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Query on house in close proximity to fire

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  • 24-05-2024 9:12am
    #1
    splashthecash
    Registered Users Posts: 2,316 ✭✭✭


    Hi all,

    Our neighbours home caught fire on earlier this week, and unfortunately it was not saved. The fire itself was quite intense and our house is about 3-4 meters from it. Some of our upstairs windows cracked from the heat and there was damage to the gutters\fascia\etc.

    My main worry however is potential unseen structural damage from the exposure to the heat. To me everything looks fine, no cracks, no change in coloration or burning but what do I know right? What type of profession should I be going to get this looked into properly?

    I looked into getting these guys ( https://www.iffr.ie/ ) but they don't seem to be qualified to be making calls on structural integrity..

    Any thoughts on what I need?

    Thanks for the help!



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    #2
    10-10-20
    Registered Users Posts: 7,159 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058352979/query-on-house-in-close-proximity-to-fire

    Sorry to hear that. A structural engineer is the engineering type which deals with this, but they will typically look for cracking as an initial indicator. They might also be able to advise whether the render (if installed) will be affected. No harm in getting a once-over for reassurance.



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    #3
    Doolittle51
    Registered Users Posts: 397 ✭✭Doolittle51


    An insurance loss assessor will advise exactly what work needs to be carried out and provide costs etc.

    Ideally you can then claim from your neighbour's insurance company, but you might need to claim from your own. You'll probably have to foot the bill for the loss assessor, not sure if his fee can be included in the insurance claim. Bit of an unfortunate situation really, but the main thing is that nobody was hurt, hopefully.

    It'd be best to contact your insurance company first and see what advice they can offer.



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    #4
    splashthecash
    Registered Users Posts: 2,316 ✭✭✭splashthecash


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122176893#Comment_122176893

    Loss adjuster coming out next Tuesday to take a look but he said he will be looking for superficial damages and will send report back into insurance company. Any other checks are the responsibility of the homeowner according to him so I guess that means I'll be footing the bill for a structural check

    And yes, main thing is no one was hurt in the whole situation :)



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    #5
    Doolittle51
    Registered Users Posts: 397 ✭✭Doolittle51


    I don't think a structural engineer will be able to tell you much without carrying out invasive work, but worth contacting one or two to see what advice they have to offer.



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    #6
    Mellor
    Registered Users Posts: 39,376 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122176808#Comment_122176808

    this is the correct answer. It’s most likely completely fine. Masonry is very fire stable. But you need a structural check.

    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122176893#Comment_122176893

    Thats completely incorrect.
    A loss assessor is basically a QS or account and that specialises in estimating rebuild costs. They have zero, abd I mean absolutely zero, experience or qualification that allows them to make a call on structural issues.

    OP, the assessor coming out is there to do a fair visual assessment on the lie if things. If you want a deeper look, you need to foot the bill and then claim.

    For peace of mind, it’s likely fine



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    #7
    Alkers
    Registered Users Posts: 6,837 ✭✭✭Alkers


    The loss assessor coming for a look works for the insurance company and has their interests in mind. You should appoint your own and also get a structural survey, which your loss assessor will negotiate with the insurance company to recoup the costs for.



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    #8
    drury..
    Registered Users Posts: 1,208 ✭✭✭drury..


    You can hire an independent loss assessor to work on your behalf . I know someone who did this .

    Agree though , an expert in this area is the way to go first for an assessment.



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    #9
    blackbox
    Registered Users Posts: 4,343 ✭✭✭blackbox


    If it is a traditional block built house, there is very unlikely to be structural damage. In reality, apart from the damage you can see, the only thing that might be damaged is the plasterwork or maybe the roofing felt. You should be able to see if there is any damage to the felt from the attic and at the gutters. If you tap the plaster, you will know by the hollow sound if it has come away from the wall.



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    #10
    Whatwicklow
    Registered Users Posts: 680 ✭✭✭Whatwicklow


    Temperature, heat intensity, duration exposed, can be estimated on the amount of plastic melting. Plastic gutters etc, will need to be stripped back to verify if, or how much heat got through to roof timbers.

    Also, potential water damage (electrics etc) from any fighting the brigade did will need to be checked. If your plastics melted then likely your property got the hose too.

    Best of luck



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