Recent Projects.

Property Type
Detached residential dwelling impacted by severe riverine flooding during the Taree flood event (NSW).
Flood waters of approximately one metre in height internally, affecting all habitable areas of the home.

The Problem
When we were engaged, the property had been inundated by floodwater to approximately one metre in height. By the time access was granted and suspect asbestos tested, our initial inspection of the structure identified the property was:

• Fully water affected
• Had extensive mould contamination including within ceiling cavity
• Contained asbestos wall sheetings and asbestos vinyl flooring glue/adhesive

The original requirement for strip out to 300mm above the recorded flood height (standard minimum) became insufficient due to advanced mould colonisation throughout. Mould growth had tracked well beyond the flood line, extending to ceiling level and visually contaminating roof framing timbers.

This was no longer a simple strip-out. It was a complex project involving:

• Flood contamination
• Hazardous material removal (asbestos)
• Advanced mould amplification
• Winter drying conditions
• Structural timber contamination throughout

Without a comprehensive approach, the property would have remained unsafe for rebuild and reinstatement.

Our Assessment
Our team conducted detailed internal inspection and contamination assessment.

Key findings included:

• Floodwater saturation across all internal linings within flood height
• Asbestos-containing wall sheeting and flooring underlay
• Widespread mould amplification throughout all areas of the property cavities
• Visible mould growth on roof trusses, structural timber and internal facing cladding
• High moisture retention due to winter climate conditions – very slow natural drying progress

Given the level of contamination, the scope was escalated from partial removal to a full internal strip including ceilings, ensuring that no contaminated materials remained.
The decision to extend removal to ceiling height was based on contamination spread — not just flood height.

The Solution
A controlled, staged remediation strategy was implemented.

1. Pre-Remediation Decontamination
The property underwent full internal steam cleaning and pressure washing to remove bulk contaminants prior to controlled strip-out works.

2. Asbestos Removal
Licensed asbestos removal was completed to full ceiling height, including:

• Asbestos wall sheeting
• Vinyl flooring and asbestos-containing substrate

This exceeded the minimum 300mm above flood height protocol we follow, due to mould migration.

3. Full Internal Strip-Out
All ceilings, wall linings, and affected materials were removed to expose structural framing.
When we complete strip outs it is also important that all glue tabs, nails, scews etc. are also removed to allow adequate mould remediation works.

4. Structural Drying
Given winter conditions, heat-assisted structural drying was deployed to accelerate moisture removal within framing and structural elements.

5. Mould Remediation Treatment
A structured remediation methodology was applied:

• Application of Serum 1000 (stabilised hydrogen peroxide) to timber framing and internal-facing external wall sheets
• The objective was to oxidise and lift embedded mould contamination to the surface
• Thorough HEPA vacuuming followed treatment
• Heavily contaminated timber sections were HEPA sanded to physically remove embedded growth

All works were performed with containment and air filtration in place, to prevent cross contamination and ensure the internal air was cleaned not just the surfaces.

The Outcome
The property underwent independent Post-Remediation Verification (PRV) by a third-party assessor.

Results:

• All areas confirmed structurally dry
• No visible mould growth remaining
• Surface sampling returned no abnormal mould levels
• Property cleared on first verification

The home was left in a clean, dry, remediation-complete condition, ready for safe reinstatement.

Why This Project Matters
Large-scale flood losses often involve more than visible water damage. This project demonstrates the importance of:

• Escalating scope based on contamination spread — not minimum compliance
• Integrating asbestos removal and mould remediation correctly
• Removing mould from structural timber, not just visible linings
• Using controlled drying strategies during cold-weather events
• Independent third-party verification to confirm safe outcomes

For residential, commercial, and institutional property owners, the difference between surface cleaning and true remediation is critical.

This project highlights our capacity to manage complex flood events involving hazardous materials, biological contamination, and structural drying, delivering safe, compliant, and independently verified outcomes.