Water Ingress and Recovery - Unit 4C

Background

Unit 4C is a 11,000 SQFT steel-framed retail and industrial facility. Following recent extreme weather conditions, the building suffered significant water ingress, from roof gullies and fire exit and shutter doors as external drainage was unable to cope and the external gradient directed water towards the building.

Upon inspection, it was noted that beneath the carpet was a thick adhesive layer and a self-levelling compound, both of which are capable of trapping moisture within the slab. This presented a particular challenge in the most heavily affected areas.

Our Response

Once the extent of the water ingress had been assessed, our team acted swiftly to stabilise the environment and begin the recovery process. The first stage involved the safe removal of contents from the affected areas. This allowed unobstructed access to the saturated flooring and building fabric, and ensured that salvageable items were protected from secondary damage.

With the building cleared and stripped, we introduced a high-capacity desiccant trailer drying system. This unit is capable of producing 5,800m³ of dry air per hour and was strategically ducted throughout the facility. The system was selected not only for its capacity but also for its efficiency, as it offers a superior performance compared with conventional dehumidifiers.

Continuous monitoring was undertaken to ensure optimal conditions were maintained throughout the drying cycle. Moisture mapping and regular readings confirmed that the desiccant system was achieving rapid reductions in relative humidity and material moisture content. By maintaining a stable, controlled drying environment, we were able to accelerate evaporation, prevent mould growth, and minimise the risk of long-term deterioration within the slab and structural components.

This structured and technology-led approach allowed us to reduce power demand, simplify load management on-site, and significantly shorten the overall drying programme.

Outcomes

By implementing this system, we were able to significantly reduce power demand, minimise on-site load management complexity, and shorten the overall drying duration. The result was an efficient recovery process that returned the building to operational readiness far more quickly than conventional methods would have allowed.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates how innovative drying technology, combined with a structured and professional response, can mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and protect the long-term integrity of commercial properties.