Which type of surface should be addressed first when cleaning after fire damage?

When dealing with fire damage, it is essential to prioritize the cleaning process effectively to ensure thorough restoration. The correct focus should be on upper structural surfaces. This approach follows a logical method of cleaning from the top down. As soot and ash may fall from upper surfaces down onto lower ones during the cleaning process, addressing the upper surfaces first helps to minimize the recontamination of areas that have already been cleaned.

By starting with upper surfaces, which often accumulate the most debris from smoke and fire, restoration professionals can effectively reduce the overall amount of particulate left in the environment. This method not only enhances the efficiency of the cleaning process but also ensures that lower areas are not unnecessarily disturbed after they have been cleaned.

In the context of fire damage restoration, cleaning strategies should always consider the flow of contaminants, making it important to begin with upper surfaces to maintain a systematic and effective restoration process.