Start with the most important question for each material
Work through each material in each room. If the answer is unclear, mark it for a second opinion.
- IfIt is charred, structurally weakened or unsafeRemove it. Keep a sample if it is original and will need to be matched.
- IfIt has surface soot only and the finish is intactClean in place. Test spot first on any original finish.
- IfIt is sound but in the way of necessary repairsRemove carefully, label, store dry and reinstall later.
- IfIt is wet but not charredDry first and decide later. Many wet materials recover.
- IfIt may contain asbestos or lead and will be disturbedTest before any removal or sanding, or treat as hazardous and use proper procedures.
- IfOdor persists after cleaningLook for a hidden source behind or beneath it before deciding the material itself is the problem.
Common materials and their usual outcome
- Material
- Plaster walls and ceilings
- Tends to be kept when
- Sound, attached, soot on the surface
- Tends to be removed when
- Charred, detached, soaked and crumbling
- Material
- Clear-finished trim
- Tends to be kept when
- Finish protected the wood
- Tends to be removed when
- Charred or finish blistered past refinishing
- Material
- Hardwood floors
- Tends to be kept when
- Dry back to normal, scorch is shallow
- Tends to be removed when
- Charred, deeply stained or structurally compromised
- Material
- Ceramic tile
- Tends to be kept when
- Glaze intact, grout cleanable
- Tends to be removed when
- Cracked from heat or loose from water
- Material
- Wood windows
- Tends to be kept when
- Sash sound, glass replaceable
- Tends to be removed when
- Frames charred or rotted
- Material
- Insulation
- Tends to be kept when
- Rarely kept after smoke exposure
- Tends to be removed when
- Smoke-laden, wet or vermiculite
- Material
- Carpet and pad
- Tends to be kept when
- Rarely kept after heavy smoke
- Tends to be removed when
- Smoke-laden or soaked
General tendencies in older homes. Actual damage varies widely.
How to use this guide with a contractor
Bring your sorted list to the walkthrough with the restoration contractor and the adjuster. Ask them to explain any items where their recommendation differs from yours. Sometimes there is a good reason: hidden charring, a hazardous material, or a cost that makes salvage impractical. Sometimes the recommendation is simply habit.
Keep in mind that mitigation contractors are often working quickly to stop further damage, and their first scope may be broad. A written list of materials you want kept, agreed before demolition, prevents misunderstandings. Ask for photos of anything removed that was on your keep list, along with the reason.
General information for Park Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.