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Case Study: Swift Response and Effective Water Damage Mitigation at Auburn, Maine Pet Store

water damage to floor

Job Overview

The flooding was caused by a roof leak, worsened by sudden warm weather after heavy snowfall. A national disaster restoration franchise, contracted with a major pet retail brand, lacked local coverage in Maine and partnered with Octagon Cleaning & Restoration to perform the on-site water extraction and mitigation.

Response Coordination and Communication

Upon receiving the emergency call from a representative at this organization, Octagon's on-call team responded promptly. John, the Project Manager, coordinated logistics and committed to arriving on-site within 1.5 to 3 hours. Octagon's team maintained clear and continuous communication with all stakeholders, ensuring a seamless exchange of updates and documentation.

On-Site Operations

Led by Michael York, the Octagon team swiftly began water extraction and deployed drying equipment across the affected areas. They ensured all safety measures were in place, such as taping down cords to prevent tripping hazards. The team documented the entire process with detailed photographs for transparency and insurance purposes.

Challenges and Solutions

The roof leak continued during rainy conditions, complicating the mitigation process. Octagon implemented repeated extractions and installed a temporary diverter to manage the leakage until permanent repairs could be made.

Effective communication and scheduling were crucial, given the involvement of the pet store, the roofer, and Octagon. The use of text-based clock-ins and detailed documentation facilitated smooth coordination.

The team proactively managed potential hazards and maintained comprehensive photo logs to ensure compliance with client safety standards and insurance requirements.

Challenges and Solutions

Unpredictable Roofing ETA

The roof leak continued during rainy conditions, complicating the mitigation process. Octagon implemented repeated extractions and installed a temporary diverter to manage the leakage until permanent repairs could be made.

Coordination Between Multiple Parties

Effective communication and scheduling were crucial, given the involvement of the pet store, the roofer, and Octagon. The use of text-based clock-ins and detailed documentation facilitated smooth coordination.

Safety and Documentation Requirements

The team proactively managed potential hazards and maintained comprehensive photo logs to ensure compliance with client safety standards and insurance requirements.

Project Progress and Timeline

February 25, 2025

Initial extraction

Initial extraction and drying equipment setup completed on the first evening.

February 25, 2025

February 26, 2025

Continued extraction

Continued extraction and drying processes while awaiting permanent roofing repairs.

February 26, 2025

March 4, 2025

Project invoiced

March 4, 2025

July 3, 2025

Full payment received

July 3, 2025

Results

Octagon’s rapid deployment and effective use of temporary mitigation gear stabilized the situation until permanent solutions were available. Their robust communication protocols and safety-first mindset reinforced client trust and ensured billing transparency.

Client Feedback and Takeaways

The representative from this organization praised Octagon for their swift response, professional communication, and strict adherence to safety and documentation standards. The project underscored the importance of multi-party coordination in commercial water emergencies and revealed opportunities to enhance efficiency in time-sensitive situations.

Key Learnings and Best Practices

  • Rapid deployment is crucial in minimizing property damage during commercial floods.
  • Temporary mitigation gear, such as diverters, can effectively stabilize conditions until permanent repairs are made.
  • Robust communication protocols, including text updates and photo documentation, build trust and support clear billing processes.
  • A safety-first mindset ensures all stakeholders are protected, and compliance is maintained.

Conclusion

Octagon Cleaning & Restoration’s handling of the roof leak at the large pet store in Auburn, Maine, demonstrated their professionalism, efficiency, and adaptability. Through rapid mobilization, effective temporary mitigation, and full documentation, Octagon reinforced its reputation as a reliable partner in commercial restoration, ensuring the pet store could swiftly return to normal operations.

Client Overview

A leading national pet supplies retailer faced an unexpected challenge at their Auburn, Maine location. On February 25, 2025, a significant roof leak resulted in half of the store being flooded, threatening inventory and operations.

Client

Pet Supply Retailer

Job Type

Water Damage Restoration

Timeline

Feb - July 2025

Job Location

Auburn, Maine

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Why Choose Octagon Cleaning & Restoration Services?

Our commitment to excellent service and customer satisfaction shows in everything we do, and it’s the reason we continue to be a top choice for homeowners, insurance professionals, corporations and property management firms throughout Northern New England. We provide water damage restoration services, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold remediation, asbestos and lead abatement, and commercial air duct cleaning.