Flood victims urged to plan their recovery

PROPERTY News

Flood victims have been urged to plan the restoration of their homes carefully and allow time for the home to dry out to avoid costly mistakes which could lead to having to redo the repairs a second time.

Ian Agnew, Queensland State Manager of Archicentre said while owners want to get their house back to what it was before the flood, as soon as possible, it was essential that the house was sufficiently dry before repair work is carried out. Undertaking repairs to the structure and finishes before the house was dry enough can result in:
• Mould developing.
• Poor adhesion and blistering of finishes.
• Materials continuing to move as they finish drying resulting in cosmetic cracking to plaster and paintwork.
• Lifting and bubbling of vinyl floor coverings and carpets.
• Health problems for occupants.

Mr Agnew said, "timber in houses normally has an in-service moisture content of between 12% and 20%. After standing in water, timber will absorb moisture and may take months for the moisture content to return to what if was. It must drop to 12-16% before wall linings are replaced.
“Damaged sarking or building paper in external walls may need to be replaced. This will require the cladding to be removed on the outside of the house where the damage occurs. It is not sufficient to staple new sarking to the studs on the inside". "When reinstating wall or ceiling insulation, take the opportunity to upgrade to the best practice for the area."
Any framing reinstatement work must be carried out in accordance with the Building Code, including bracing and/or any tie-down metalwork as required. Seek advice from the local council if in doubt.