Complete Water Damage Restoration of the Administration Block
When Avondale College in Auckland discovered significant water ingress affecting two large bay windows in their main Administration Block, they called upon the expertise of Max Style Ltd to investigate and resolve the issue. What began as a routine inspection quickly revealed a complex water damage situation requiring comprehensive water damage restoration.
Initial Assessment and Emergency Measures
Upon arrival, our team identified extensive water damage that had compromised structural elements, including rotten flooring that presented immediate safety concerns. Prioritizing safety above all else, Max Style implemented temporary repairs to address the hazardous flooring conditions while conducting a thorough investigation to identify the root cause of the persistent water ingress.
The investigation revealed multiple contributing factors, including inadequate flashing at critical junctions, insufficient drainage capacity, and structural issues that were allowing water to penetrate the building envelope.
Developing a Comprehensive Restoration Plan
Following our detailed assessment, Max Style presented Avondale College with a comprehensive proposal outlining the necessary remedial work required to permanently resolve the water damage issues:
Flashing and Drainage Improvements
Our plan included inspection and repair of existing flashing at all critical junctions where water penetration was occurring. Additionally, we recommended installing suitable rainheads and scuppers on gutters to better manage increased water flow during heavy rainfall events—a critical improvement for Auckland’s climate.
Window, Wall, Ceiling and Floor Repairs
The proposal addressed all damaged areas in windows, walls, ceilings, and floors that had been compromised by prolonged water exposure. This included complete restoration of affected materials to prevent mold growth and further structural deterioration.
Roofing Collaboration
We identified the need to coordinate with the roofing contractor for specialized building work, including the potential removal of a curved upstand on the roof that was impeding proper water flow into gutters, along with installation of new downpipes to improve drainage capacity.
Executing the Restoration Project
With client approval secured, Max Style mobilized to execute the comprehensive remediation works during the 2023/2024 Christmas holiday period, minimizing disruption to school operations. The water damage restoration project included:
Bay Window Restoration
The team completed removal and full reinstatement of the bay window in the passage, replacing timber sills, window seats, rotten framing, and damaged flooring. Upon reinstallation, all corner joints were meticulously sealed to ensure water tightness.
Roof Repairs and Modifications
The semi-circular bay window area was completely re-roofed after strategically reshaping the upstand to improve stormwater drainage capacity during heavy rain events. All damaged roof framing was replaced, and window glazing joints were thoroughly resealed to create a watertight barrier.
Interior Restoration
To complete the restoration process, all water-damaged wall linings were replaced, restoring the interior spaces to their original condition while eliminating any traces of water damage.
Successful Outcome
Following the successful completion of this complex water damage restoration project, Avondale College has reported significant improvements in building performance. The previously problematic area is now fully watertight, with all stormwater dispersal devices functioning optimally as designed.
Most importantly, subsequent heavy rainfall events throughout the year have not resulted in any further water ingress—an outcome that has greatly satisfied the school administration. The comprehensive approach to both identifying and addressing the root causes of water damage, rather than simply treating the symptoms, has delivered a lasting solution for the Administration Block.
