Drying out your home

A step by step guide

When you need a restoration specialist

If your home is waterlogged from severe weather, immediate action is required to prevent further damage and mould formation.

What restorers/drying specialists do

• help us determine the source and extent of the damage,
• check for any health concerns (e.g. mould or asbestos),
• determine what can be restored,
• perform various mitigation and remediation activities including:
  • carpet removal/replacement,
  • contents inspection/inventory,
  • contents cleaning and restoration,
  • drying /humidification,
  • mould cleaning/removal,
  • odour neutralisation,
  • structural strip-out,
  • water extraction.

Before specialists arrive

Act fast, the following actions are time critical: 

• ventilate the property as much as possible,
• don’t turn on your air conditioner as it can spread any present mould spores into your home,
• move items off the floor and out of the water,
• separate wet and dry items,
• wrap mouldy items before moving through clean areas as this can help prevent cross contamination,
• put rugs outside,
• don’t use affected electrical items,
• take photos of damaged/destroyed items before disposal.

The restoration process

1. Specialist appointment
   
   When you contact us to lodge your claim, please let us know about any water damage to your building and contents. 
   
   Contents are items such as floating floors, carpets, rugs, curtains and other soft furnishings as well as other household items such as appliances and electronics, clothing, bedding, furniture and other personal items.
   
   We'll assign the right specialist based on your damage type - builders for structural damage, restoration specialists for contents, or combined teams for both.
   
   
   
2. Water type assessment
   
   It is important to determine what type of water has entered the property so that potential impacts (including health risks) can be ascertained.
   
   Most water that has entered the property because of a flood from seawater or rivers, creeks or streams is classified as ‘Black Water’.  Black Water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogens, toxins , or other harmful agents and can cause significant adverse reactions to humans if contacted or consumed.
   
     
3. Initial work
   
   Damaged flooring is typically removed first as it covers large areas and is usually non-restorable.
   
   
   
4. Drying equipment installation
   
   Professional drying equipment will be installed to dry floors and walls. Whilst very effective, this equipment is noisy and must run continuously as directed to prevent mould and ensure proper drying. The restorer/drying specialist will calculate how many dryers are required and for how long.
   
   Please discuss any concerns with us if you are concerned about mould and how it may impact you and your family.
   
   
   
5. Mould remediation
   
   If mould is present, specialists use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) - filtered vacuums and anti-microbial treatments.
   
   Mould treatment varies by material:

    

   • Tiles and benchtops - Mould can usually be easily wiped from these areas using suitable cleaning products such as anti-microbial solutions and damp wiping with microfibre cloth.
   • Timber framing (e.g. skirting boards, architraves) - These can be susceptible to mould if not treated effectively.  HEPA Vacuums and AFD’s (Air Filter Drying Machines) may be used.
   • Plasterboard and insulation - These materials readily absorb moisture and are highly susceptible to mould growth and may require complete removal.
   
   
   
6. Clearance certificates
   
   When drying out is complete, you’ll receive a Restoration Certificate confirming that your home is suitable for repairs to commence.