Moisture Intrusion Inspection & Restoration Services
Cornerstone was instructed by our partner, a leading energy supplier, to attend a multi-floor commercial property following a prolonged leak from a pipe connected to a top-floor kitchen boiler. The goal was to identify moisture conditions, define the extent of the damage, and recommend a safe, efficient drying and restoration strategy with minimal disruption to operations.
The Problem: Undetected Leak Affecting All Floors
A pipe leak within the top-floor kitchen went undetected for an extended period, allowing water to travel downwards and affect all floors of the property. Multiple areas showed signs of:
- Moisture saturation in flooring and walls.
- Mould growth behind skirtings.
- Blown vinyl and lifting chipboard floors.
- Compromised insulation and structural elements.
Our Assessment: Full Moisture Survey Conducted
We carried out a comprehensive survey using professional moisture detection tools, including:
- Non-invasive meters (Protimeter Surveymaster, Tramex MRH).
- Invasive tests to check chipboard, wood, and plasterboard.
- Air moisture monitoring to assess room humidity and drying conditions.
Findings showed widespread elevated moisture levels, particularly on the top floor and key operational areas.
Our Solution: Targeted Drying & Restoration Plan
Drying Methods:
- Injection drying to treat moisture in wall cavities and between floors.
- Airflow and dehumidification tailored to joist direction and floor type.
- Skirting and vinyl uplift were needed to access wet substrates.
Zone-Based Strategy for Restoration
To streamline drying and reduce disruption, the building was divided into five drying zones:
Zone 1: Top Floor
Areas: Kitchen, meeting rooms, changing rooms, management hub, bathrooms
- Flooring is heavily affected. Full uplift of chipboard and vinyl is required.
- Mould behind skirtings.
- Injection drying planned with careful airflow management due to noggings.
Zone 2: First Floor (Suspended & Solid Mix
Areas: Surgeries, recovery room, X-ray, WC
- Elevated moisture in walls and ceilings. Injection drying is used to avoid full strip-out.
- Suspended floors accessed via under-floor voids and boxing-in solutions.
Zone 3: First Floor (Solid Floors)
Areas: Additional surgeries, decontamination suite, reception
- Solid flooring with Marley-style tiles beneath.
- Requires grinding for drying and temporary flooring in surgeries to ensure continued use.
Zone 4: Ground Floor (Suspended Floors)
Areas: Surgeries, decon rooms, reception
- Wet joists and insulation are visible.
- Ceiling voids and boxing-in are used to avoid lifting floors.
- Discreet ventilation is implemented to protect clinical areas.
Zone 5: Ground Floor (Solid Floors)
Areas: Disabled WC, staff areas, additional surgeries
- Solid screed with adhered finishes.
- Temporary false floors are needed to support drying while surgeries stay operational.
Business Continuity:
- Temporary flooring in surgeries to keep critical services operational.
- Phased works by zone to minimise downtime and disruption.
Outcome: A Clear Path to Recovery
Cornerstone delivered a detailed, zone-based drying plan tailored to the property’s unique layout and use. The strategy ensured:
- Thorough drying to pre-loss condition.
- Preservation of key operational areas.
- Minimal closure of surgeries and clinical zones.
- Reduced long-term reinstatement costs.
Looking for Commercial Moisture Solutions?
We deliver expert assessment and drying strategies for complex, multi-zone properties. Get in touch to find out how we can help!
