How the ServiceMaster Clean Devon team restores flooding damage in a flash.
At this time of year, winter storms bring sudden heavy rainfall that can flood homes and properties.
Floodwater can cause extensive property damage and create a possible health hazard from contaminated water, so clearing up after a flood requires expert and prompt remedial care.
With 60 years of expertise, ServiceMaster Restore is one of the longest-established disaster restoration companies in the UK and a founding member of the BDMA, which sets the industry standards for fire and flood restoration.
They use experienced technicians and specialist equipment to restore properties to their pre-loss condition with minimal disruption and delay.
This recent case study from ServiceMaster Clean Devon‘s Restore Team provides insight into the process and the benefits of using their services.
What was the problem?
The team were called to assist after a 1902 mid-terraced property was flooded during a heavy downpour.
Black water had entered the house via the front entrance and, due to its volume, passed throughout the ground floor, affecting the kitchen to the rear, the front living room (including a timber-clad understairs cupboard that houses a washing machine and an upright fridge freezer), and the lower section of the carpeted staircase.
The water levels reached approximately 0.6 metres.
Upon our arrival, the homeowner was removing contents from the affected areas.
There was extensive saturation and deposited sediment, particularly beneath the kitchen units.
Solution
First, the team undertook a moisture assessment, which showed high levels as expected.
However, the readings were lower than anticipated in the living room, at skirting levels and to the decorated lower walls, meaning remediation needn’t require major strip-out works to this room.
They then completed a visual inspection of the property:
- The original historic tiled floor showed no obvious structural defects and has reportedly withstood several similar occurrences. Therefore, we left this structure intact and monitored it throughout the cleanup.
- They found signs of damage to the understairs cupboard, which had timber tongue and grooved cladding and would need removal.
- Within the kitchen, the base kitchen units were damaged and would need removal to allow a complete sanitising treatment and facilitate the operation of our drying system.
With the assessment complete, the team began the remedial works, which included:
- Removal of the kitchen base units and range oven.
- Removal of all the understairs timber cladding.
- Thorough rinse, extraction and sanitisation of all affected materials.
- Injection and tented drying to the affected walls and floors to dry all the trapped moisture.
Outcome
Our input prevented further damage to the property, made it safe and ensured it dried out swiftly.
The homeowner was able to begin reinstating their home in the quickest possible time.
Upon completion, the team issued a dry certificate and a final report with all the essential information for the homeowner and insurer records.
In a pinch?
For expert disaster restoration services, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business or contact the ServiceMaster Clean Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.
