Following a devastating leak in a block of flats, we saw first-hand how immediate action can significantly reduce claims costs.
The incident
When water escapes in an apartment block, it can cause severe damage to several properties. We were called out to a flat within a block of twenty apartments in St Austell, Cornwall after a tank began to leak, causing water to pour through the building, soaking walls, ceilings, floors and furnishings.
Our Initial Response
As soon as the leak was discovered, the insurer of the apartment called our team and, straightaway, we sent a qualified restoration technician to the property to carry out a damage assessment.
The building owner had stopped the leak, so our priority was to ensure that it was safe for the residents to remain in their home. On carrying out a risk assessment, we identified that the electrics may have been affected by the escape of water. We quickly brought in an electrician to conduct a safety test and isolate repairs.
Our technician then used specialist extraction equipment to remove standing water and prevent deterioration of the carpets, before examining the apartment for trapped moisture which could encourage mould to form under floors or behind stud work.
“At a very stressful time, Richfords’ quick response and subsequent action was first class. Thank you to all concerned – it made a difference, having the confidence that your professionalism brought.”
– A resident
Ongoing work
After the initial response, our team installed injection drying, using warm, dry air to expel moisture from under floating floors and within stud walls, thereby saving delicate plasterboard from replacement. We monitored moisture levels, ensuring they returned to normal before the residents were moved back into their fully-dry flat.
The Outcome
All work was carried out within one calendar month, at a cost of £5,000. By acting swiftly, we avoided the need to strip out and replace any internal walls, carpets or contents.
Comparing response times
This incident offers a prime example of how a slow response can significantly increase insurance costs. A neighbouring apartment was vacant at the time of the leak and the residents delayed contact with their insurer by several weeks, thereby giving time for significant secondary damage to occur and resulting in over £11,000 worth of recovery costs, needed to remove mould and tackle rot.
Our technicians were forced to strip the second flat back to a bare shell, causing greater stress and disruption for the residents, plus a longer recovery time and a far higher insurance claim.
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