Hallmark GC briefing · exposed structural shell
A construction-grade work sequence, hold-point plan and purchasing schedule for a water-mitigation crew taking over an already-gutted fire loss. It assumes experienced supervision; it concentrates on the fire-specific work that must happen before insulation and drywall return.
This is a field method and purchasing basis, not a substitute for a project-specific protocol. Confirm the fire source, affected boundaries, structural disposition, regulated-material status, insurer documentation requirements and authority having jurisdiction before production work.
| Hold | Release condition | Record |
|---|---|---|
| H1 · STRUCTURE | Questionable members dispositioned; no disputed condition will be erased by cleaning. | Marked plan, photographs, engineer/AHJ note where required |
| H2 · CLEAN | No loose char or visible particulate; dry and wet cleaning acceptance tests pass. | Test-patch and white-towel wipe records by elevation |
| H3 · DRY | Representative framing readings are 15% or lower and no condensation is present. | Pin-meter log with member/location/date |
| H4 · PRE-COAT | Adjuster/owner/inspector has the requested opportunity to view clean wood before concealment. | Written release or documented notice/inspection |
| H5 · REBUILD | Continuous coating, final odor/visual acceptance and complete closeout package. | Final photographs, lots, gallons, coats and approval |
The product schedule below is one compatible baseline system. Do not substitute by price or shelf availability alone. Submit the proposed cleaner/sealer PDS and SDS, confirm substrate compatibility and coverage, and approve a test patch before full production.
Run one representative test area through dry removal, wet cleaning, drying and coating before committing the whole structure. Each operation has a pass condition. If it fails, repeat or escalate that stage; do not advance the deficiency into concealment.
Walk every elevation before cleaning changes the evidence. Photograph wide views and close-ups, then mark members by condition.
Separate the work zone from clean storage and occupied areas. Run commercial HEPA air scrubbers during all dust-producing work; add the manufacturer-matched activated-carbon stage for smoke odor and gaseous compounds.
Use the least aggressive method that reaches clear, sound wood. Start with a test patch reviewed by the person responsible for the scope.
Work high to low: roof deck and rafters, wall plates and studs, joists, subfloor and the floor of the work zone.
Use a fresh, labeled restoration cleaner after a test patch. RECON Heavy Duty Cleaner's product sheet lists 1:16 for soot and carbon and 6–8 fl oz per gallon for heavy-duty cleaning. Follow the delivered container label if it differs.
Use dehumidification and controlled air movement until representative readings meet the coating requirement. Take pin readings at lower plates, joist ends, roof framing, shaded pockets and any area that received more wash water.
Obtain any required adjuster, engineer or building-official inspection before white coating obscures the wood. Then apply ULTRA RECON 3092 White as a uniform final odor/stain barrier.
After ventilation and full drying, inspect the complete shell before insulation or drywall returns.
RECON Heavy Duty Cleaner removes adhered soot and acidic films after dry source removal.
Use a fresh counteractant only when odor remains after cleaning and the written scope calls for it.
ULTRA RECON goes only onto clean, dry, sound framing as the final residual-odor barrier.
Every purchase button opens the exact product-detail page verified for the stated model or manufacturer SKU. Product instructions below were checked against the linked manufacturer sheet or manual. Confirm the delivered label and revision before use.
These are the two chemical purchases for the basic exposed-framing system.
Water-soluble alkaline cleaner/degreaser labeled for soot and carbon removal. Purchase factory-sealed containers only.
Water-based, non-flammable smoke-odor sealer for clean, dry, sound structural wood. White makes missed coverage easier to see.
Run filtration during scraping, abrasion, HEPA cleaning and spraying. Buy replacement filters with the machines.
Commercial variable-speed negative-air machine with prefilter and HEPA stage. Add its matched carbon filter for smoke odor/VOCs.
Manufacturer-matched carbon stage for smoke odor and gaseous compounds. HEPA handles particles; carbon performs a different job.
A complete, tested HEPA vacuum package with certified filter—not an ordinary shop vacuum fitted with an aftermarket cartridge.
Verify the delivered coating's requirements against the selected equipment before spraying the structure.
Its pressure and tip capacity fall within ULTRA RECON's .015–.021 / 2,000–3,000 PSI specification. Renting a larger professional sprayer is reasonable for a one-time whole-house job.
Pin-type meter for direct percentage readings in framing. This is the instrument that proves the ≤15% coating gate.
Used only to recover cleaning and rinse solution. Keeping wet recovery separate protects the dry HEPA collection system.
Respirator cartridges are selected from the hazard assessment and SDS—not because a package says “multi-purpose.”
Combination particulate and certain vapor/gas protection. The correct size, cartridge and change schedule must come from the hazard assessment and safety sheets.
Hooded disposable coveralls, chemical splash goggles, suitable chemical-resistant gloves, washable boots and hard hats where overhead hazards remain.
Containment sheeting, compatible tape, zipper access, lay-flat exhaust duct, floor protection and warning signage. The linked ZDS is a preassembled 4-mil door panel—not a pair of loose stick-on zippers.
Do not buy or apply these automatically. The observed residue or written scope must justify them.
Fiberlock's optional middle stage after cleaning and before sealing. It adds fragrance and must not be used to mask incomplete soot removal.
Specialty cleaner for sticky, oily or resinous deposits associated with burned plastics and polymers—not a whole-house default.
Useful on smooth, dry detail surfaces before liquid cleaning. Rough studs, rafters and joists will tear and exhaust them quickly.
A good restoration file shows what was present, what was removed, which products were applied, whether the wood was dry enough, and who approved concealment.