Major Water Damage in a North Ryde Strata: A Case Study in Advanced Remediation

When a water leak occurs in a high-end apartment building, the stakes are incredibly high. The risk of damage spreading to neighbouring units and common property requires a rapid, technologically advanced, and meticulously managed response. Our team was recently called to an emergency water damage event in a North Ryde strata building, where a leak from an upper-level unit had caused catastrophic damage to the apartment below.

The Emergency Response: Same-Day Advanced Diagnostics

We were on-site the same day to assess the situation. The entire unit was affected. Our first step was to understand the full extent of the water's travel through the concrete structure. Using a Flir thermal imaging camera, we mapped the moisture spread across the ceilings and walls. To quantify the saturation level within the concrete itself—a crucial step—we used a Trotec T660 moisture meter, a specialised device for dense materials. The data confirmed widespread contamination, requiring a full-unit remediation and disposal of all contents. A detailed scope of work and quote was created and approved by the client and strata.

The Strategy: Advanced Containment for a Multi-Unit Building

In a shared building, preventing cross-contamination is paramount. For this large-scale project, we divided the apartment into three distinct work zones. We established full containment using the Zipwall® system and created a decontamination chamber for safe entry and exit.

To guarantee the safety of neighbouring apartments, we installed an OMNIGUARD 511-OG6-INT pressure monitor. This advanced device continuously monitors and records the negative air pressure within our containment, ensuring it is maintained at a minimum of -8 Pascals. With Wi-Fi connectivity, it provides our team and the strata manager with real-time proof that our containment is 100% effective and that no airborne contaminants are escaping.

The Process: Meticulous Remediation from Start to Finish

• Day 1-2: Full Content & Carpet Disposal: Given the high level of contamination, all personal contents and carpets were deemed non-salvageable. After arranging for a skip bin, our team, in full PPE, carefully bagged all items in 200um plastic with a 'goose-neck' seal for safe disposal.

• Day 3: Decontaminating the Concrete Structure: Cleaning mould from hard surfaces like concrete requires a physical approach. Our technicians used a combination of HEPA vacuums, wire brushes, and abrasive sanding to remove all surface mould growth.

• Day 4: Final HEPA Vacuum and Damp Wipe: With the source removed, we performed a final, detailed cleaning of all surfaces within the containment zone to ensure all microscopic particles were removed.

  
  

The Final Phase: Structural Drying & Verification

Day 5 - 15: A Scientific Drying Process Drying saturated concrete is a slow, scientific process that cannot be rushed. We installed our Drymatic thermal targeting drying equipment to apply controlled, consistent heat to the structure. This long-duration drying phase, which took 10 days, is essential for pulling all trapped moisture out of the dense concrete and timber frames. Once our Trotec moisture meters confirmed the structure was back to a dry standard, the project was ready for the final step: calling in an independent hygienist for Post-Remediation Verification (PRV) and a clearance certificate.

This large-scale project in North Ryde showcases the level of technology, process control, and documentation required for major water damage events in premium strata buildings. From advanced moisture detection and real-time pressure monitoring to a meticulous remediation protocol, every step was designed to deliver a safe, guaranteed result and provide complete peace of mind to the owner, the neighbours, and the strata corporation.

Photos from this mould remediation job in North Ryde

the ceiling in this hallway is covered in black mould growth

photo of the bedroom ceiling and wall covered in mould

If you are a strata manager, loss adjuster, or homeowner dealing with a large-scale or complex water damage event, contact our specialist team to discuss our advanced remediation and project management solutions.

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.

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.