Water Damage Restoration, London

An advanced Low Grain Refrigerant system was used to gently remove the moisture from the timber floor. With lower moisture content and slowing drying rates, the decision was made to install a targeted DADS Mat System with precise drying controls to complete the final stage of the drying process.

The plasterboard ceiling around the source of the leak was beyond economical repair and was removed and replaced during the drying lifecycle.

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) which required:

• Target drying
• Heat mat drying methods
• Low humidity
• Increase temperature of target material
• Air movement to prevent surface growth of microbial contaminants

Because most of the water was trapped within high-quality building materials, we recommended Injection Drying as it is a low-impact drying method 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, 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 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.

Drying Mats (DADs)

DAD is a system that significantly improves the efficiency of existing Air Moving equipment to give much faster drying times and freeing up much-needed equipment for the next job. The DAD drying mats come in various sizes and can be used in conjunction with the Drymatic Dryer, Boost Box, Air Movers or dehumidifiers.

Monitoring and Estimated Drying Time:

We monitored the drying process every few days and took whatever action was required (e.g repositioning equipment and altering the type of equipment as required).

Our estimated drying time, based on the level of moisture reading and the drying method applied, was approximately 21 days and we successfully achieved this with time to spare for reinstatement and a successful handover for our client.

Drying Mats (DADs):

On the third week of drying, controlled DADs mats were deployed to the timber flooring to delicately restore the timber flooring as aggressive drying methods may have caused cupping and crowning. To avoid potential discolouration and the high cost of replacing a high-value quality building material, we used specialist drying mats to effectively restore the flooring in situ. Acceptable moisture levels were achieved and the client was extremely satisfied with the pre-incident condition results produced by a bespoke drying regime from CPL t/a Rainbow International.

Health and Safety

The main risks identified with this process were:

1. Manual Handling: All our technicians are manual handling trained or supervised by a trained technician to move equipment around the site.
2. Slips, Trips, and Falls: With this type of installation, trip hazards can be minimised but not completely removed so we have to agree on measures like closing access to areas and signage to remove the remaining risk.
3. Electrical safety of equipment: All equipment is PAT tested within regulations. (28 Pieces)

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

Completion Works Required

Minor cosmetic repairs to wood panelling and timber flooring were required. However, if the emergency works were not carried out, it would have resulted in huge costs replacing timber panels/flooring and mould contamination in subfloors and surfaces.

Cost Savings

Finding an effective building drying solution that avoided total strip-out and reinstatement, saved the customer excessive costs.

Water Damage Restoration in London

Here at CPL t/a Rainbow Restoration, we are the local specialists in water damage restoration in London. 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 water damage restoration in London.