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A frequent cause for insurance claims, water damage needs immediate action to salvage properties, prevent further losses and mitigate prolonged contamination. Corrosion, poor installation and increased valve pressure can lead to a pipe bursting suddenly, causing severe plumbing issues and water damage in properties. Facilitating a swift restoration is essential in securing the property’s longevity and preventing ongoing safety issues.
Early February 2021, our team assessed a three-storey commercial building in Toowong for water damage resulting from a burst kitchen hose. Our inspection involved engaging with property owners to determine the damage caused by the burst pipe and map out the affected areas. These key elements allowed us to quickly identify our approach for remediating the property.
Initial inspection
Our initial inspection of the commercial Toowong property determined the damage occurred primarily in the open office space on level one. The water damage was caused after a flexible hose in the kitchenette burst. While the damage circulated throughout the kitchenette, water proceeded to flood the carpet tiles and concrete subfloor. Additional damage impacted the plaster wall linings and elevator shaft.
Following an incorrect drying procedure by another restoration company, our team was engaged to take over the remediation of the property and prevent further damage from mishandled processes. Without a prompt response from our team, the negligence of poor workmanship would have quickly devalued and deteriorated the property.
The initial inspection of the property involved:
- Completing a specialised onsite risk assessment
- Discussing the circumstances of the damage with relevant parties
- Establishing losses resulting from the damage
- Implementing a necessary recovery process
- Conducting moisture mapping for affected areas
- Recommendations for creating an inventory of all salvageable and non-salvageable contents
Scope of Work
As a commercial laboratory for testing samples, it was essential to quickly prevent contamination and festering mould within the property. Our team focused on immediately rectifying the incorrect processes conducted by the initial restoration company hired. Failure to target these key areas would’ve led to excess mould and contamination throughout the property.
We removed carpet tiles across the affected areas, disposing of all carpet waste and cutting tiles around shelving to accommodate the replacement of damaged flooring. Without the removal of the property’s carpet, water would continue to fester beneath the surface and cause mould to germinate within the floor’s underlay. The growth of mould in wet carpeting occurs rapidly, often within a day of water damage due to high levels of humidity.
To optimise drying and decontamination in various locations, we implemented 8 dehumidifiers and 22 air movers through a protective safety switch. Running high volumes of electricity to sustain our equipment required controlling the power voltage, allowing us to minimise safety hazards while maximising onsite efficiency.
To ensure efficiency, our team consistently monitored the reducing moisture levels and drying throughout the property to ensure industry standards were met in the affected areas. Water had collected in the kitchenette’s cabinets, as well as in the plaster wall linings. To completely dry the space, our team removed kickboards in the area and released any retained moisture. Additionally, we strenuously polished across the elevator’s exterior doors to remove stained watermarks.
To aggressively target any built-up bacteria, we applied an antimicrobial treatment on the affected areas. The meticulous application of this treatment stopped any further bacteria growth throughout the drying process.
Result
As the project required us to thoroughly assess another restoration company’s incorrect methods, we identified the quality industry standards required to amend unsatisfactory practices. Without completely removing the carpet tiles and kickboards to access internal water damage, as well as using the appropriate moisture meters, the property would not have been able to completely dry and additional mould would pollute the affected area. Through our team conducting this rigorous process, we provided a proficient and economical solution for all of the property’s stakeholders.
After recovering the property and assessing our team’s work against high industry standards, we engaged an independent third party to conduct a post-remediation verification clearance. Ensuring an unbiased analysis for all parties involved, this process represented the collective interests of the remediator, builder, insurer and/or insured. To clearly indicate any remaining contamination, the testing process required samples of surface and air particles to be tested in each unit.