Strip Out Services
Specialist strip-out, cleaning and sanitisation services preparing buildings safely for drying and reinstatement.
Enquire
Why choose us for strip-out, cleaning and sanitisation?
We offer specialist strip-out services. Our services support the full range of insurance disaster reinstatement requirements. This type of work is generally provided to clients who have also engaged us to provide the necessary reinstatement repair work to complete the project.
There are significant advantages when both Strip-Out and Reinstatement services are undertaken by the same contractor. A detailed record can made of what was present prior to strip-out, to include how the building looked, the quality of fittings, important positions recorded on plans and knowledgeable decisions made on what must be renewed, or what may be retained and renovated to retain the character of a building.
Restoration Process
As part of our restoration process, we regularly clean and decontaminate affected areas, from domestic homes to commercial offices to schools and public buildings. Decontamination is an essential step to complete the pre-restoration process and makes it safe for the buildings to be repaired. SD has particular expertise in dealing with dilapidations, flood and fire-damaged buildings, with or without contaminated materials.
Before commencing any project, we conduct thorough risk assessments, which include assessing whether hazardous materials are present. Surveys identify which materials are damaged beyond repair and which can be salvaged, and then detailed project plans are developed to provide transparency and defined costs.
Our experienced teams will then prepare the damaged areas for either a drying program or for the reinstatement repair work to commence.
Strip Out
The first step is the initial strip out. This process includes removing any damaged kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, flooring, render and plaster, partition walls, and a host of fittings. We recommend that the strip-out be undertaken in advance of drying, as there is little logic in drying items which will later become waste, and which may slow down the drying process of the retained building fabric.
Where drying is known to be necessary, a strip-out may include work designed to speed up the drying process; this may be as simple as stripping wallpapers and paint from wet walls or carefully removing plinths from beneath kitchen units. Should a plan for strip-out affect the structural integrity of any aspect of a building, then we can call upon our experienced reinstatement staff for advice or employ a structural engineer if the need arises.
Decontamination & Cleaning
It's an important step for any restoration project, from removing sewage from a bathroom to cleaning black soot from a wall. Often overlooked, a cleaning assessment must occur, even for a minor project.
Contamination should always be removed and not hidden or painted over. Typically, our work involves the removal of smoke residues, mould, sewerage and silts left after flood water has subsided. The potential harm to humans caused by moulds, smoke residues and sewerage contamination must not be underestimated. The effects can be both short-term and permanent. Black Smoke Residue, particularly that created by fires burning plastic and electronics, contains powerful acids, dioxins, PCBs, furans, mercury, etc., all linked to skin conditions, respiratory issues, cancers, and hormone/immune system damage.
Mould and Sewerage health risks are now well documented in the media and include allergic reactions, Asthma and respiratory problems, infections, immune system stress, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and parasitic worms.
Often, the harmful effects of these contaminants become more pronounced as a building is dried and they become airborne.
Disinfection / Sterilisation
Thirdly, Disinfection or Sterilisation. An important step to ensure the remaining building fabric is hygienic and safe. Sterilisation of surfaces may be required, as may the removal of residual odours. Where necessary, swabs can be collected and sent for laboratory analysis to ensure the building is free of harmful bacteria and organisms.
All the above processes are carried out to ensure rigorous compliance with H&S building safety, environmental, and waste management regulations. Our team follow prescribed safety protocols to safeguard workers and anyone affected by our work.
During all aspects of our work, the 'Making Safe' of mechanical and electrical services is carried out by qualified engineers. Removal of any dangerous materials, such as asbestos or harmful moulds, is always undertaken by approved contractors.
We plan work to minimise client disruption and delays. Waste is managed to ensure safe disposal and maximise recycling. SD aims to avoid any landfill disposal and ensure we use waste management companies that fully recycle.
