Polygon Finland collaborates with experts to create a Building Damage Investigation and Repair Guide

In Finland, several regulations and guidelines governing construction have been revised over the past five years. These Ministry of the Environment regulations are compulsory for both new construction projects and renovations. The Finance Finland Association's general guidelines on the subject are around 15 years old, and in some cases are outdated. As a result, experts were called upon to assist with Building Damage Investigations and Repair Guidance.

To prepare the guide a steering group was assembled, which included members from The Ministry of the Environment, the Finance Finland Association, the Property Management Association, the Real Estate Association, the Finnish Association of Damage Restoration Companies and some of its members, including Polygon Finland Oy.

Excerpts from the contents of the guide

• The main emphasis of the guide is on defining the whole of the damage process by dividing the process into two parts: A) investigation and classification, and B) assessment of further measures and determination of the need for repair.
  
  
• The choice of the operating model for the process is based on the classification of the damage as either minor, demanding or exceptionally demanding, to be determined based on the input data obtained during the investigation phase.
  
  
• The competence requirements for investigations, damage classification and the definition of follow-up measures and repair planning are defined.
  
  
• During the investigation visit, the possibility of immediate measures to prevent further damage must be assessed.
  
  
• Old structures may require changes. In the context of an investigation of sudden leakage damage, long-term damage related to the way the structures are made is also sometimes observed. These deficiencies and damages may require major structural changes during the restoration work, as the laws and regulations governing construction must also be complied with in all damage-related measures.
  
  
• The adequacy of the initial data is the responsibility of the site repair planner, who must determine the construction method of the building and the moisture technical functionality of the structure and assess whether the structures can be repaired in accordance with the same construction method. In the case of demanding and exceptionally demanding damage cases, the repair planner must assess whether the project permit threshold has been exceeded and, if necessary, contact the local building inspectorate.
  
  
• As a special feature of the types of damage, the guide deals with sewer leak, fire damage, major damage, and damage during construction.

Polygon’s steering group representative is a well-known and respected industry expert

Polygon Finland's representative in the expert group was WDR Manager Hannu Kärki. He was active in the project and is a well-known and respected expert in the industry. He was asked to present the guide to all member companies of the Damage Restoration Association.

In Hannu's opinion, the guide brings clarity to the damage investigation and repair process once all parties understand the operating models and the factors for consideration. The guide is intended for buyers, damage inspectors, repair planners and implementers. The guide also contains useful information for the injured party, property owners and representatives of insurance companies.