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

floodwater-mitigation-and-restoration

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.