The Problem: Severe water damage to flooring
Water damage can be devastating, causing structural issues, mould growth, unpleasant odours, and even electrical hazards. The risks are even greater in public buildings, where damp conditions can lead to respiratory issues and other health concerns for occupants.
This was the unfortunate scenario faced by a construction company in Aylesbury. They had just completed a brand-new gymnasium for a secondary school, featuring a solid wooden sprung floor with underfloor heating. Everything was on track for the grand opening in a few weeks, but disaster struck.
What happened?
During routine pressure testing of the fire sprinkler system, thousands of litres of water were accidentally released, causing a complete gym flood.
Key Concerns:
- Extensive water damage beneath the wooden flooring.
- Risk of missing the grand opening deadline due to lengthy repairs.
- Potential need for complete floor replacement, leading to huge costs and delays.
- Complications with underfloor heating, making standard drying methods ineffective.
A full floor replacement was the worst-case scenario. Not only would it be extremely expensive, but the lead time for materials and installation could set the project back months. The construction company urgently needed a solution that would remove excess water, dry the floor effectively, and salvage as much of the original structure as possible.
The Solution: Water restoration & targeted specialist drying
Understanding the tight deadline, we immediately deployed our water damage restoration team to assess the extent of the moisture build-up and begin the drying process.
Since the water had penetrated beneath the floorboards, traditional drying methods wouldn’t be enough. We needed a targeted, high-efficiency drying strategy that could:
- Extract moisture from multi-layered flooring without causing damage.
- Work alongside the underfloor heating system, rather than against it.
- Deliver rapid results to meet the school’s opening deadline.
Specialist drying techniques used:
Pressure drying with Corroventa equipment
- One of the fastest and most efficient methods for layered structures.
- Heated, dried air was pushed beneath the flooring using a turbine, forcing moisture to escape.
- The expelled damp air was then reprocessed until the floor was completely dry.
DBK Blanket System – Targeted heat drying
- These heat blankets accelerate the evaporation of moisture within wooden flooring.
- This method minimised disruption while ensuring thorough drying.
- Combined with air movers and dehumidifiers, it extracted deep-set moisture from the gym floor.
Additional water removal equipment
- Wet vacuums and water pumps for initial flood water extraction.
- Dehumidifiers to regulate humidity and prevent secondary damage.
Key equipment used:
- Corroventa Drying System – Industry-leading moisture extraction technology.
- DBK Blanket System – Heat-powered rapid drying solution.
- Wet-Vacs & Water Pumps – Efficient flood water removal tools.
The Result
- School gymnasium ready for grand opening
- No need for costly floor replacement
- Significant time & cost savings for the client
Our targeted drying strategy was so effective that no structural replacements were necessary which was a huge win for the construction team and the school. This not only saved thousands of pounds in materials and labour but also ensured that the gym opened on time as planned.
By using specialist water damage drying techniques, we:
- Prevented warping and deterioration of the wooden flooring.
- Avoided delays caused by ordering new materials.
- Ensured a safe, dry, and mould-free environment for students and staff.
If you need water damage clean-up and drying, don’t wait! Our team specialises in rapid response drying services, helping businesses, schools, and homeowners save time, money, and unnecessary repairs. Talk to one of the team.
