Buildings

A drying programme will be discussed with you. The technician will arrange to monitor regularly the reduction of moisture in the building structure and air.

It is very difficult to determine the exact length of time it will take to dry the property. It depends on many factors, such as:

• The length of time the building has been exposed to water
• The amount of moisture that has been absorbed
• How deeply the walls and have been penetrated
• The types of materials used in construction

Regular measuring and monitoring will provide ongoing progress records. These records will monitor the relative humidity and temperature of the building, so as to establish a balanced drying environment.

Our technician will agree appointments with you while at the property or, if that is not possible, we will telephone you to make the next appointment.

It is vital that the drying equipment installed, such as dehumidifiers, be used as directed by the technician, as the longer the equipment is allowed to operate, the shorter the drying time will be. If the drying process is not completed thoroughly, serious problems may arise at a later date.

Buildings If damage has been caused to decorations and fixtures, these will most likely be dealt with separately by your insurance company or loss adjuster. They may have appointed decorators or building contractors already to provide estimates.

Rainbow International’s priority is to leave the structure in a safe and suitable condition for other subcontractors to complete their work.

When the restoration work has been completed, you will be asked by the technician to confirm your satisfaction by signing a form. This will enable us to submit a final report to your insurance company for prompt settlement.

Contents

After the emergency work has been completed, our technician will make an assessment of contents to determine whether successful restoration is possible.

Other specialists such as furniture restorers, electrical engineers and upholsterers may be needed to inspect damaged items. Our technician or your loss adjuster will discuss this with you.

Once this assessment has been completed, an estimate detailing items that can be restored economically will be provided to your insurance company or loss adjuster for their approval.

Items that are beyond economical restoration will be identified and, with your approval, listed and removed. Your insurance company or loss adjuster will need a list of these items to arrange for replacement or settlement.

Fire & Water Damage – Your Questions Answered

What does a dehumidifier do?

It controls the humidity levels of the atmosphere in the affected areas. Basically, this means it removes water from the air in the property to return the property to its pre-damaged state.

Why do dehumidifiers need to run all the time?

It is important that the equipment is left running continuously, to ensure that your property dries as quickly as possible.

How will you know when my property is completely dry?

Our technicians will take regular readings to find out the moisture levels in your property, and they will be pleased to discuss them with you. When the drying process is complete, we issue a Certificate of Dryness to your insurance company to prove that we have returned your property to its pre-damaged state.

What if my dehumidifier stops working?

Please contact your local Rainbow International branch immediately. The contact number is printed on the back cover of this booklet.

Will the dehumidifier affect someone with breathing difficulties, e.g. asthma?

Sometimes, if the equipment is used in confined spaces, the reduced moisture content may aggravate some respiratory problems. Damp conditions may also have an effect on people or pets with such a condition.

Is the equipment safe?

All the equipment we use is tested regularly. However, as with all electrical equipment, please ensure your children and pets are kept away.

Should I open the windows and doors?

If dehumidifiers have been installed, windows and doors should be kept shut to prevent moist air from entering the affected area. If no dehumidifiers are installed, then the technician will advise you.

The walls look and feel dry, so why do you still need the dehumidifiers?

The surface of the walls and floors will look and feel dry, but moisture becomes trapped inside the walls, so it is important to complete the drying process. If this is not done, after a short time the moisture inside the walls will move back to the surface and signs of water damage will reappear, such as patches on newly painted walls and possible mould growth. In worst cases, the building structure can be affected.

Is it safe for me to stay in my home if it has been by contaminated water?

This should be discussed and agreed between your claims adviser or loss adjuster and our technician. In all cases, the affected areas will be cleaned and sanitised by our technicians in case there are any harmful bacteria present in the flood water.