Steamatic Gippsland was engaged to assess and restore a residential property suffering from water damage and mould. What initially appeared to be a straightforward case of mould removal revealed deeper, more complex issues with elevated moisture levels in the concrete slab.
The Challenge
Upon attending the property, Steamatic’s technicians identified severe mould damage to the plaster ceiling, walls, and floating floor in a cavity. Initial investigations revealed elevated moisture content in the underlying concrete slab, prompting further inspections and engagement with the insurance assessor.
Key challenges included:
Persistent elevated moisture levels across the entire concrete slab.
Absence of visible water damage or mould in certain areas, despite high moisture readings.
Uncertainty surrounding the moisture source, with potential causes including water runoff, rising damp, or slab composition.
Efforts to trace the moisture source were further complicated when testing in unaffected areas (e.g., bedrooms) yielded similar high moisture readings, indicating a systemic issue rather than isolated damage.
The Solutions
Mould Removal and Initial Assessment
Mould-affected plaster and flooring were removed to expose the slab for thorough drying. Initial drying efforts revealed unexpectedly high moisture content throughout the slab, necessitating further investigation.
Engagement with Key Stakeholders
The insurance assessor was consulted for approval to extend the scope of works to additional areas, including the lounge and kitchen. The builder was contacted to confirm construction details, ruling out rising damp or slab composition as the root cause.
Specialist Testing and Analysis
A concrete testing specialist was appointed to conduct core drilling and humidity testing. Tests revealed humidity levels of up to 90% in the slab, with evidence suggesting water migration via a PVC pipe penetrating the foam insulation and slab.
Comprehensive Repairs and Drying
A plumber was engaged to seal roof sheeting and conduct leak detection tests, eliminating further water ingress. Steamatic removed the remaining floating floor and completed structural drying using advanced equipment to ensure optimal moisture levels.
The Outcomes
The collaborative effort between Steamatic, the builder, and the insurance assessor successfully resolved the moisture issue, resulting in the following outcomes:
Source of Moisture Identified and Addressed
Leak detection testing pinpointed water migration as the primary cause, enabling targeted repairs to prevent future issues.Structural Drying Completed
Steamatic’s structural drying process restored the slab to acceptable moisture levels, preparing the property for reinstatement.Building Restoration Underway
With the moisture problem resolved, building reinstatement works are progressing, ensuring the property is restored to its original condition.
This case demonstrates Steamatic’s methodical approach to solving complex restoration challenges. By leveraging advanced testing methods, engaging key stakeholders, and delivering targeted solutions, Steamatic ensured the property was comprehensively restored while minimising disruption for the homeowner.