The Story of a Basement that Suffered Damage from a Collapsed Ceiling in Wildwood, MO

What Did We Discover?

Upon arrival, our team found that the damage spanned several rooms, including a bedroom and closet, bathroom, living room, game room, kitchen, and the staircase leading to the main floor. The most severe damage was in the game room, where part of the ceiling had collapsed due to water saturation. Visible watermarks and bubbling paint covered many walls, and there was a strong, musty odor, signaling prolonged moisture exposure.

Assessment and Planning

Our first step was to examine the damage using moisture meters. We discovered high moisture levels in the walls, flooring, and ceiling, which meant we needed to tear out most of the materials in order to dry the moisture completely.

Based on our assessment, we developed a detailed plan of action:

• Remove damaged materials to prevent further structural damage.
• Use professional-grade drying equipment to remove excess moisture.
• Monitor humidity levels to prepare a safe environment for repairs.

Execution: Step-by-Step Mitigation

The mitigation process involved these four steps:

1. Debris Removal and Demolition: We started by carefully removing all materials that had soaked up water. We tore out the drywall, ceilings, flooring and insulation throughout the rooms. We also removed one part of the baseboards as we noticed visible watermarks on them. In the game room, we cleaned up debris and removed any remaining loose material from the collapsed ceiling.
2. Drying and Dehumidification: Once we cleared out the space, we set up industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers in strategic locations. These worked together to circulate air and extract moisture from the walls, floors, and air. The equipment ran continuously for several days, ensuring all affected areas were thoroughly dried.
3. Monitoring Progress: Throughout the process, we used moisture meters to monitor the drying progress. This step was necessary to be sure that hidden moisture behind walls or under flooring was gone. Any missed moisture could lead to long-term issues like mold growth or further structural damage.
4. Final Cleanup: Once the drying phase was complete, we thoroughly cleaned the area to prepare it for the next steps in restoration. Although mold remediation wasn’t part of our scope, we ensured the bathroom was prepped for the specialized team to handle the existing mold problem.

Quick Response, Happy Client

Thanks to our quick action, we prevented further damage and made the space ready for restoration. The homeowner was relieved to find their basement in stable condition when they returned. We provided them with a detailed report of our work, moisture readings, and recommendations for the next steps, including hiring a mold remediation specialist and rebuilding the damaged areas.



Expert Water Mitigation with ABC Environmental Contracting Services

At ABC Environmental Contracting Services, we understand how stressful water damage can be, especially when disaster strikes when you are away from your home. By acting quickly and professionally, we ensure our clients can move forward with confidence, knowing their home is safe and secure. If you’re dealing with water damage, give us a call at (314) 668-1509 or fill out the form on our website. We’re here to help, just like we helped this family in Wildwood, MO.