Where does structural cleaning typically begin?

Structural cleaning typically begins at the ceiling due to several important factors in fire and smoke restoration. When a fire occurs, smoke and soot rise, settling on the uppermost surfaces first. Because of this, cleaning efforts should start from the highest point in the affected area to effectively remove contaminants from the ceiling where soot and smoke residue collect.

Starting at the ceiling allows practitioners to avoid re-contaminating areas that have already been cleaned below. Once the ceiling is addressed, moving downward to walls and then finally to the floor ensures an efficient and thorough cleaning process. This systematic approach helps prevent cross-contamination and minimizes the risk of missing any residual soot or smoke particles that could impact indoor air quality and the overall restoration effort.