Home Damage Resources Windows Doors Ceilings Roofs Walls Services Furnishings Re-building Damaged Homes - Evaluating Damage and Action By Richard Edkins Introduction : Modern brick, stone and concrete structures, as well as more traditional buildings, can be so damaged that they become uninhabitable. The results summarised here are based here upon war explosive blast damage classifications A, B, C and D. In the case of explosions, the innermost 'A ring' is the smallest, affecting fewest buildings, the outermost 'D ring' being the widest and affecting well over half the buildings damaged. This is an important repair consideration. However, as some damage caused by arson and earthquake is slightly different, a numerical 1, 2, 3, 4 classification is adopted throughout this site. :- Class 1 : Demolition of all elements except chimneys. Foundations and some strong basements survive. CD Type A - close to point of explosion. Building demolition and moderate fire risk. Class 2 : Damage too severe for economic repair and demolition appears the only option. Walls and remnants of roof structurally unsafe and may need partial dismantling. CD Type B - flying debris and heavy blast damage, hazard of fire damage. Class 3 : Irreparable damage in wartime, with most roof, door, window and ceiling elements gone and building services unusable. CD Type C (modified) - severe flying debris and moderate blast damage, fire risk from damaged gas and electrical supplies. Class 4 : Damage reparable in wartime, with some partial damage to roof, door and window elements, some ceiling damage. Most building services usable. CD Type D (modified) - at edge of area affected by flying debris and minor blast damage. Note that the effects of deliberate arson can cause Class 2 and Class 3 damage, except in houses consisting mainly of timber or with timber framing, where Class 1 can be expected. The Disastrous Solution : The reaction of most governmental authorities (and many inhabitants) is to demolish damaged buildings and dispose of the rubble and timberwork without salvage. Without insurance, government help or foreign aid, the result is homeless refugees, destitution, possible medical disasters and economic destruction. This is not acceptable. The Recovery Solution : Damaged structures need to be repaired or re-built, using as much of the previous structure and salvaged materials as possible. Where there is a lack of materials, examine local resources and make use of them to repair or completely reconstruct the building. This will probably mean using different methods of construction. The outcome should be a sound and weatherproof home that can either last until better repairs are possible or (by choice) can remain permanently on the site. Please Note :- The reader may have to re-consider 'modern building good, historic building bad' beliefs. It is important to consider the remainder of the website with an open mind. Many centuries-old buildings are still inhabited today, satisfying fire, health and safety and building regulations. Constructive criticism will be encouraged, where it leads to improvements in the lot of the homeless and the destitute. Home Damage Resources Windows Doors Ceilings Roofs Walls Services Furnishings © 2003 Richard Edkins. Site maintained by Dalbeattie Internet. Last Updated 16th April 2003.