A homeowner in Fintona contacted PCLA after a long-running water leak caused significant damage to the hallway, kitchen, and living room floors. Their insurer initially disputed parts of the claim, offering just £6,600 — far short of what was needed for full reinstatement. PCLA were asked to review the evidence, document the true extent of damage, and manage negotiations with the insurer.
The Problem – Hidden Damage and Homeowner Stress
The client, who lived in a detached family home, first noticed the issue when damp patches began appearing near the hall skirting boards. The smell of moisture and the spread of staining soon made the problem impossible to ignore.
“We just wanted the house dry again — you start worrying about mould and what you can’t see under the floor.”
They had already reported the claim to their insurer but felt out of their depth trying to challenge the low offer. The process was stressful and confusing, with technical details they didn’t feel qualified to dispute.
Our Investigation – Identifying the True Source and Extent of Damage
On inspection, PCLA identified a burst heating pipe beneath the hall floor as the source of the leak. The slow escape of water had affected adjoining rooms, with visible damage to flooring, skirting, and subfloor timbers.
Our team carried out comprehensive moisture mapping, taking readings across multiple areas. Elevated readings of 22–25% moisture content were recorded behind the hall partition wall and under kitchen base units. These findings demonstrated that the damage extended well beyond the visible damp patches originally considered by the insurer.
Within 48 hours, PCLA compiled photographic evidence and a line-by-line schedule of works, detailing the full scope of reinstatement required — including flooring replacement, plaster drying, and redecorating in all affected rooms.
PCLA — How We Help
We manage the full insurance process so homeowners don’t have to.
Assess
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The Turning Point – How the Evidence Changed the Outcome
The insurer’s loss adjuster had initially classified some areas as “pre-existing” or “not directly affected,” limiting the settlement. PCLA’s report, supported by quantified moisture readings and photographs, showed a clear pattern of progressive damage consistent with a hidden pipe leak — a peril covered under the policy’s “escape of water” clause.
Following technical discussions and submission of our report, the insurer revised its position. The revised settlement reflected the full reinstatement cost based on our documented evidence.
Outcome – Fair Settlement and Full Reinstatement Secured
The claim was finalised at £11,000, nearly double the insurer’s initial offer. This allowed full reinstatement of all affected areas, including flooring and redecoration.
For the homeowner, the outcome brought both relief and reassurance — the property was restored properly, and they avoided the uncertainty of living with damp or hidden damage. The process ended not with confrontation, but with fairness restored.
Local Expertise – PCLA Support for Homeowners in Fintona
PCLA provide independent loss assessor services across Fintona and the wider County Tyrone area, helping homeowners handle escape of water and property damage insurance claims from start to finish.
📞 Call 028 8280 0120 to arrange your free claim review.
