Fire repair and hardening in Whittier, Los Angeles County
Fire Damage Repair and Rebuild in Whittier
Whittier fire rebuild after a house fire: drying out water damage, testing framing, replacing charred members and rebuilding to current code.
When firefighters have had to work inside a Whittier house, Fire Rebuild is the job that comes ahead of any other repair. Even a fire held to one kitchen or garage leaves charred studs and joists, smoke in the attic and a great deal of water in walls, insulation and subfloor. Until that water is dried out and the burned framing replaced, nothing else on the house can safely move ahead, so the rebuild sets the order for everything after it.
Drying and testing the structure
Wet drywall and insulation come out first so the cavities can dry. We read moisture in studs, plates and subfloor until the levels drop to a range that allows new work. Charred members are sounded with an awl. Surface char on a heavy beam may be planed or brushed off, while a stud or rafter that has lost section is replaced or sistered. An engineer reviews damaged beams, headers or bearing walls. Wiring and plumbing that ran through the burned area are checked by licensed trades before the walls close.
Rebuilding to current code
Replaced framing, sheathing and roof decking are built to the current code, which can mean new hold downs, nailing and fire blocking where the old house had none. Smoke residue is cleaned and sealed in the attic and cavities so odor does not return. On the exterior, damaged siding can go back as fiber cement or stucco, and new vents and windows can be ember resistant at the same time. Drawings go to the building department for Whittier, and every stage is inspected before it is covered.
Work we take on in Whittier
Every service on this list is offered here. The exterior and fire work comes first, then remodeling and new space.
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