As flooded homes in Queensland could take up to twelve months to dry out, home owners are being urged by the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects to put safety first when dealing with their homes.
Ian Agnew, Queensland State Manager of Archicentre said, water damage in homes can be quite extensive requiring all particle board cupboards, doors and plaster work to be totally replaced especially where water penetrates the house and insulation in walls becomes water logged.
“The size of the floods, the depth of the flood water, and the time buildings could be underwater will mean home owners affected will need ongoing community and government support over a long period of time to restore their homes, businesses and community assets within townships,” Agnew said.
"It is important to recognise that flood damaged buildings could take over a year to dry out completely and the natural tendency for people to renovate and redecorate as quickly as possible can lead to mould growth and the work having to be repeated."
The intensity of the flood will also have major structural implications for affected homes and the structural integrity of attached decks, balconies or tank stands supporting full tanks of water weighing several tons".
"The underlying health issues associated with the floods and the disinfecting of homes should not only include interior surfaces but also should extend into the wall framing and sub-floor structure.”
Archicentre has prepared the following points to consider for flood damage clean-up:
1. Start at the roof. Remove the iron or tiles to allow the sun to shine in to help the drying out process.
2. Check for vermin - there could be rats or snakes in the roof space that have come into the building to escape the flood waters.
3. Remove any insulation that is water-damaged in the walls or ceilings.
4. Plasterboard will need replacing.
5. Solid furniture should be put somewhere to dry. Particle furniture will be destroyed more than likely.
6. Then you can start spraying everything clean with a high pressure hose.
7. New meter boxes will need to be fitted. All other electrical equipment must be checked and replaced where necessary.
8. Put old photos in a flat container of water with some detergent. The detergent will separate them. Once all else is done, take them out and let them dry. This won't work with ink-jet produced photos.
9. Following floods, large pools typically form under the house. These areas need to be re-graded to prevent long-term structural damage like rotted floor framing.
10. Be careful of power points and switches that collect mud and impurities. Ensure a licensed electrician checks these before reconnection of power and a licensed plumber for water or any gas appliances being reconnected.
11. Debris and rotting wood left from flood waters are an ideal food source for termites long term and a termite check by a professional pest inspector is also an important element of flood recovery.
