The devastating fire at Notre-Dame de Paris is the latest blaze to damage or destroy historic buildings while undergoing renovations. It highlights how vulnerable such structures are to fire while undergoing repairs.
While the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, it may well be due to activity during the restoration project on the ancient cathedral.
Historic structures are like tinderboxes, according to an expert in the field, as quoted in a Fast Company article, because they contain wood and other flammable materials that have dried out over centuries.
Torches used in restoration work for soldering pipes or welding metal roofing components can give off hot molten metal bits that drop into concealed spaces. The embers can spark a fire that is not immediately detected.
With extremely dry wood, the heat from power tools could also induce a blaze, even without an open flame. The construction industry doesn’t appear to have universal standards for fire watch and suppression for historic renovations, the Fast Company article says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 26, 2017
New ISO standard on video fire detectors will help identify fires more quickly
The standard marks the first comprehensive international specification for this equipment.
Codes and Standards | Jul 25, 2017
Geotechnical solutions prevent building distress due to expansive clay soils
The condition is the most common geologic hazard in the U.S.
Codes and Standards | Jul 24, 2017
Non-union labor gaining ground in New York City
President of contractors’ group says competitive pricing is spurring more open shops.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2017
New tallest tower west of the Mississippi built to stringent seismic standards
L.A.’s new 1,100-foot skyscraper dominates city’s skyline.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2017
Chicago rises to the top of U.S. cities in percentage of LEED or Energy Star office buildings
Certified office buildings reach 66% in windy city.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2017
Economic impacts of climate change will jump over next two decades
Average annual cost to buildings and infrastructure from eastern storms to rise by $7.3 billion.
Codes and Standards | Jul 18, 2017
Energy modeling yields accuracy within 4%, says new study
Results of the study support the usefulness of the practice.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2017
Net Zero Energy rebranded as ‘Zero Energy’
ILF aims to make new certification the sole standard for highest performing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2017
New York City creates $10 million fund to help women- and minority-owned firms win construction contracts
The money is earmarked for up to $500,000 surety bonds per contract.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2017
New International Building Code allows weather-resistive barriers above 40 feet
Danger of propagating flames now deemed negligible.
