Water damage rebuilds

Water damage rebuilds

7 minute read

We can rebuild: how to approach water damage.

Where to start and what to look out for as we recover together.

In recent months, Australia has watched in shock as devastating floods hit the eastern states.

By the start of March more than 20,000 homes and businesses had been damaged in Queensland, a further 5,000 in New South Wales dealing with similar damage. April has seen the weather continue to lash these communities, leaving livelihoods and families vulnerable.

As communities watch the water recede and face the overwhelming prospect of repairing and rebuilding, trade will be there to step up and help. The scale of the damage is something many won’t have experienced, however, so getting started might seem just as daunting for you.

We’ve put together a break-down of the basics and watch-outs of rebuilding from water damage, to give you an idea of what’s ahead.

Your safety comes first

Your first step in approaching any flood-damaged house or business should be making sure all services to the property have been made safe.

It might sound obvious, but it bears a reminder given the full damage to a house or business may not immediately be clear: staying safe is your number-one priority.

Given time is a big factor in addressing what you’ll find inside, assessing power, water and gas services first will make things faster, with less chance of danger.

Clearing debris

Next, you’ll need to clear out any debris brought in by the floodwaters so the drying can start.

Often one of the more intimidating tasks given how much of a mess a flood can make, it’s important to get rid of the waste quickly. The sooner this is done, the sooner you can get to the most important and time-sensitive job: drying the property out.

Drying out

Drying a flood-damaged home or business out should start as soon as possible.

Standing water or dampness will continue to damage the property long after the flood recedes, and it’s vital to give this process the time and work it needs before starting any renovation or redecoration.

Ventilating and drying can involve things like;

  • draining, flushing or pumping mud and water from walls, ducts, service pits and basements
  • keeping doors and windows open for as much airflow as possible
  • pulling up floor coverings (eg. carpets or floor boards)
  • removing waterlogged insulation
  • clearing mud from cavities and ventilators in masonry houses
  • Removing kickers from below kitchen/bathroom cabinets, and plasterboard linings from walls
  • using fans and heaters to help

If you encounter any electricity or gas service issues – dealing with fittings, for example – contact the appropriate authorities to get their advice.

Rebuilding and renovating

Renovation and redecoration shouldn’t be rushed at the expense of drying out.

While the impulse for some will be to get ‘back to how they were’ as soon as they can, it’s important to delay as long as possible, at least until the moisture content of walls has dropped below 16%.

This process can take a long time – potentially months depending on the kind of property you’re dealing with – and may include allowing for foundation soil to dry out and stop shifting as well.

Once you’re satisfied the structure won’t shift and moisture is down to a safe level, you can get started knowing trapped damp won’t cause paint bubbling, structural issues, mold and other problems long-term.

One tip – the exception to this rule is oiling locks and hinges. Get this done as early as possible to avoid binding with rust.

How our Trade team can help

There’s a lot of work ahead for tradies and builders in New South Wales and Queensland – and as always, our Mitre 10 Trade team will be doing everything they can to help.

Most Mitre 10 stores are locally owned and operated, meaning your nearest team will likely already be up to speed with the conditions you’ll deal with.

Feel to reach out at any time with a query or order, or even to ask for further advice.

Further resources

Like more info? Here are a few resources for more information on repairing and rebuilding.

                            

●      Queensland Building and Construction Commission – Repair and Rebuild after flood and storm damage

 

●      Master Builders Queensland – Repairing and Rebuilding After the Floods

 

●      Emergency Management Australia – What to do Before, During & After a Flood 

 

●      Hinchinbrook Shire Council – Rebuilding After a Natural Disaster

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