Flood school fears no refurbishment hope for Queensland flood victims

Experts from the National Flood School fear houses affected by the floods in Australia could suffer a total loss - with the scale of damage beyond comprehension.

According to Chris Netherton, who heads up technical research at the headquarters in Farnham, Surrey, timber structure of the properties in the Queensland region will make refurbishment a challenge.

Founded in 1988, the National Flood School is recognised across the UK and Europe as one of the leaders in the research, development, testing and education of a range of techniques and systems to enhance the restoration of property damaged by flood. It shares its expertise to support and train restoration professionals and provides information and guidance for many other associated industries.

The National Flood School has built and uses The Flood House, located at its headquarters. Believed to be the only purpose-built floodable house in Europe, the structure, comprising of 8 rooms and 60 common household materials, is regularly flooded with 1,500 gallons of water.

The National Flood School is reporting a surge in claims to UK properties, brought on by the recent cold snap.The number of reports of damage caused by burst pipes is said to have increased by ten-fold over the same period last year.