Case Study – ServiceMaster Restore – Floodwater Mitigation and Restoration to Residential Property

ServiceMaster Restore was contracted to provide mitigation and restoration to a residential property extensively affected by floodwaters. The flood caused widespread damage, saturating multiple rooms on the ground floor, including the lounge, hall, bedroom, kitchen, and utility areas. The water levels reached heights that jeopardised the structure and furnishings, necessitating a thorough moisture and damage assessment.

Key Issues and Observations

  1. Severe Saturation and Mould Contamination:
    • Floodwater inundated the ground floor rooms, saturating structural materials and furnishings, and leading to significant mould contamination. Many items, especially soft furnishings and wooden furniture, were heavily water-damaged and Mold-ridden, classifying them as beyond economic repair (BER).
    • Electrical items throughout the affected areas were also contaminated, posing potential safety risks if not properly assessed and disposed of.
  2. Moisture Management and Structural Risks:
    • Due to the extent of water penetration, moisture remained trapped within the walls, floorboards, and carpets, raising concerns about the stability and structural integrity of the building.
    • High humidity levels persisted, particularly on the first floor, impacting unexposed contents and further underscoring the need for a controlled drying programme.
  3. Special Handling of High-Value and Sentimental Items:
    • Several pieces of solid rosewood furniture, which were highly valuable and sentimental to the client, required specialised assessment for restoration feasibility.
    • Additional contents, including artwork and soft furnishings stored upstairs, showed signs of moisture absorption due to elevated humidity, necessitating delicate handling to prevent further degradation.

Mitigation and Restoration Actions Taken by ServiceMaster Restore

  1. Comprehensive Moisture Survey and Initial Mitigation:
    • ServiceMaster Restore conducted a full moisture survey across all affected areas, establishing baseline humidity and saturation levels to guide the drying and mitigation plan.
    • A thorough listing and documentation of all damaged contents, including soft furnishings, wooden items, and electrical appliances, allowed for an accurate assessment and facilitated the disposal or restoration decisions.
  2. Strip-Out and Targeted Drying Programme:
    • The contaminated carpets, underlay, and affected wall finishes were removed to prepare the surfaces for focused drying. Wooden furniture and electrical appliances were carefully evaluated, with items deemed BER safely disposed of.
    • High-powered drying equipment, including dehumidifiers, was deployed throughout the ground floor and first floor to reduce humidity to acceptable levels, stabilising the property against ongoing water damage.
  3. Restoration of Sentimental Furniture:
    • In response to the client’s request, ServiceMaster Restore arranged for the rosewood furniture in the conservatory and other key areas to be inspected by a furniture restoration specialist. A quote was provided to the client, and salvageable pieces were restored to their original condition where possible.
  4. Ongoing Monitoring and Final Damp Checks:
    • ServiceMaster Restore conducted regular damp checks, adjusting the drying programme as needed based on real-time moisture readings. The programme was extended until the property reached a stable, dry state to prevent any risk of mould regrowth or structural deterioration.
    • After completing the final damp check, ServiceMaster Restore coordinated with restoration contractors to ensure that the affected areas were fully sanitised and prepared for any necessary reinstatement work.

Outcome and Client Satisfaction

ServiceMaster Restore’s diligent mitigation and restoration efforts, focused drying, and commitment to preserving high-value items resulted in a successful restoration outcome. The client’s valuable furniture was restored and returned, and all other affected areas were stabilised to ensure the property’s long-term safety and usability. Client satisfaction was achieved through transparent communication and a client-focused approach to preserving sentimental items.

If you or someone you know has been affected by floodwater damage, contact our 24/7 phone line on 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore locally owned and operated business here.

Case Study – ServiceMaster Restore – Radiator Pipe Leak Requiring Immediate Restoration

ServiceMaster Restore responded to radiator pipe leak in the bedroom, leading to damage in two bedrooms and a utility area. Due to external ground level proximity, ongoing moisture migration became a challenge for the drying process.

There can be many reasons for a radiator pipe to leak including damage, freezing and high pressure to name a few. ServiceMaster Restore are experts when it comes to restoring properties following a radiator pipe leak. Here’s what we observed on a recent job requiring our expertise.

Key Issues and Observations

  1. Complex Moisture Migration:
    • High external ground levels led to continual moisture bridging, complicating drying efforts within the affected bedrooms and utility areas.
    • Floorboards, insulation, and plastic membrane within the property were compromised, exacerbating the drying challenges.
  2. High Content Density and Storage Needs:
    • Both bedrooms required content removal to facilitate drying and further investigation. Given limited space on-site, contents were transported off-site for storage.
  3. Pre-Existing Damp Complications:
    • Pre-existing damp issues from a nearby en-suite shower exacerbated the moisture readings, complicating the drying process and requiring targeted interventions.

Actions Taken by ServiceMaster Restore

  1. Intensive Drying Program and Mitigation:
    • ServiceMaster implemented a robust drying program, utilising dehumidifiers to manage high moisture levels across the property.
    • Floorboards and insulation were uplifted to address compromised areas, with dehumidifiers deployed to target persistent moisture pockets.
  2. Content Management & Removal
    • Due to the density of items, ServiceMaster arranged for off-site storage and coordinated removal for smooth access to affected areas.
    • The team monitored moisture levels continually, balancing drying needs with structural preservation.
  3. Collaboration with Building Contractors 
    • ServiceMaster collaborated with contractors for strip-out work, ensuring continuity in the drying and restoration process.

Outcome and Client Satisfaction

The client benefited from a comprehensive, detail-oriented restoration that addressed structural and content-specific needs, preserving valuable items wherever possible. ServiceMaster’s methodical approach to drying, sanitising, and securing contents for storage ensured that both the property and its belongings were restored to safe, usable conditions.

ServiceMaster Restore Client Considerations

  • Handling sensitive items like traditional garments requires flexibility and careful vendor selection for optimal restoration.
  • Detailed record-keeping and comprehensive inventories are critical in extensive damage scenarios, especially when items of high sentimental value are involved.
  •  Coordinating with electricians, dry cleaners, and storage providers can enhance the efficiency and quality of complex property restoration projects.

We take all of the above in to account when working closely with our clients for a positive outcome. 

If you or someone you know has been affected by a radiator pipe leak in any area of the property, contact our 24/7 phone line on 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore locally owned and operated business here.

Case Study – ServiceMaster Restore – Flash Flooding Remediation in Residential Property

A residential property experienced flash flooding requiring flash flooding remediation, submerging the ground floor in two feet of dirty river water. The flood impacted every aspect of the ground floor, including the kitchen, living areas, and furnishings, resulting in extensive contamination and structural compromise.

Key Issues and Observations

  1. Severe Water Contamination and Mould Growth:
    • All electrical items and various household furnishings were submerged in dirty water, making many items beyond economical repair [BER].
    • High moisture readings across various rooms (up to 100% in several areas) necessitated immediate drying interventions and mould mitigation efforts.
  2. Structural Impact and Content Loss:
    • Damage to critical kitchen and living area structures, including water-damaged floors, cabinetry, and appliances, was extensive.
    • Sentimental items, such as handmade wooden tables, were marked for restoration while other wooden furniture was BER.
  3. Client Coordination and Schedule Adjustments:
    • The policyholder preferred to be on-site for pack-up activities, resulting in schedule adjustments to accommodate their presence.
    • Prolonged moisture necessitated ongoing assessments, with consistent monitoring for mould and contamination levels.

Actions Taken by ServiceMaster Restore

  1. Targeted Restoration and Disposal:
    • ServiceMaster Restore organised disposal for items deemed BER, including kitchen cabinetry, base units, and upholstered furniture.
    • Restoration was arranged for sentimental wooden items, ensuring these unique pieces were professionally restored.
  2. Extensive Drying Programme:
    • Drying equipment was deployed across affected rooms, with ServiceMaster Restore coordinating regular damp checks to monitor progress.
    • The team-maintained flexibility, rescheduling assessments to accommodate the client’s holiday schedule and availability.
  3. Mould Remediation:
    • Given the extensive water exposure and mould growth, areas were sanitised and prepared for deeper cleaning and restoration to mitigate long-term structural impacts.

Outcome and Client Satisfaction

While the flood’s severity presented challenges, ServiceMaster Restore’s structured approach to flash flooding remediation including content management, drying, and mould control helped stabilise the home’s conditions. Further assessments and drying continue as the team address structural safety, aligning restoration with client preferences and availability.

If you or someone you know has been affected by flash flooding in any area of the property, contact our 24/7 phone line on 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore locally owned and operated business here.