THE PUBLICATION of the Pitt Report in June last year recognised that neither insurers, loss adjusters, nor indeed contractors knew what they were doing with regard to flood restoration or recovery in the recent floods affecting Hull, Sheffield, and Gloucester, writes JEFF CHARLTON of Claimtech.
From national damage and environmental audits and inspections undertaken since the Lewes floods in 2000 the following are typical findings of contractor/loss adjuster incompetence and potential for litigation:
• Unnecessary rip-out and soft demolition.
• Failure to initiate controls or adequate salvage.
• Ineffective drying resulting in long delays.
• Failure to dry properly resulting in secondary damage and mould.
• Failure to clean or decontaminate properly.
• Failure to issue meaningful drying or sanitation certification
• Uncontrolled spread of asbestos during rip-out (Artex etc).
These issues historically have been undiscovered or ignored, but new measurement and analysis techniques mean that longtail claims years after the initial event can be now be pursued.
New build, too, is now under scrutiny as novel building techniques and new materials are utilised by unskilled labour. Missing insulation, poor jointing and air or heat loss can materialise as condensation and resultant mould. Mould is now seen as a very serious health issue, with dead mould recognised as a greater threat than live or viable growth.
Surveyors are not equipped or trained to identify these issues, which invariably require the use of high tech infrared fusion cameras, air sampling techniques and specialist laboratories. Claimtech provides auditing and inspection services coupled to expert witness support. Contact 08700 789 999; or visit www.claimtech.co.uk.