BEFORE AND AFTER: GARAGE SEWAGE DAMAGE REMEDIATION PROJECT

Discoloration visible on the garage ceiling drywall, with drywall seams becoming pronounced and appearing to separate, indicating possible moisture intrusion above the ceiling area. Moisture meter readings confirmed the drywall was wet. 

Infrared thermal imaging identified darker anomalies representing lower surface temperatures, consistent with evaporative cooling typically associated with elevated moisture content. Results suggest moisture migration beyond the visibly affected area. 

Prior to any demolition activities, a containment chamber was constructed and maintained under negative pressure to prevent potential airborne particulate or microbial contamination from migrating beyond the work area during disturbance of building materials. (Photo has been modified to protect the occupant’s contents.) 

The wet area was marked before removal. Drywall was carefully taken down in small pieces to limit disturbance, then double-bagged for disposal. Microbial growth was observed on both sides of the drywall, along the bottom of the ceiling joists (white growth on the far joist and dark growth on the next joist), and on the facing of the insulation touching the drywall. 

Upon further inspection, an intermittent leak was identified at the location of a previously patched 4" waste line. Chew marks on the Fernco fitting suggest rodent activity. This failure only reoccurred when multiple facilities were in use simultaneously. 

 Post-microbial remediation, all exposed surfaces were HEPA vacuumed, then sanded with a HEPA sander until all visible signs of growth were removed. A second HEPA vacuuming was performed, followed by the application of a botanical disinfectant. Note that the microbial growth visible in the photo two images prior has been fully removed.