Fire restoration in Spokane
Spokane's winters are long, cold and snowy, and a house that has had a fire in winter is exposed to all of it. NOAA's engineering weather data for Spokane lists a 50-year ground snow load of 42 pounds per square foot and an average of about 72 freeze-thaw cycles a year. That makes the first few days after a winter fire about two things: closing the building up so it can be heated, and keeping a damaged roof from failing under snow.
Snow on a damaged roof
A roof that burned or was cut open for ventilation can lose much of its strength. Snow loads in Spokane are serious, and the design value for a particular building comes from the local building code. A weakened roof may not carry its design load, and wet snow on a tarp adds weight fast. Ask the company to have the roof framing assessed quickly, to install temporary supports if needed, and to secure tarps or temporary sheathing so they shed snow and won't tear in wind. Ask who will clear snow from the temporary covering if a big storm comes before repairs.
Firefighting water and frozen pipes
When a fire knocks out the heat, the water left by firefighting starts to freeze in carpet, in wall cavities and in plumbing. Freeze-thaw cycles mean it can freeze and melt repeatedly, pushing water further into the structure each time. Pipes left full in an unheated house can split. The first steps in winter are to get standing water out, have a plumber decide whether to drain the system, close the building and get temporary heat and dehumidifiers running.
Board-up that holds
Winter board-up has to hold against wind, snow and ice. Plywood should be fastened so it can't be pried off and sealed so snow can't drift in through gaps. Ask how the company will secure the openings and how often someone will check the building during storms.
Drying in the cold
Cold slows evaporation. A house that sits cold and wet for weeks can grow mold once it warms, and wet materials frozen inside walls will melt in spring. Controlled drying, heat plus dehumidification in a closed building, with moisture readings until materials reach dry targets, is the only reliable approach. Ask to see the readings.
Rebuilding footings and foundations
If part of the structure has to be rebuilt from the foundation up, a joint City of Spokane and Spokane County codes policy sets frost depth at 24 inches below finished grade unless a soils investigation supports a different depth. New footings for a rebuilt porch, garage or addition have to go below it. The company or its general contractor should handle permits and inspections.
Summer fires
A summer fire brings different priorities: heat in a closed house, faster odor, and getting contents out early. Ask how the plan changes with the season.
Checking a contractor in Washington
Washington's Department of Labor & Industries publishes a free contractor registration lookup. Check the business's registration, and the bond and insurance information L&I lists, before you sign.