Repairs & finishes
Water-damage reinstatement
Drying, repair and reinstatement following leaks, escapes of water or flooding.
What the issue is
After a leak or flood, controlled drying and appropriate reinstatement help avoid secondary damage such as decay, mould and finish failure.
Common symptoms
- Water-stained ceilings and walls
- Saturated plaster and flooring
- Musty smell after a leak
- Lifting or cupping floor finishes
Likely contributing factors
- Plumbing leaks and appliance failures
- Roof or gutter failures
- Flooding
- Delayed drying
Conditions that may be mistaken for it
- Pre-existing dampness unrelated to the incident
- Condensation
How the issue should be investigated
- Establish the extent of moisture spread
- Record moisture content of materials
- Identify affected build-ups and voids
- Agree a drying and reinstatement plan
Potential treatment or repair options
- Controlled drying with monitoring
- Removal of unsalvageable materials
- Anti-microbial treatment where needed
- Replastering and reinstatement
- Decoration
When treatment may not be appropriate
- Where drying alone is sufficient
- Where materials can be retained and monitored
Factors affecting the cost
- Extent of affected area
- Drying duration and equipment
- Materials to be replaced
- Decoration and reinstatement
What to expect during an inspection
An assessment of the affected areas with moisture readings and a practical drying and reinstatement plan.
Final recommendations always depend on the property, the inspection findings and the confirmed cause. Elevated readings alone do not confirm rising damp, not every mould problem requires extensive treatment, and damp-affected plaster does not always need replacing.
Frequently asked questions
Next step
Not sure which inspection you need? Start with a few questions.
Tell us what you are seeing and we will set out what is likely, what is uncertain and which inspection would answer the question. Speak to us on 0333 335 6152 if you would rather talk it through.