Categories And Classes of Water Damage Restoration

Are you currently dealing with a flooding situation? Before you call up a water damage restoration service, you would want to have an idea of what it would cost you. Also, what are the precautions you should take until the help arrives?

There are two important terms you need to know – categories and class of water damage.

Categories of water damage

There are divided into three main categories of water damage. They are based on the level of contamination and also, it costs more to for category three as compared to type 1. 

Category 1 water damage: Also called “clean water,” this is the easiest to handle kind of water damage. It doesn’t pose any risk to health unless it stays for long enough to cause mold damage. The reasons for this sort of harm maybe a broken water supply lines, sink overflow or an appliance malfunction. 

Category 2 water damage: Also called “gray water,” this water can make you sick as it contains physical, chemical and biological contaminants. The nutrients and microorganisms in this kind of water can lead to sickness if you come in contact with it. The causes behind this sort of water damage maybe sump pump failures, water discharge from washing machine, dishwasher or toilet (with urine only). 

Category 3 water damage: It is also referred to as “black water.” This water contains harmful bacteria, fungi, and fecal matter. The category 2 water damage situation can quickly convert to type 3 if it goes unchecked. This kind of water damage is extremely dangerous and must be handled only by an expert water damage restoration service. The causes behind this maybe sewage water backflow through the toilet, broken sewage pipeline, seawater flooding, or stagnant water.

Classes of water damage

It is determined on the basis of time it takes for the water to evaporate from the affected material. It is essential in determining the water damage restoration cost as it determines how much time and equipment will be required to deal with the situation.

Class 1 water damage: The materials that have low porosity and that absorb minimal water come under this class. Class 1 water damage usually affects a small area of the room and has a slow rate of evaporation.

Class 2 water damage: With a fast rate of evaporation, this kind of water affects carpets or an entire room. 

Class 3 water damage: With the fastest rate of evaporation, this water damage situation has water entering overhead and affecting the walls, ceilings, carpet, insulation, etc. 

Class 4 water damage: Special drying equipment is required for this as it usually affects materials with extremely low porosity like hardwood floors, plaster and concrete.

The method used for water damage restoration depends on the above-mentioned classes and categories. They also vary according to the amount of water and the time for which it remains stagnant. For more information, contact a professional service from Same Day Pros.