Flood & Water Damage Restoration
Water and Flood Damage Restoration Experts
Our multi-disciplined approach enables us to perform the duties of a professional service supplier providing standard and emergency flood restoration solutions for an array of industry sectors – from Insurance Companies, Loss Adjusters, Brokers and Surveyors to Building Companies, Housing Associations and Local Authorities.
We fully understand how traumatic flooding events can be and the destruction it causes and is why we strive to be transparent in our decision making. This trait ensures all involved in the incident process can understand how Cornerstone will respond to the incident in the most cost-effective and timely manner.
Our decisions are based upon an array of established objectives and include any continued occupancy, business continuity, etc.
Flood & Water Damage Remediation Services
In the event of flood and water damage, our 24-hour emergency claim management process incorporates immediate customer or policyholder communication to confirm the damage, determine any consequential health & safety issues and arrange the assignment of a dedicated Cornerstone contact for the duration of the claim.
Throughout the flood cleanup period, our office based team will undertake pre-agreed communication channels with the client or property owner ensuring they are kept fully informed of progress.
Flood Restoration Specialists
Unlike a call-centre approach, a dedicated Claim Manager is appointed for every assignment ensuring our seamless process incorporates front-end client or policyholder interaction to confirm loss identification and any consequential health & safety issues. And, during the flood damage restoration period, the office-based team will undertake pre-agreed channels of communication to ensure the client or policyholder are kept fully informed and that expectations are met.
Our unique surveyor–led system guarantees a uniform approach to affected materials and processes in accordance with Cornerstone Method Statements, reducing restoration timescales and returning quantifiable cost savings for both our clients and customers.
This process is demonstrated via clear and concise reporting standards that convey an overriding understanding of the property, its everyday use, how it has been affected and ultimately the most appropriate restoration methodology.
Different types of water damage classifications:
Clean Water
Water damage from clean water is typically caused by burst or leaking pipework or if a tap has been left on inside the house, causing flooding.
Grey Water
This classification can be caused by malfunctioning appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers. In some cases it can be caused by fish tanks. Grey water will have either micro-organisms, contaminants or detergents.
Black Water
Can pose a serious health threat and will have severe levels of contaminant that are often found in sewage water and river water.
Water Damage Claims
The amount of time water has resided in a property can also affect the classification of the resultant water.
Armed with this information our team will define applicable health & safety requirements with the property occupants. Each water source requires a methodical and expedient approach to minimise the damage extent and reduce the potential for secondary damage including mould.
Our flood restoration specialists have access to a significant range of drying equipment such that each loss venue is individually assessed for the most appropriate requirement to dry the affected structure to a ‘pre-loss’ condition. Each deployment decision will include the materials affected, the living conditions of the insured and business continuity of the commercial outlet. Electrical power will also be considered with remote operations being utilised where required.
All water damage claims that have undergone a drying regime will result in a formal Drying Report being issued that will detail the readings taken to confirm the pre-incident level of dryness has been achieved.
Our Flood Damage Safety Protocol
Have the electrics been affected?
Water can travel unnoticed into voids and walls making the electric system potentially unsafe. Have the system checked at the earliest opportunity by a Qualified Electrician. It may be that the electrical system is affected and a ‘temporary electrical supply board’ is required to allow electrical functionality in the property. This would normally be installed close to the existing consumer unit.
Is the water from a sewer or storm drain?
Such contamination of water can be harmful to occupants. If there is anybody in the affected property with a reduced immune deficiency or similar problem, consider moving them to a safe location. If a localised area is damaged, consider avoiding the area to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination to unaffected areas. Depending on the contamination, cleaning should be carried out by competent people and the resultant cleanliness confirmed with appropriate testing methods.
Where has the water gone?
Free running water takes the least path of resistance and will, therefore, travel into areas that may or may not be visible. It is important to determine the source of water and ensure it is isolated and/or fixed prior to undertaking any restoration works. Moisture is absorbed into soft furnishings including carpets, underlay, etc. Therefore, their early removal serves to remove a considerable amount of moisture from within the affected property. If an insurance claim is to be submitted, any actions should be confirmed with your insurance company in advance, as failure to do so may cause problems with your claim.
£37,000 Cost Saving for Insurance Company
Scenario: Decorations and furnishings were reported water damaged as a result of ‘secondary flooding’ from the recent flooding. Neighbours advised that water damage to the property was a result of floodwater ingress during the event, even though the property did not sugar any specific ingress. Moisture damage was evident on the ground and first floors.
Multi-Disciplined Approach to Damp Problem
Scenario: A 1970’s detached property has suffered from a damp problem to a localised area of the structure over a number of years. Prior to the appointment of Cornerstone, extensive investigations and been undertaken by a variety of professionals without resolution. Reason for contact: To identify the source of the moisture affecting the structure.