Concrete Houses?

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

While the structural integrity of a house is unlikely to be at risk, concrete is still vulnerable to heat.

Fire Damage And Concrete

Over the last decade, concrete has become an increasingly popular material for homebuilders. It is unyielding, functions as a great noise and shock absorber, and it is surprisingly energy efficient. It is one of the most fire resistant building materials and insurance companies recognize it as being one of the safest ways to construct a house.

While the structural integrity of a house is unlikely to be at risk, concrete is still vulnerable to heat. If flames do not get extinguished quickly, fire damage in County Downs can lead to cracking and warping. There may also be a loss of compressive strength. SERVPRO advises homeowners to respond to structural and aesthetic changes fast by calling in a repair team. Keep reading for more information on how fire affects concrete and what we can do about it.

How Concrete Reacts To Heat
Normally, it takes a heat of more than 248 degrees for concrete to respond in any way. In fact, it is after a fire approaches 482 degrees that noticeable damage begins to occur. At this point, localized cracks appear, and water within the cementitious paste dries up. The process causes a reduction in elasticity and strength. If the fire heats the concrete to more than 572 degrees, a substantial drop in compressive strength occurs (around 30-40%). It is common for the appearance of the material to change too. It takes on a light pinkish tone.

Tackling Concrete Repairs
Restoring concrete after a fire is easier than you might think. Often, the damage is superficial and aesthetic. The top layers of material get degraded, but if the pre-stressing tendons are untouched, they do not always need removing. Fire damaged concrete requires extraction behind the traditional steel reinforcement. However, adding bonded concrete in sections can be a quicker and easier solution than replacing large areas. Afterward, it needs to be rebuilt to the original surface profile using steel primers, substrate bonding coats, and cementitious polymers.

The One Stop Repair Shop
SERVPRO is committed to providing comprehensive, seamless fire damage restoration. Our technicians use sophisticated tools to spray wash stains on walls, remove smoke particles from the air, and clean carpets and other materials.

If structural materials (like concrete) require full or partial restoration, we can arrange for the right contractors. They are under supervision from our team, so you do not have to worry about keeping track of multiple projects. We can do it for you. In the case of concrete repairs, this is of particular importance, because the work involves heavy machinery and industrial substrates.

At SERVPRO of Montgomery, fire damage restoration is a complete process. We are a one stop repair shop and can find skilled contractors on your behalf. Our guys work on the clean-up, while the contractors handle the heavier reconstructions. Call us 24/7 on (334) 273-0992.