Regular Inspection of Water and Sewage Systems This goes further than just making sure all the amenities and taps in your building are operating properly. Fixing rusty or leaking pipes in older buildings or preventing the malfunction of sprinkler systems sound like simple things, but one severe fault can saturate an entire highrise (yes, we’ve seen it happen). Having a professional inspect the parts nobody sees very often is important; examples include the cleaning of water tanks, inspection of valves and lubrication of pumps. For large compounds or properties, installing surveillance cameras in underground drainage or sewer systems is a good option for easy maintenance and saving money in the long term. Preparing for Restorers An easy way to lower costs and increase efficiency of any eventual restoration work is to prepare for the process before technicians arrive. If you have specific requirements, permissions or legal documentation in regards to your business or premises, having that ready to go will allow restorers to more efficiently and effectively go about their work. Having the necessary keys and floor plans available to the technicians to not only navigate your premises unimpeded, but just as importantly let them understand the job and plan accordingly. With water damage, every hour means lost funds and operations, so the faster NLR can get on-site and be able to help, the more we can save for you. Mould Forming Various species of mould can begin forming in consistently damp or humid environments. The airborne spores can cause respiratory issues and have overall adverse health effects. You’ll need professionals to not only locate the mould, but test, kill and remove it, as missing any of these crucial steps could make the remediation job ineffective. A problematic area is often ventilation or air conditioning units. By nature they can develop moisture and have airborne contaminants settle in their compartments, meaning mould can easily form there. This is made worse by the fact that these air control systems will then distribute contaminants throughout large areas, ruining the air quality of the building. HVAC and Machinery Issues Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are integral to the operation of commercial, retail and even residential buildings, especially as they increase in size and population density. These systems should be readily maintained to prevent condensation, dripping or corrosion. Further, there are delicate internal parts that are particularly expensive to replace. This concept extends to any expensive technology or machinery of your particular business that is susceptible to water, fire or mould damage. Sourcing, ordering, or manufacturing replacements can further damage the business by slowing or stopping operations and income entirely.   Elevator Shafts The ‘pit’ or ‘well’ of an elevator isn’t something that comes to mind often, but they are very susceptible to water damage. Water can drip down the concrete walls or pool at the bottom, which compromises the integrity and function of the elevator. As mentioned earlier, if this water sits for long periods, it can soak into the surfaces, cause condensation and humidity, and eventually form mould and corrode metal. For safety and monetary reasons, water damage around elevators must be remediated immediately. For further tips or consultation, don’t hesitate to call NLR. We’ve had nearly 20 years of experience and we’re more than happy to share some with you. If anything in this article happens to be a service you’re in need of, we can be on site within 2 hours.

At NLR we have years of experience performing restoration works. We even started as carpet cleaners, so we think we know a couple of things about water damage. This article gives some insight into how the restoration process works, as well as some useful tips, and some peace of mind to you knowing you have the knowledge to deal with your next water damage incident. Preventative Measures The best solution is always to catch a possible issue before it becomes a problem. Being aware of the most common causes of water damage allows you to anticipate and identify them. Periodically checking possible causes origins of a flood or leak is also recommended. Examples include: Emergency water systems Old, rusted or frequently adjusted pipes etc. Blocked pipes, gutters or drainage Roof or window linings or fittings Noticeable water spots It is also wise to identify if your premises is located in a low-lying or flood-prone area, even taking into account the proximity to bodies of water, or dams and water treatment plants. Weather-based factors could also include seasonal storms, humidity and ground integrity, all of which might influence even the initial design and construction in the first place. What About Immediate Response? Before we detail the restorative methodology, you may find yourself in a situation where damage is impending, and fast action is necessary. Taking into account all we’ve discussed so far, use your best judgement to act, and remember even a seemingly minor event can be dangerous to you, and other persons using the premises. Follow the building’s emergency evacuation procedures if necessary, and avoid any risks, because of course, buildings and contents can be restored or replaced. Events such as leaks develop in severity over time, and simply soaking in a towel, or catching liquid in a bucket can temporarily control them. Events such as a burst pipe or flooding are often more of a surprise, and as follows are some suggestions: Raising sensitive furniture and equipment off the ground (i.e. makeshift blocks or platforms) and disconnecting electrics safely may save them. Moving objects away from the source or into another space is also effective. If possible, keep windows and doors open, and maintain good ventilation and airflow. Sweep excess water to a lower or less important location to allow carpets to begin drying. Waterproof wherever possible. This could mean putting objects in large garbage bags or airtight containers. Materials that are particularly susceptible to damage are generally porous or soft like papers, fabrics, MDF, softwoods and plaster/drywall. Prioritise the protection of items made from these. Assessing the Damage It is recommended to hire a professional when dealing with complex and multifaceted damages such as flooding, leaks and more. Not only do the materials involved and layout of the premises matter greatly, but also the source of the damage. Contaminants within the liquid such as oils, soap, natural matter and harmful chemicals affect the process, and the extent of further damage that can occur. In most cases, clean or natural waters such as rain or condensation are the easiest to deal with. In the same way, time is highly important to saving the premises and contents. The longer the water is allowed to sit, drip and soak into surfaces, the more can go wrong. Porous surfaces can hold high amounts of water weight, which when combined with the weakened integrity of a structure, can result in collapses. Further still, a water inundated building will quickly rise in humidity and create an unfortunate utopia for mould and bacteria, especially in carpets and the like. Risks even extend to safety hazards like dangerous wiring and more. So, having powerful tools and a tested, rigorous procedure are the way to go to save your assets. Tools and tricks of the trade Our restoration technicians begin by metering the moisture spread within affected areas of the premises. This identifies the problematic areas, as well as the approximate volume of liquid absorbed into the materials. They will inspect how many layers in the floor or walls that water may have penetrated, and specifically mark out each affected area according to its category of damage. It is important to remove loose or damaged objects, either for their own drying process, or to be disposed of if deemed unrecoverable. Some especially porous or cheap materials will warp, break or swell due to water exposure and will never return to their normal state. Old, worn carpets or drywall for example may be pulled out completely. Extractors and vacuum tools are used to clear out as much water as possible, which is invaluable for deeply saturated areas where water is pooling or completely flooded. For the remaining fraction of stubborn water, NLR has access to industrial-grade dehumidifying machines like this one. These are designed to create airflow within a space and promote rapid evaporation. There are different sizes of machines according to the scale of the job, and work excellently when paired with fan-based air movers that maintain a circulation of dry air. NLR also provides cleaning for carpet and upholstery that can be saved, as well as reinstatement of such assets. It is the goal of restoration technicians to leave the premises as close to its state before the event as possible The amount of tools or devices needed in a given situation varies greatly. A flooded school hall for example is a much different job to a faulty pipe in a multi-story building with small rooms. Where industrial equipment is concerned too, risks are present. A dehumidifier too big or set too high for its job can overdry a building and cause completely different problems. Accordingly, water damage is an issue with very little room for negligence. Experienced technicians, or at least the proper equipment are necessary for the best chance at alleviating what is a frustrating time for any victim of water damage. We hope that our advice could be helpful to you. There is tonnes of related information on our site for you

How to Test Concrete For Moisture What is a concrete moisture test? A concrete moisture test is used to determine how much moisture is present – usually in order to know if flooring can be safely installed without causing issues. Measuring the moisture of a concrete slab can be done in several ways, but currently the only methods approved by Australian standards measure the relative humidity of the slab. The most common method, uses in-situ probes (ASTM F2170). In this method holes (at least 1 / 100m2) are drilled to a specific depth in the slab, a sleeve is installed into the holes to create a small chamber with an open base inside the slab. This allows the air inside the chamber to equalise to the relative humidity of the slab. The sleeve is left for a minimum of 1 day for the chamber to equalise with the concrete slab. Following the equalising period, the relative humidity is read using a thermohygrometer or relative humidity sensor. When should you do a concrete moisture test? If you intend to install resilient flooring – vinyl, tiles, etc., testing the concrete slab for moisture is a requirement of the Australian standards (AS 1884-2012). It is also best practice as it will help prevent issues and ensure longevity of the floor covering. Concrete moisture testing may also be required if there are unresolved moisture issues or problems with flooring occurring and problems like leaks and rising damp need to be ruled out. Additionally, once a moisture problem is identified, monitoring of the moisture in the concrete slab will provide data on when remediation works have been completed, and when the next stage of repairs can continue. We have lots of concrete moisture testing tools The basic kit required to make testing holes What do the results mean? Once you complete a measurement of the moisture in a concrete slab done according to the Australian standards you will receive relative humidity value(s) as a percentage. The standards make it very simple: the relative humidity of a concrete slab should be less than 75% before installation of resilient flooring. Installation of resilient flooring on concrete with relative humidity above 75% has increased risk of causing damage to the flooring, causing failure of adhesives and releasing moisture into the internal environment – which may lead to other moisture related issues such as mould growth. What to do if moisture in the concrete slab is high? Try to determine what is the source of the moisture in the slab. Drying of the slab will not be effective unless the issue is resolved. Once the moisture source has been fixed, allow time for the slab to return to normal moisture levels. This may take many months, or equipment can be used to speed the process. The four main factors which affect the rate a concrete slab dries are time, temperature of the slab, relative humidity of the ambient air, and airflow across the slab. For more information on how to dry a concrete slab see this article. Are there any other ways to test concrete moisture? Other methods of measuring the moisture in a concrete slab include creating a chamber above the slab surface, sealed to the slab and measured in much the same way as in-situ testing. This is often called the ‘Plastic Sheet Method’ or concrete plastic moisture test. This method is also in the Australian standards, however it is an older method and is rarely used over the in-situ probe testing. In the past, electrical conductivity on the slab surface was used, but this method has lost favor as it only measures moisture near the surface of the slab. Moisture meters based on short range microwave signals can also be used to measure moisture within a slab, but have not yet been added to approved methods in the Australian standards of measuring concrete moisture. Regardless, surface conductivity and microwave measurement do have their applications, notably that they can obtain fast results. What else can affect installation of flooring on concrete? If you are experiencing difficulties with resilient flooring on concrete slabs consult a professional. The most common issue – after moisture – is the pH of the concrete slab. The Australian standards recommend that pH of the slab be between 7.0 and 10.0 and should not exceed the manufacturers specifications of working ranges for the adhesive (ASTM F710-17). How do I book a concrete moisture test? Simply send us your inquiry by phone or email or check out our contact page and we will arrange for an experienced technician to attend the site and conduct testing. References AS 1884-2012, “Floor Coverings – Resilient sheet and tiles – Installation Practices” , “Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using In Situ Probes” ASTM F710-17, “Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring”

Natural Disasters on the East Coast Every Aussie should be prepared for disaster to strike whether it is for bushfires, floods, storms, droughts or earthquakes. There have been several instances of natural disasters in Australia like the bushfires at the start of 2020 that caused millions in damages and a significant loss of wildlife. The East Coast is especially prone to bushfires and storms. There can be fires one month and then flooding the next. When thinking of extreme and potentially dangerous weather conditions, it is a matter of when and not if. We should be prepared year-round. Preparing for a disaster can make a huge difference between life and death. That is why it is necessary to have a plan for when it occurs. Tip 1: Home Maintenance A great way to prevent harm from storms and bush fires is home maintenance. For homeowners check the condition of the roof, tiles, gutters and screws and make sure they are secured properly. For renters, lots of maintenance requires work from the landlord or agency, so make sure to contact them regarding any potentially unsafe elements. Make sure that outdoor furniture is secured down, or brought inside when storms strike, as high winds can turn basically anything into a dangerous missile. If there are trees and overhanging branches, trim them to minimise the chances of them coming loose and. Tip 2: Follow Weather Warnings Before a disaster occurs, it may be predicted by the authorities and warnings will be issued to residents and businesses that may be affected via TV stations, local radio or websites like the Bureau of Meteorology. Once the warning has been issued, take the steps necessary to prepare your home. Tip 3: Emergency Kits Huge storms can cause severe damages to electricity lines and basic services. Emergency kits are generally designed to get families or individuals through 2 or more days. A basic emergency kit should have blankets, a torch, batteries, water supply, some days worth of food and whistles. In really bad circumstances, power can be knocked out for extended periods. In these cases, especially in rural areas or if you live far from the city centre, it’s worth thinking about a generator. Being able to keep the lights on and phones charged whilst power gets switched back on can make a big difference. Tip 4: Household Inventory Take an inventory of the contents of the house and store copies of important documents in safe locations and online. This may seem like a time-consuming process but this will be very beneficial should you need to replace things later on. Insurance companies often also need that info for home contents claims. Should you suffer damage on your property, NLR does restorations for fire, water and more should you need a helping hand getting back to normal. Tip 5: Evacuation Plan In the event that the disaster may be larger than predicted, you may need to evacuate. There may not be much time to figure out what to take with you and where to go. Plan for what things cannot be absolutely forgotten and how to evacuate quickly. Ensure that every family member knows the evacuation plan. Also, keep a list of emergency contacts that every person in the household has access to if the kids or emergency services need to contact family or friends. Tip 6: Insurance Given the nature of disasters, it is difficult to know the full extent of damages that may occur. Even with multiple measures to reduce the risk to yourself and your home there may still be significant damage. Insurance can be very handy in these times, and depending on your coverage, may pay for restoration services (like NLR), temporary accommodation or even replace objects lost. If you are considering insurance, make sure to check what’s covered and what isn’t, as well the different offerings from provider. Whilst insurance isn’t for everybody, it certainly can be useful. Tip 7: After the Disaster Once the waters or fire recedes, there may be plenty of things still salvageable if given a bit of love. Whilst professionals like NLR Restoration are often the easiest and quickest way to return to normal life, you can often hire equipment by itself if you have the know how or just love DIY. If looking to make an insurance claim, take lots of photos and refer to their guidance to make the claims process as smooth as possible. COVID-19 and Infectious Diseases No one could have predicated how crazy 2020 would be with the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has illustrated how we need to prepare for these types of events as well. According to some experts, in case a catastrophe occurs during the pandemic the residents should have at least two weeks of non-perishable food items, important medications and toiletries. All of this should be kept in an accessible location. Some freshwater should also be stored just in case. But take care not to stock up too much, food can go off, and we all know someone know now has a 10 year supply of toilet paper clogging up their storage cupboards. In the case that someone in the household does get infected, now or in future cases, make sure to leave the cleanup to professionals. These cleanups are complicated and require lots of specialised gear, aside from the risks involved. If this does happen to you or someone you know, check out NLR’s specialised cleaning service for all your infectious cleanups. Final Thoughts Disasters can strike at any time, but being prepared and having a plan in place can greatly reduce the risks. For more information on how to handle disasters, check out https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/ or your State’s local information page.