Precise Partial Demolition Supports and Speeds Restoration

When a Slidell property suffers flood damage, whether from a storm, a burst pipe, or a leaking appliance, focusing on the extraction of visible fluids might seem sensible and sufficient to the average homeowner. Unfortunately, floodwater behavior challenges this approach by spreading throughout all spaces in a house, seeping through cracks and crevices, hiding in building cavities and recesses and saturating porous building materials. Failure to account for flooding can permit building materials to deteriorate out of sight, risking weakening and failure of structural integrity and accelerating the potential for microbial growth and damage.

Shining the Spotlight on Concealed Flood Damage

The professionals at Lightspeed Restoration of Covington are well aware of the dangers of trapped, hidden, and absorbed floodwater. We receive training on how flooding can occur, the importance of comprehensive water removal and drying for sustainable restoration, and methods to facilitate water evacuation and drying.

Effective extraction of all liquid water and enhanced evaporation of flood-soaked structural materials and contents requires at least some level of controlled demolition. When discussing various disaster recovery topics, controlled demolition is often mentioned briefly as a flood damage mitigation and remediation strategy. Here, we explore the role of partial or controlled demolition to provide a comprehensive understanding of why it is necessary and how professionals accomplish it.

Professional Demolition Averts Uncontrolled Destruction

Controlled demolition sounds alarming, but it is one of the most effective tools our restoration crews, certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), use to remove trapped moisture and prevent mold or further deterioration. Our IICRC-trained technicians assess the extent of the water spread using specialized water detection and moisture metering tools, as well as infrared imaging. Then, we plan precisely targeted demolition to access hard-to-reach areas without causing unnecessary damage and laying a foundation for streamlined rebuilding. Demolition activity includes:

  • Creating weep holes in ceilings -- These small openings allow trapped water to drain slowly and safely, giving floodwater a passageway out while preventing the collapse of overhead structures. 

  • Drilling or cutting drain holes at wall bases -- These allow water trapped between wall surfaces to drain, providing a way for restorers to attach hoses to suction fluids out and to direct a warm, dry airflow through wet wall cavities, enhancing evaporation and drying.

  • Sawing flood cuts -- Drywall rapidly soaks beyond saving. Trained technicians cut panels cleanly between studs above the waterline to remove damage and allow access for structural drying. Note that we make the cuts several inches above the damage, allowing for the seamless installation of full sheets of drywall during reconstruction.

  • Flooring removal --Crew members select tiles or boards to allow access to moisture in the substrate, directing warm, moving air under the top layers. We sometimes use suction mats or airflow systems to dry flooring layers without having to rip up entire sections.

  • Cinder block drainage -- Holes drilled in mortar joints help drain water pooled inside block walls or foundations to speed up drying.

Controlled Demolition Is Part of the Restoration Continuum

Partial planned demolition is neither chaotic nor random. It is targeted and strategic. Skipping controlled demolition could leave behind hidden moisture, which can lead to mold growth, unpleasant odors, and ongoing structural deterioration. Our mission is to restore your property safely, thoroughly, and as quickly as possible. Once drying is complete, we rebuild, patch holes, replace drywall, reinstall baseboards, and ensure your space looks just like it did before or even better.

Demolition might feel like a step backward, but it is best practice in the skilled hands of Lightspeed Restoration of Covington. Call us at (985) 323-6356, and we will guide you through every step to manage and restore your Slidell flood damage quickly.

Schedule an Appointment

To request a service call you only need to fill out the form below. We will contact you via phone, email, or text to confirm the best appointment time. You will receive an email confirming your service request.

Emergency Service Needed

*All fields required. By submitting this form, you agree to receive calls, text messages, or emails at the contact information provided. Message rates may apply. Text STOP to opt-out at any time. We won’t share your information. Not all locations provide the same services. View our Privacy Policy.

or Call Now (985) 323-6356
Categories