Can I fix flood damage myself or need a professional?« Back to Previous Page
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Our ground floor apartment in Jumeirah flooded during the storm last week. We got the water out with pumps, but now the bottom of the built-in wardrobe and a section of the parquet floor feel soft and spongy, and there's a really strong damp smell in the bedroom. Is this something I can fix myself with a dehumidifier and some DIY, or is this a sign of serious damage that needs a professional restoration company to assess, and what would that kind of inspection usually cost?
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Based on your description, that soft, spongy feel in the parquet and wardrobe is a major red flag. In the UAE's climate, this is a critical situation that absolutely requires a professional assessment. You're not just dealing with surface water; that sponginess indicates water has wicked up into the structural subfloor and potentially the wall cavities behind the wardrobe. A dehumidifier can only remove ambient moisture, it cannot address the water trapped inside building materials.
The "damp smell" is a clear indicator of active microbial growth – mold has already begun to colonize the wet organic materials (wood, MDF, gypsum board). DIY attempts often just spread these spores and mask the problem, leading to long-term indoor air quality issues and potential health risks, which is a violation of Dubai Municipality's public health and housing standards. Our professional inspection involves thermal imaging to map the exact extent of moisture intrusion, deep-probe moisture meters to quantify saturation levels in structural elements, and air quality testing to identify spore types and concentrations. We then provide a detailed remediation protocol. For a ground floor apartment of that description, a comprehensive inspection and detailed report typically ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 2,500, depending on the affected area's size. Do not delay. For a proper assessment to prevent further structural damage and safeguard your health, call our experts at 800-MOLDS or email us at hello@saniservice.com. |
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