Get Expert Advice Urges Trade Body in Morpeth Flood Aftermath

A trade body representing the flood damage repair industry is urging property and home owners in Morpeth to get in touch for professional advice following the recent floods.

The Property Care Association (PCA) suggests householders affected by water damage get expert help on how to care for their homes.

Earlier this year the PCA developed the Flood Remediation Group in a bid to tackle a spate of problematic repairs to flood damaged buildings, including Hull, which sustained severe flooding in 2007.

The PCA’s Flood Remediation Group has held discussions with organisations including the National Flood Forum, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Building Research Establishment in two key areas  - to standardise more effective flood repairs after homes have been affected and to develop ways to help make homes more flood proof.

Part of the Group’s remit is to use the expertise of PCA members - who specialise in waterproofing buildings, as well as damp proofing - to tackle the issue.

Yasmin Chopin, chief executive of the PCA, formerly the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA), said: “We would urge people to be aware of ‘cowboy contractors’ offering a quick fix solution.

“In areas such as Hull, we have seen some householders suffer because contractors with little or no understanding of the effects of water in buildings have carried out remedial work. 

“Homes have been repaired and then around six months later householders are dealt a double blow because the property is blighted by damp and they have to leave their home again for more repairs to be carried out.

“PCA members can offer professional advice on drying-out buildings and what work needs to be done afterwards.

“They can also measure and monitor damp levels and prevent damp, dry rot and other problems taking their toll on a structure months, or even years, later.”

The PCA is a member of TrustMark, the scheme supported by government to help property owners find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople to make home improvements.

To join the Association, contractors are all carefully vetted before being awarded membership - and are then subject to rigorous auditing procedures once admitted.

The PCA has a dedicated page of advice about flooding at www.property-care.org/about-us/flooding or contact 0870 1216737.