Flood & Water Damage Repair, Cambridge

Solution

The current drying requirements in the property put it in ‘Stage Three’ bonded water drying process (trapped in materials with low porosity like concrete, hardwood, and void spaces). This required target drying, low humidity and an increase in the temperature of the target material. We recommended Injection Drying as the lowest-impact drying method as most of the water was trapped within partition voids which removed the need for extensive strip-out and reinstatement work.

Equipment Installed

Desiccant dehumidifiers

Effective at extracting moisture from the air even at low temperatures by using a desiccant material. It works by blowing out dry air and absorbing the moisture from the area being dried.

High-pressure air turbine

This machine takes the dry air produced by the desiccant dehumidifier and pumps it into the wall cavity under pressure, allowing it to push past insulation and other obstruction.

Self-draining refringent dehumidifier

This is only required to deal with the wet air exhausted from the desiccant dehumidifier as there is no access to vent these externally.

Monitoring and Estimated Drying Time

We monitored the drying process following the flood and water damage every seven days and took action as necessary (e.g. repositioning equipment). Our estimated drying time based on the level of moisture reading and the drying method applied was between 7 to 14 days, which we achieved with time to spare for reinstatement and handover.

Mould Removal and Remediation

The mould identified on the surface was not substantial and was treated with the application of an anti-microbial product, then wiped off the surface. The inaccessible areas were treated by pressure fogging through access holes drilled for drying. We were able to provide photographic evidence of the position of the mould within the void using our digital inspection camera with a telescopic probe. To deal with any airborne spores released by the process, Air Managers were installed to kill all spores and remove odours. The mould removal process was quick and smooth, creating a safe environment for the employees and patients of the hospital in Cambridge.

Health and Safety

The main risks were:

1. Airborne mould spores: The installation of Air Manager dealt with the low level of airborne spores released.
2. Manual handling: All our technicians are manual handling trained or supervised by a trained technician when moving equipment around the site.
3. Slips, trips, and falls: Although trip hazards could be minimised but not completely removed, we had to agree on measures like closing access to areas and signage to remove any remaining risk.
4. Electrical safety of equipment: All equipment is PAT tested within regulations.

We also provided a detailed Risk Assessment and Method statement in line with CDM Regulations.

Completion Works Required

• We provided a scaled drawing of the site with the positioning of each hole drilled to assist the appointed contractor to reinstate. By installing the holes just above the skirting, they could be touched in, avoiding the need for painting the whole wall.
• A builder’s clean of work areas was required on completion, however, we limited the amount of cleanup required by meticulously cleaning up as we went along.

Cost Savings

There could have been an additional saving of around £10k if we were called within 48 hours of the flood and water damage – the likely drying time would have reduced by about 45% and there would have been no need for mould remediation. However, we were still able to reduce costs throughout the drying and mould remediation process by ensuring we only carried out the necessary work.

Flood and Water Damage, Cambridge

Here at CPL t/a Rainbow Restoration, we are the local specialists in flood and water damage restoration in Cambridge. When disaster strikes, we are the leading provider in the area, offering professional and reliable services for our customers. At CPL, we do things differently, we’re with you every step of the way to guide you through the challenging process. We don’t just stop at sorting the water damage, we have experience liaising with insurance companies and loss adjusters, and fight tirelessly to limit costs and disruption for our clients. That’s why we are the leading choice when it comes to flood damage restoration and mould remediation in Cambridge.