From Emergency Response to Full Remediation in Cranebrook

When a pipe bursts or a roof fails during a storm, the first 24-48 hours are the most critical period for preventing long-term structural damage and widespread mould growth. Our Penrith team was recently called to a home in Cranebrook facing this exact situation—a heavy water damage event that required immediate, professional intervention.

This case study details our "first responder" protocol, which is the essential first step in a complex remediation journey, and explains the structured process of working with insurance.

The "Make Safe" - Our First Responder Protocol

When we arrive at a water damage emergency, our primary goal is control. We need to immediately stop further damage and stabilise the environment to inhibit microbial growth while the full scope of repairs is determined. This "make safe" phase is designed to protect your property and your family's health right from the very beginning.

The Immediate Actions on Site in Cranebrook

Our technicians immediately began a multi-faceted process to get the situation under control:

1. Preliminary Water Extraction

   The first step is to remove the bulk of the water. Using powerful, commercial-grade extraction equipment, we pulled litres of water from the saturated carpets and underlay to prevent it from soaking deeper into the subfloor and wall structures.

2. Setup of Air Movers

   Next, dozens of industrial air movers were strategically placed. These high-velocity fans create powerful, targeted airflow across all wet surfaces, dramatically accelerating the evaporation of trapped moisture from the carpets and surrounding building materials.

3. HEPA Air Scrubber Installation

   This is a crucial, non-negotiable step for health and safety. As materials begin to dry, mould spores can become airborne. We immediately set up multiple HEPA Air Scrubbers to run 24/7. These machines capture microscopic particles like mould spores from the air, purifying the environment and protecting the family's health.

4. Daily Monitoring

   The drying process is not "set and forget." Our technicians returned to the Cranebrook property daily to take moisture readings with specialised meters, adjust equipment placement, and track the progress, ensuring the structure was drying as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The Critical Pause - Working with Hygienists and Insurers

With the immediate threat contained and the drying process underway, the project entered a planned pause. This is a critical part of a professional, insurance-based project. An independent Environmental Hygienist created a detailed report outlining the necessary scope of work for the full mould remediation.

This report was submitted to the homeowner's insurance company, and we are now waiting for their appointed loss adjuster to complete their analysis. This structured process is the correct way to handle major water damage, ensuring that the remediation plan is comprehensive, based on scientific data, and that the homeowner's insurance claim is properly managed.

Photos from the Cranebrook jobsite

air movers on the floor drying the wet carpets

image of HEPA air scrubber on the floor

What's Next? Full Remediation & The Insurance Process

Our team is scheduled to return to the Cranebrook site at the end of this month (June 2025) to begin the full mould remediation based on the approved scope of work.

Navigating an insurance claim for water and mould damage can be a complex and confusing process for homeowners. Because this is such an important topic, we will be detailing that entire process in a future blog post. If you want to know more about how mould remediation with an insurance claim works, stay tuned!

If you are facing a water damage emergency in the Penrith or Western Sydney area, don't wait. Call the team that understands the complete process, from immediate response to final sign-off. Contact us for emergency advice and service.

About the Author

Michael Nguyen is the founder of AAA Mould Removal and a leading expert in mould remediation and building science. His mission is to help Sydney residents maintain healthy indoor environments through scientifically-backed, professional remediation services.

Certifications

With a unique combination of hands-on and academic expertise, Michael's qualifications are extensive:

• IICRC Certified: Water Damage Restoration, Applied Microbial Remediation & Applied Structural Drying.

• Microbiology: Completed specialised study in Microbiology at RMIT University.

• Licensed Builder & Carpenter with a Diploma in Building & Construction.

• Current University Studies: Double Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science and Environmental Science at Macquarie University.

  
  

This deep understanding of building structures, environmental science, and microbiology allows Michael to diagnose the root cause of mould problems, not just treat the symptoms. He specialises in residential and commercial mould removal, black mould treatment, and water damage restoration.

Need a true expert to assess your property? Contact AAA Mould Removal today for a comprehensive mould inspection.