Trade body new group to tackle flood remediation

The Property Care Association has launched a new group focused on the issue of flood remediation.

A broad range of industry representatives working with flooding and its effects on homeowners and businesses are to attend the first meeting of the PCA's Flood Remediation Group, which takes place on 3 September 2008 at RIBA in London.

The move comes as the Pitt Review issued earlier this year called for 'urgent and fundamental' changes to the way the country is adapting to the increased risk of flooding.

Representatives with an interest in flooding and its aftermath are welcome to give their opinion on how the PCA Flood Remediation Group could work within the complex range of agencies that have an interest in the subject - and its expectations for the future.

Yasmin Chopin, executive director of the PCA, formerly the BWPDA, said: "It has become clear to us over the last few years that consumers and insurers have to gamble when appointing contractors to undertake repairs following flooding events".

Often, it is necessary to employ general building contractors who have little or no understanding of the effects of water in buildings and this can often lead to future problems.

"Members of the PCA deal with water ingress problems daily and their experience in providing solutions in respect of rising and penetrating dampness can easily be, and is regularly applied to flooded buildings".

The PCA Flood Remediation Group will advise on a number of issues, including the development of reinstatement solutions better able to cope with the damage caused by water ingress.

Other areas of investigation include products and techniques that would allow a building to be repaired and reoccupied before the fabric of the building is completely dry without compromising the repair or living conditions.

The PCA is recognised for its high levels of technical expertise and created a specialist panel of experts to support surveyors, architects and other experts with detailed enquiries earlier this year.

Each year, the Association - which represents the UK's damp proofing, timber preservation, structural waterproofing and structural maintenance industries - fields thousands of calls from property professionals requesting information on issues including flood repair advice.

To find out more about the new PCA Flood Remediation Group contact Eleana Askew at Eleana@property-care.org or by telephone on 0870 121 6737.

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