Call Us 24/7: (480) 826-2558
How Does Fire Damage Concrete?
Structural fires & fire damage are big problems for both homeowners and business owners, as the resulting destruction can end up being costly to remedy. The extent of such damages can spread to even concrete surfaces and structures.
While concrete is known to be a very fire-resistant material, it is by no means impervious to it. In fact, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause permanent damage, affecting it mechanically and chemically. The most obvious damages are cracks, spalls, & discolorations.
To give you a better idea of how fire damages concrete, what to do to avoid a fire, and how to handle concrete fire damage, keep reading to learn more!
The Observable Manifestations of Concrete Fire Damage
The Mechanical Changes
There are two major mechanical changes that prolonged fire exposure can cause: cracking and spalling.
Cracking
Concrete can crack for multiple reasons, the chief of which is excessive temperature changes. Heat causes atoms and molecules to become more active, meaning that a solid surface—like a concrete slab, for example—will expand. However, solid matter can only handle a certain amount of expansion, and if that threshold is exceeded, then the surface will crack.
Spalling
Spalls are what you call the chunks of concrete that break off the slab. Much like concrete cracks, spalling is the result of exposure to extreme heat, although this is usually a more extreme mechanical change. When this change occurs, large chunks fall off the main body, usually exposing the metal support under the concrete.
As mentioned earlier, concrete has a particular threshold of heat that it can take before any mechanical changes are made apparent. The Concrete Society further explains that any concrete surface that is exposed to temperatures exceeding 300 °C should be considered in need of replacement or repair, as its strength may no longer be reliable.
However, take note that the presence of cracks or spalls does not necessarily mean that the concrete is no longer functional or safely usable. The only way to truly know the integrity of your surfaces is to have a licensed professional take a look and assess the damages.
The Chemical Changes
While there are numerous chemical changes that concrete can undergo when subjected to extreme heat, there is only one that is immediately noticeable: color changes. Super-heated concrete can turn red or pink-ish due to the iron-containing compounds within its mix.
This means that the section is compromised and must be repaired or replaced. Although such discolorations may appear even if the concrete is functional, it is still a major sign that its strength and reliability have been affected.
Avoiding a Fire in Your Home
The first step to avoiding a fire in your house is by knowing the most common causes. The primary causes stem from: cooking mishaps, heating equipment malfunctions, electrical fires, improperly disposed of cigarettes, unwatched candles, chemical fires, and sometimes even Christmas tree accidents! By keeping these causes in mind, you can take appropriate steps to prevent them from burning down your beloved home.
The most basic and common-sense approach is to simply watch out for open flames. In doing so, you’re already mitigating the risk of at least four of the common causes of house fires.
Next, you should check all of your appliances and devices for frayed wiring. An open or broken wire can make a spark that will grow into a large fire, so make sure to either repair or toss them into the trash. Also, watch out for faulty outlets—if it sparks when you plug something in, then avoid using it or have it checked by a professional.
Aside from that, make sure to invest in buying and maintaining smoke detectors. Not only are they affordable, but they can alert you of a fire if you aren’t paying attention.
Handling Concrete Damage After a Structural Fire
A structural fire is dangerous no matter how small it was or how fast it was put out, even if the entire structure was made of concrete. In fact, a lot of the damage can happen without observable signs, so it's always best to first contact an expert to assess the damage and draw out plans for repairs.
If you were unfortunate enough to have had a fire, then it’s crucial to vacate the premises and stay out of the structure for the time being. This way, you can avoid any accidents that may result from a weak foundation or falling debris. Next, have a licensed professional handle the assessments in order to ensure that that the tests are done properly and safely. Once done, you can take the appropriate steps to restore your home before moving back in.
For those with homeowners insurance (or who are planning on signing up for a policy), check whether fires are included in the clauses. That way, you can mitigate a bit of the financial burden.
Conclusion
Fire damage is a big deal, as it can be costly to repair and unsafe to leave alone. Although concrete may be more durable than wood in the case of a fire, it too receives damages that can make it unsafe. By understanding how fire affects it, the steps to avoid it, and what to do when fire damage sets in, you’re one step closer to living in a safer and more damage-free home.