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.

2022 Northern Rivers Floods – In the wake of the devastating floods, our dedicated Tweed Heads Flood Damage and Restoration team worked tirelessly throughout 2022, providing remediation services for dozens of double-story properties.

The extent of the damage and remediation can be witnessed in the accompanying photos, showcasing this insured property’s harrowing ordeal. Fast-running floodwaters surged up to the top-floor windows, with livestock swimming past and occupants requiring rescue by boat. Manoeuvring beneath powerlines became a necessity while on the boat. The property itself presented additional challenges, including damaged asbestos walls requiring removal up to the ceiling and damaged footings causing an uneven veranda. Despite these setbacks, as fourth-generation owners, the resilient homeowners were determined to restore their dwelling and exemplify the spirit of the Lismore community.

Floodwater is classified as Category 3 water, previously known as black water, and many of the properties we encountered had floodwater reaching the top floor. Our primary objective was to remediate each property, ensuring it was left in a sanitary condition, free from bacteria and mould. The diligent work of our team was always subject to inspection by a third-party hygienist, who collected samples and verified that the property was pathogen-free and ready for reoccupation.

Our comprehensive cleaning process included structural drying, the use of appropriate antimicrobials, capture pressure washing, and H.E.P.A. vacuuming. By adhering to the standards set by the IICRC S500/S520, we ensured that every commercial or residential property requiring water or mould damage remediation received a thorough and correct restoration.

If you find yourself in need of professional water, flood or mould damage remediation services, don’t hesitate to contact Cleopatra’s flood damage and remediation team. Our experienced technicians are dedicated to upholding the highest standards and restoring properties to a sanitary condition, providing you with peace of mind.

To ensure slip rating integrity, our Gold Coast tile and grout cleaning team were entrusted with the cleaning and restoration of four separate locations at a Tafe campus. A full commercial kitchen, an outdoor dining area, a student’s kitchen and a bathroom.

The build-up on the floor tiles requiring cleaning was predominantly due to foot traffic, food/oil spills and detergent residue.

To achieve a thorough deep clean and eliminate the stubborn soiling build-up, Cleopatra utilised a high-quality tile cleaning acid, agitation and hot water capture pressure washing to further clean and remove any acid residue. As the project involved a multi-story building, our portable tile and grout cleaning machines were utilized since truck mounts were not feasible.

After completing our work, thorough slip rating testing confirmed a successful pass, with the added benefit of the tiles and grout appearing brand new! If you desire transformative results for your tile and grout surfaces, don’t hesitate to contact Cleopatra Cleaning & Restoration. Experience firsthand the difference our services can make in revitalizing your space.

Cleopatra’s Tweed Heads Builders Clean team was awarded the contract to carry out a Final builders clean at a NSW School. The works were completed on a 2-story building comprising numerous classrooms and bathroom facilities.

The most challenging segment of this type of work is the diverse cleaning skills and equipment needed including tile and grout deep cleaning, pressure cleaning, hard to reach window cleaning, removal of paint splatter/grout haze and carpet cleaning.

The builder’s clean involved new classrooms and bathrooms with high windows. We were also engaged to complete thorough deep cleaning of the existing bathrooms and pressure cleaning of the perimeter pathways.

Our client was extremely happy with our work, attention to detail and speed.

In June 2023, our Tweed Heads Mould Remediation team successfully conducted mould removal in a mould-infested apartment in Kingscliff, NSW. The primary cause of the mould contamination was a leaking roof, with a secondary leaking bathroom that did not help! Initially, the apartment showed minimal visible mould. However, upon creating inspection holes, we discovered significant mould damage on the rear side of all plasterboard walls and timber frames throughout the entire top floor.

Following the guidelines set by the IICRC S520, our scope of work involved the demolition and removal of all mould-damaged plasterboard walls and ceilings. A commonly asked question revolves around the possibility of thoroughly cleaning mould from timber frames. In accordance with the mould remediation standard, the answer is a definite yes. Therefore, after removing all plasterboard walls and ceiling, we performed aggressive cleaning of the timber frames to remove all mould particulate from the timber. Subsequently, every area of the top floor of the apartment then underwent meticulous H.E.P.A. vacuuming, wet wiping, and another round of H.E.P.A. vacuuming under negative air pressure. This process ensured comprehensive removal of mould from both surfaces and the air in the apartment.

Upon completion, an independent hygienist inspected our work to verify that the apartment had been returned to a normal indoor fungal ecology. This involved the hygienist collecting air and surface samples, which were then analysed in their laboratory. The result to our satisfaction was zero traces of indoor mould growth. The entire project, including demolition, comprehensive cleaning, and third-party post-remediation verification, was successfully accomplished in under two weeks. This outstanding outcome was achieved by our dedicated Tweed Heads Mould Remediation team.

Although this mould remediation project to some readers may be viewed as an overkill, this remediation approach is to the mould remediation standard and the removal results both in air and surface samples speak for themselves. This comprehensive mould remediation approach allowed this young family to safely occupy the premises without long term inhalation of toxic mould particulate.

Regardless of the size of the task, if you’re facing a mould issue in your dwelling, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free inspection and recommended scope of works, without any obligation. We are here to assist you.

In a recent project, our Gold Coast tile and grout cleaning team were entrusted with the cleaning and restoration of approximately 1,000 square meters of heavily soiled polished concrete in a high foot traffic Brisbane shopping centre. We were also engaged to complete a tile and grout deep clean of the wall and floor tiles in the public toilets.

Unlike some alternative methods such as concrete grinding and repolishing, our approach showcased the transformative power of deep cleaning. Similar to Tile and Grout cleaning, the process involved a combination of appropriate alkaline chemicals, agitation, dwell time, heat and capture pressure washing.  We were thrilled to again prove that restoration of heavily soiled polished concrete doesn’t necessitate extensive grinding with the associated dust and cost. In fact, we successfully revitalized the concrete to a near-new condition in just one evening—a feat that left our client extremely pleased.

If you are seeking transformative results for your polished concrete surfaces or tile and grout, contact Cleopatra Cleaning & Restoration today to discover the difference our services can make.