The most important things are:
1
Ensure the site
is safe.
2
Remove all
the water.
3
Mitigate the chance of mould.
4
Repair
the Building.
1. Ensure the site is safe
- Electrical – If any water has gone over electrical boxes, power outlets, or any other switches, you will need an electrician. In most modern buildings, the wiring is insulated and will not require replacement. However, residual water (even a drop) in a power outlet can cause arcing1 and can prove harmful.
- Plumbing – Water may be categorised as follows:
- – Category 1: Known as ‘Clean water’ which does not pose a substantial threat to humans;
- – Category 2: Known as ‘Grey water’ which may contain contaminants and may cause discomfort or sickness to humans; or
- – Category 3: Known as ‘Black water’ which contains bacteria that are harmful to humans.
You need to consider the type of water that has inundated the property, as the clean-up process associated with each type will differ. A bathtub that overflows, for example, would be clean water and the resultant damage – such as to carpet – would simply require water extraction, cleaning and sanitisation. In more severe cases, drying equipment will be used to artificially dry the carpet and subfloor, assisting in restricting mould growth. Carpet that is affected by black water, on the other hand, should not be salvaged. The best action plan in the case of black water would be to remove the carpet, clean and sanitise the floor, and replace the carpet.
HINT: Rainwater is Category 1; Rainwater runoff through urban areas is Category 2; Flood waters are Category 3; Salt or Brackish water are Category 3.
- Structural integrity – a building will generally suffer some form of integrity issue when inundated with water. This may be as simple as plasterboard bowing, or may extend to long term rot or rust to framing, or even in extreme cases, to failure of foundations.
2. Remove all the water
Extract water from internal areas, such as basements, common areas, from common carpets, etc. In relation to lots, while these are not necessarily the Body Corporate’s responsibility, Strata Community Insurance suggests that all lots should be inspected for any sign of water after any significant event, as even the smallest amount of water may lead to mould growth – which will then become the Body Corporate’s responsibility. In the case of water inundation, lot owners should also contact their respective contents insurers immediately.
NOTE: Water extraction may require specialised equipment such as wet vacuums or sump pumps. While Strata Community Insurance understands the ‘desire to help’ from members of the Body Corporate, we cannot stress enough that the safety of individuals is always of paramount importance, and that full instruction and supervision should be maintained by a qualified/experienced tradesperson.
3. Mitigate the chance of mould
Moisture is the main issue here, and there is a tendency for people to want to artificially dry buildings. However, this is not the correct action in all cases. The success of artificial drying will vary, and is dependent on other factors (including climate). Conversely, artificial drying has been known to cause cracking and movement. Again, expert assistance should be sought before using artificial drying techniques, as natural drying may be more appropriate depending on the circumstances.
NOTE: Mould requires organic matter for food, moisture, warmth and oxygen. The removal of one (or more) of these will inhibit mould growth. Therefore, cleaning and ventilation are your keys to mitigating mould.
4. Repair the building
This part of the process may be long and tedious. Some parts (items within the building) will dry, require cleaning and will be perfectly functional irrespective of the categorisation of the water or degree of inundation.
The following items can be cleaned, dried and restored:
- Concrete slabs & walls;
- Timber and metal framing;
- Most new electrical wiring.
Hot water systems – Domestic models that are submerged are not repairable, whereas some commercial models can be cleaned, dried and restored.
Domestic appliances – once submerged, are not repairable.
Over the past three years, Strata Community Insurance paid out more than $50 million in water damage claims. Many could have been avoided with a good preventative maintenance programme.
Strata Community Insurance Policy Coverage
Subject to the relevant policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions, all Strata Community Insurance policies cover water inundation – such as from supply pipes that burst, stormwater and stormwater pipes that overflow, and rainwater runoff that enters the insured property. However, ‘Flood’ – as defined by the Insurance Contracts Regulations 2017 (Cth)* – is an ‘optional cover’ that the Body Corporate may select at the time of arranging cover. If this optional cover is not selected, then the policy exclusions relating to ‘Flood’ will apply.
When the policy does respond to instances of ‘Flood’, all costs – including disposal of any damaged item that prohibits reinstatement of the building to its usable status – are covered.
When ‘Flood’ cover has not been selected, Strata Community Insurance is still happy to provide assistance, at cost, for Bodies Corporate who require it.
*Flood means the covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of any of the following:
(a) a lake (whether or not it has been altered or modified);
(b) a river (whether or not it has been altered or modified);
(c) a creek (whether or not it has been altered or modified);
(d) another natural watercourse (whether or not it has been altered or modified);
(e) a reservoir;
(f) a canal;
(g) a dam.
Additionally, the Strata Community Insurance standard policy will cover damage from Cyclones, Storm and Tempest, Tsunami and Rainwater. However; causes such as Storm Surge, Hydrostatic (underground water), Earth Movement and Tidal Waves are exclusions.
