Challenge
In the aftermath of a severe storm, a tree fell on the roof of St. Helena Elementary School, causing significant damage to the facility. An immediate response was necessary to extract water, place dehumidifiers, and limit the spread of damage.
The school faced a large loss, with extensive contents affected, walls damaged, and standing water present on the gym floor, both on top and underneath the surface. Swift action was required to prevent further deterioration and prepare the school for repairs.
Proposed Solution
West Coast Fire & Water mobilized quickly to address the urgent needs of St. Helena Elementary School. The team implemented a multi-faceted approach to mitigate damage and facilitate repairs.
1. Extraction & Roof Tarping
The team first extracted any remaining water from the affected areas. A roof tarp was installed to cover the opening created by the fallen tree, preventing additional water intrusion.
2. Mopping & Drying
The standing water was mopped up, and three desiccant dehumidifiers were deployed to aid in the drying process. This helped to stabilize the environment within the school while preventing preventing further damage to building materials.
3. Demolition Planning
West Coast collaborated with the school district to strategize the removal of contents from affected areas to make way for the demolition process. Within a couple of days, the demolition was completed, allowing for effective drying of all necessary building materials.
4. Specialized Drying Techniques
To salvage the gym floor, the team removed the baseboards around its perimeter and utilized air movers to blow hot dry air beneath the surface, facilitating thorough drying without compromising the flooring.
5. Transition to Repairs
Once the drying process was completed, the project was handed over to West Coast’s sister company, Bridges Construction, who proceeded with roof repairs, structural beam repairs, HVAC system repairs, & wall painting.
Results
The comprehensive and prompt response by West Coast Fire & Water successfully mitigated further damage and set the stage for restoration. The strategic use of dehumidifiers and specialized drying techniques saved the gym floor, allowing it to remain functional for the school community.
By effectively managing the water extraction, demolition, and drying processes, West Coast Fire & Water ensured that the school was on track for timely repairs without significant delays.
