Discover Our FAQs

Smoke residues, soot and odours can remain in a property long after the fire itself has been extinguished.

Contamination may affect surfaces, contents, ventilation systems and concealed areas, depending on the materials burned and the movement of smoke throughout the building.

Professional fire damage restoration involves assessing the extent of contamination and selecting suitable cleaning, restoration and odour-management techniques.

At Cornerstone, we provide fire and smoke restoration services to support the recovery of properties affected by fire-related damage.

If you discover flooding or an escape of water, prioritise personal safety and avoid entering areas where water may have affected electrical installations.

Where safe, isolate the water supply, prevent further water from entering the property and contact the appropriate emergency service or utility provider if necessary.

Photograph visible damage, notify your insurer where applicable and avoid disturbing potentially contaminated materials. Prompt professional assessment can help identify trapped moisture and determine the next steps for drying and restoration.

At Cornerstone, we provide flood and water damage restoration and specialist drying services to support property recovery.

In some circumstances, floors can be dried following water damage without complete removal. However, this depends on the flooring material, construction, contamination and extent of moisture penetration.

Specialist drying equipment may help remove moisture from certain floor structures, but some materials may require lifting, targeted access or replacement. The correct approach should be based on a technical moisture assessment rather than surface appearance alone.

At Cornerstone, our specialist drying services assess affected building materials and determine appropriate drying methods to minimise unnecessary disruption wherever practical.

Professional leak detection techniques can often help locate water escaping beneath a concrete floor without immediately excavating the entire area.

Depending on the system, specialists may use acoustic equipment, pressure testing, thermal imaging or tracer gas to narrow down the likely location. The effectiveness of each method depends on pipe depth, construction, background conditions and the nature of the leak.

Once the suspected source has been identified, targeted opening-up may be required to confirm and repair it. At Cornerstone, we provide non-invasive and targeted water leak detection to help reduce unnecessary damage during property investigations.

The cost of professional water leak detection depends on the type of leak, the property’s construction, the areas requiring investigation and the methods needed to locate the source.

For example, investigating an accessible heating system may involve a different process from tracing a concealed leak beneath a solid floor or inside a wall.

Additional factors may include property size, access restrictions and whether a detailed report is required.

At Cornerstone, we provide specialist leak detection tailored to the individual problem. For an accurate quotation, explain where the leak is suspected, any visible symptoms and whether previous investigations have been completed.

The cost of a professional damp and mould survey depends on the property’s size, the extent of the reported problem and the level of investigation required.

A straightforward assessment may need fewer tests than a complex investigation involving multiple rooms, concealed moisture or suspected structural defects. The cost can also be affected by the type of technical report required and whether specialist testing is necessary.

At Cornerstone, we charge a set survey fee, starting from £700, which includes a range of detailed inspections and measurements. For an independent damp and mould survey, tailored to the circumstances of your property, get in touch today. Simply just provide details of your property, the symptoms and any previous investigations or repairs

Drying a property after water damage may take several days or weeks, depending on the amount of water involved, the materials affected and how far moisture has travelled through the building.

Walls, flooring, insulation and concealed cavities may retain moisture even when exposed surfaces appear dry. Professional drying specialists assess moisture levels, select appropriate equipment and monitor progress until suitable drying targets are achieved.

At Cornerstone, we offer specialist drying services across the UK to support water damage restoration and help reduce the risk of further damage. Get in touch with us today!

A professional damp and mould survey investigates the underlying causes of excess moisture, condensation and mould growth within a property. Depending on the problem, it may include moisture measurements, ventilation assessments, examination of building materials and checks for possible water ingress.

The aim is to determine why the problem is occurring and what corrective action is required, rather than recommending cosmetic treatment alone.

Cornerstone provides professional damp and mould investigations across the UK, supported by evidence-based reporting and recommendations for remedial work. Book a survey today!

At Cornerstone, we provide nationwide property damage investigation, surveying, leak detection, restoration and remediation services.

Our UK coverage includes England, Scotland and Wales, supporting homeowners, landlords, housing associations, insurers, loss adjusters and commercial property owners.

With over 30 years of industry experience, we combine specialist technical knowledge, transparent reporting and coordinated service delivery to investigate and resolve property damage.

Visit our national coverage page to explore the areas served and enquire about your property or project.

Specialist biohazard or trauma cleaning may be necessary when a property contains potentially hazardous biological contamination that cannot safely be managed through routine cleaning.

Situations may include sewage contamination, blood or bodily fluids, trauma incidents and other circumstances requiring appropriate protective equipment, controlled cleaning and specialist waste handling.

The precise approach depends on the contamination, affected materials and relevant health and safety requirements.

Where specialist cleaning is required, the property should be assessed by an appropriately trained and equipped provider before remediation begins.

Professional leak detection specialists can often locate hidden water leaks using non-invasive techniques, reducing the need to lift flooring or open walls unnecessarily.

Depending on the type and location of the leak, specialists may use thermal imaging, acoustic detection, moisture mapping, pressure testing or tracer gas.

However, no single method guarantees that every leak can be located without opening up the affected area. At Cornerstone, we provide specialist water leak detection for residential and commercial properties throughout the UK. Book a leak detection survey today!

A hidden water leak can begin damaging surrounding building materials soon after water escapes, although the extent and speed of deterioration depend on the circumstances.

A significant pressurised water leak can cause rapid saturation, while a smaller concealed leak may gradually affect floors, plaster, insulation or timber over an extended period.

Persistent moisture can also create conditions suitable for mould growth and further deterioration. It’s important to investigate suspected leaks promptly rather than waiting for visible damage to become severe.

At Cornerstone, we provide water leak detection and specialist drying services to help identify water sources and manage resulting property damage.