🏘️ Unit Block Storm Flooding – Inner West Sydney | Case Study

By Michael Nguyen

Multi-Unit Emergency Response After Heavy Rainfall

During a recent East Coast low, a unit block in Sydney’s Inner West suffered roof leaks and gutter overflows that led to water ingress in four separate units. Ceiling cavities and light fixtures were dripping water, and several living areas had wet carpets and rising wall moisture.

The property manager contacted AAA Mould Removal urgently to carry out emergency drying across multiple tenancies — with a focus on containment, documentation, and minimising long-term structural damage.

📍 Location: Inner West Sydney🏢 Property Type: Multi-unit apartment block💧 Issue: Ceiling leaks, wet carpets, internal wall moisture🛠 Units Affected: 4📅 Response Time: Same day

Onsite Emergency Action Plan

✅ 1. Moisture Investigation and Leak Tracing

Our certified structural drying technician used:

• Thermal imaging to detect water paths from the roof

• Hygrometers and pin meters to assess ceiling voids, walls, and floors

• Tracer dye tests to identify active leak sources

We found water ingress through failed flashing, which spread via the internal ceiling and ran down partition walls. All affected units were logged separately for transparency and reporting.

✅ 2. Containment and Safety Setup

Before drying began, we installed:

• Containment plastic barriers to isolate each affected zone

• Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration to prevent cross-contamination

• Warning signage and safety lighting in communal hallways

This approach protected both tenants and tradespeople during the restoration process.

Advanced Equipment Used Across All Units

To maximise drying efficiency, we deployed drying equipment suited for apartment environments:

• Desiccant dehumidifiers – ideal for drying wet wall linings and dense ceiling materials

• Axial air movers – powerful airflow with minimal noise

• Drymatic mats – installed for ceiling cavity drying

• Commercial Water Extractors - heavy duty water extractor to remove surface water

• Remote moisture telemetry – installed in two of the units to monitor drying progress 24/7

Drying took 5–6 days per unit, with slight variations depending on materials and airflow restrictions.

🔒 All rooms sealed off with containment📈 Remote moisture logs sent daily🎯 No demolition required

Clean Claims Reporting for Insurance and Strata

Using our Clean Claims CRM reporting platform, we provided:

• Individual reports for each affected unit

• Daily photos and drying log charts

• Moisture readings from pre-drying to clearance

• Technician notes and equipment placement

  
  

This helped both strata and tenants understand:

• The exact nature of the damage

• The work carried out per room

• What was dry, when, and how

🧾 Insurance-compliant documentation provided to strata and tenants📊 4 separate drying logs filed for internal records

Results: No Mould Growth or Long-Term Structural Issues

Because of our rapid response and real-time drying oversight, we achieved:

• Full drying of all rooms without ceiling removal

• No mould detected post-clearance

• Satisfied tenants and strata committee

Photo Gallery From This Project

Image of a technician performing water extraction on carpets in one of the unit

image shows a technician setting yp the drying chamber getting ready for dehumidifiers and fans to dry the units

Why Multi-Unit Flooding Requires Certified Drying Specialists

Apartment blocks often pose unique challenges:

• Shared services (power, ventilation, drainage)

• Access limitations

• Sensitive occupants

• Strata committee approvals

  
  

AAA Mould Removal has extensive experience in multi-unit projects and works with:

• Strata managers

• Insurance assessors

• Property maintenance teams

• Tenants and landlords

💼 Need Professional Structural Drying in Inner West Sydney?

AAA Mould Removal is an IICRC-certified firm serving all of Sydney. We handle complex multi-unit jobs with care, transparency, and full compliance.

We specialise in:

• 🚨 24/7 emergency response

• 🧰 Drying without demolition

• 🔒 Safety containment

• 📈 Daily monitoring + remote oversight

• 🧾 Full documentation for insurance and strata

  
  

📍 Related Services:

• 👉 Flood Damage Services

• 👉 Book a Free Moisture Inspection

• 👉 See Our Monitoring Tech

Call AAA Mould Removal Today

Need help with a wet unit, flooded hallway, or storm-damaged ceiling?

📞 Call 1300 333 654 or book online now for a fast, certified response across the Inner West.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How quickly do you respond to storm or flood emergencies?

We offer a 24/7 rapid‑response service across Sydney. Our team is typically on-site within hours of your call to prevent further water damage and mould growth. AAA Mould Removal+5AAA Mould Removal+5AAA Mould Removal+5

2. What services are included in flood restoration?

Our all‑inclusive water damage restoration covers:

• Immediate water extraction and structural drying

• Remote moisture monitoring with telemetry

• Containment and HEPA air scrubbing

• Full documentation and insurance reporting

3. How long does it take to dry out flood‑affected units?

Drying timelines vary—but most jobs complete within 3–7 days. Inner‑West apartment blocks may take a bit longer if multiple units are involved. 

4. Will insurance assist with costs and documentation?

Absolutely. We generate daily moisture logs, time‑stamped photos, and detailed reports via Clean Claims to support your insurance claim.

5. Do you handle large residential/commercial blocks?

Yes—our IICRC‑certified Applied Structural Drying Inspectors manage both residential and commercial properties, including multi‑unit blocks. 

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 inspection.