Flood remediation is not a straightforward process. BRANZ has prepared comprehensive guidelines that describe methods for cleaning and drying different materials, including floor coverings, timber and concrete.
Following the recent devastating floods in Auckland and the upper North Island, many home and business owners are now preparing to repair their damaged homes or business premises. For most, it is a daunting and traumatic undertaking.
BRANZ has prepared comprehensive guidelines to help property owners remediate after a flood.
The guidelines provide advice for staying safe and cleaning up (inside and out) in the immediate aftermath of a flood. They stress the critical importance of thoroughly drying out an affected property before any repair or reconstruction work begins.
BRANZ senior materials scientist Kathryn Stokes says problems can arise later if repair work begins while moisture is still present. These include mould formation, deteriorating structural materials and poor finishes on repaired surfaces.
“Thorough drying should include eliminating water trapped in concealed places such as in cupboards, under stairs, in wall cavities and behind skirting boards,” Stokes says.
“Importantly, it should also include locating and removing moisture in timber framing joints and base plate connections, which don’t easily facilitate air flow for drying.”
Heaters, fans and dehumidifiers can help the drying process. The guidelines describe methods for cleaning and drying different materials, including floor coverings, timber and concrete.
They also note materials such as plasterboard and insulation that don’t tolerate water exposure will need to be replaced.
BRANZ notes that if flood damage necessitates major reconstruction of timber-framed houses built before current timber treatment requirements were in place (eg, those constructed during the 1990s), an opportunity exists to upgrade the timber to current H1.2 specifications.
“Even if it is a partial or supplementary upgrade, this will benefit the long-term integrity of the home,” Stokes says.
All repairs must comply with relevant building regulations, and some — particularly where structural elements are affected — will require a consent.
It is recommended that home owners check with their local Building Consenting Authority (usually the local council) before starting any repair work.
• Visit www.branz.co.nz/pubs/bulletins/bu666 to view the BRANZ guidelines on flood remediation.
