So, I'm scrapping a house that recently burnt down...

As the title states I'm scrapping a house that has been in my family since the 1940's. So far I have gotten a freezer chest, a washer, a dryer, a hot water heater, three aluminum storm doors, some fixtures, two ceiling fan motors, some copper wiring, the old TV antenna, and some copper piping since it's plumbed with the stuff. There is a stove left but it's an extremely heavy one from the 40's and there is an A/C Unit left. What would you say the best way to move this stuff is? I have access to all kinds of tool but right now it's just me scrapping the house. Also, there's some kind of twisted metal that goes over the roof of the house in different directions. It seem to enter the house at strategic points but I don't know what it's for or what it is made of. I would post a picture but I don't believe my post count is high enough. Any ideas as to what it could be? Anything that wouldn't be apparent in the house? (some of the floor is still intact.) The air vents are still in tact as well. Would it be worth the effort ripping up some flooring to get the system out? Thanks guys! I'll post pics when I can!

If it had a lightning rod, then my guess would be its a copper braid. If there is still a rod up there, I would suggest looking it up. Some of those are considered vintage, and will fetch some coin. Also introduce yourself if you haven't already, and lets see some pics ;)

I actually did introduce myself a few hours ago here: http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/intro...ead-start.html I'll upload pictures tonight.

The twisted mystery metal could be "flashing". Usually a tin metal that is used for several different applications on the roof, but also other areas in all buildings. Flashing will be used up on the roof at the plumbing vents (stacks). Commonly found at the peeks and valley's as a sealing moisture barrier. Will also be along the entire perimeter of the roof, what's called the "drip line". Just a some what of "educated" guess, as your description is a little vague (twisted metal going in different directions). Flashing is fairly thin, has many different shapes and sizes. Extensively used on roofs, especially at any opening or access point leading into the buildings interior (pluming and air/exhaust venting). Sometimes used in large sheets for temporary repairs and then "covered over" with permanent roofing materials. Have seen this especially in more rural locations, where building materials and "skilled" labor is not always available. Sometimes you do with, what you have, when you have too!

Alright guys, I got a few pictures today with a shot or two of the mystery metal which I now know is either braided brass or copper. I'll post a link to the photo album here: 041_zpsf31d1646.jpg Photo by rnhusseybay | Photobucket In one of the photos there is a cast iron pipe in the room that was the bathroom. Im guessing it leads to the septic tank but i cant dislodge it from the pipe below it. Any ideas?

As an afterthought I have picked up a few things like a kegerator and a fridge in the last couple of days. Is it too early for me to set up one of those ongoing threads documenting my scraps?

Looks like some kind of heavy steel braid, although I'm not sure what the original application, or intent was. Hit it with a grinder, if you have one and based on the different spark patterns, you should be able to identify the metal. Or at least get a good idea. I didn't realize that you had alright introduced yourself, in your previous post, so I meant ill intent behind what I said. Just seen a lot of people come and go over the short year and a half I've been here without doing so, just to get a question answered and never be heard of again. It's a shame, and really their loss, since there is so much knowledge here its stupid. No pun intended. Anyways enough rambling from me. Welcome to the forum and thanks for the pics. If anyone else knows what it's for I'm sure they will let you know in another post. Another benefit from being an active member ;)

Funnily enough, shortly after posting I was walking around the back of the house and I looked up and saw a lighting rod. I almost slapped myself. Now I just have to figure out how to get it all down because climbing on the roof aint exactly an option.

All the braided wire from lightning rod systems I have dealt with have been copper or what I believe is tin coated copper. In older homes all the fasteners and hardware are copper as well if you can find them. Also see if you can find the rods themselves, the ones from the top of the roof. Many are collectable.

I have also heard on VERY RARE occasions that some of those rods are made of platinum!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by beardo

All the braided wire from lightning rod systems I have dealt with have been copper or what I believe is tin coated copper. In older homes all the fasteners and hardware are copper as well if you can find them. Also see if you can find the rods themselves, the ones from the top of the roof. Many are collectable.

---

We used to have a "crew" from down south would stop overnite at my parents campground and they installed lightning rods, and the braided cable they used was a large diameter alum. braid. (about 1" diameter)

I had to take the appliances over to the yard today because the f150 doesnt get good mileage as it is. When you're towing a trailer with a thousand pounds on it, and you have aluminum on the back, it goes way down from that already poor number. Looking at buying a late 80's toyota to improve gas mileage. I'll get back to the house tomorrow evening and try to fetch the rest of the lightning rod system. There is at least one rod I know of maybe more. I'll update you guys tomorrow.

I saw a nice picture of weights from windows right? Those weigh 10 pounds each if I'm not mistaken! Make sure to break out the wall on the sides of all the windows to grab the weights because they are used in a lot of old windows.

I hate it burnt down. If you are by yourself get a dolly to help with washer, stove etc. If you have the time break everything down. The fridge has the following: copper, wire, aluminum and compressor. This way you can get the most out what you scrap.
Good luck

I have been lucky as to always getting copper braid so far, however the braid in your picture looks like nothing I have seen or dealt with. Keep an eye out for the grounding rods, I have never found a solid copper one, but they are out there. Try out a spark test. Also if it was heated with gas and you can find the copper pipe from the tank to the house it can equal a fat stack.

I found five lightning rods along the roof. I've no idea how I missed them, but when you've been looking at a house for 25 years you tend not to pay attention to detail. One was a very rare combination of a lightning rod and a weathervane. I could sell it for around $175, however, I think I am going to put it in my Grandmother's garden considering that it was her childhood home. It is made of a copper braid and I have somewhere around 120 feet of it so I'm not going to be hurting for money either. The other 4 lightning rods should sell quickly at about $25 a piece. I took the breaker box out today and found a nice bench vise in the garage which didn't burn down. All in all it was a great day.

Yes Devin Window weights indeed. About 36 of them ranging 4-8 pounds.

Doing a house demo/reclamation myself. Just finished gutting the wire and copper. Yielded ok from the pile. Garbage can full of wire and arm load of copper pipe. Next step is peeling the floor boards and joists. Once the floor is up we get the massive oil furnace fro the 80's and tank, no oil. The house was built about 1875. Thanks for bringing up the topic.