Understanding the categories and classes of water damage
Natural disasters and other water leaks can cause water damage to property. Some water damage is more severe than others and needs a different approach. All Nation Restoration shares the various categories and classes of water damage to help property owners determine the severity of water damage and the extent of restoration that is needed.
The categories of water damage
There are three categories of water damage that property owners may face. This classification determines the level of contamination in the water that has damaged the property.
1. Clean water
Category one is considered the safest of all water damages as this type of damage usually comes from a sanitary source such as an overflowing sink or a broken water line. This water damage is the easiest to fix but can easily spiral into a category 2 or 3 situation if the water removal and restoration is delayed or if the water comes in contact with a contaminated source such as sewage or floodwaters.
2. Gray water
Category 1 water damage moves into category 2 when clean water is left stagnant or dormant for over 24 hours. This gray water could be a result of water overflowing from a toilet, dishwasher, or washing machine. This water often contains unsafe levels of microorganisms and/or a hospitable environment for the growth of microorganisms. A further delay and negligence can lead this water damage to category 3 - the most severely contaminated water damage situation.
3. Blackwater
Category 3 or black water poses an alarming level of risk to the occupants. This water damage occurs due to sewage water or natural disasters such as hurricanes and heavy flooding. This contamination spreads quickly in the presence of cellulose in walls and flooring, which acts as a food source for pathogens and fungus. The high humidity, warm temperature, and stagnant air foster the growth of bacteria and mold. It is important to steer clear of black water as it may be contaminated with anything from chemicals and pesticides to bacterial diseases. Ingestion of this water can cause serious harm to health and lead to symptoms such as nausea, memory loss, vomiting, and liver failure.
Property owners must not attempt to remove black water as it could be harmful to their health. Contact professional water damage restoration teams, such as All Nation restoration, who have the experience and the technology to manage such situations.
Classes of Water Damage
Water damage is categorized into four classes according to the volume of the affected area and the type of material affected. The class determines the drying out time and the type of equipment that will be needed for drying and restoration.
Class 1
The least severe and easiest to deal with, class 1 water damage has the following features:
- Has a slow absorption rate.
- Affects a small portion of the room or area.
- There is little to no wet carpet to restore.
- Moisture has seeped into materials with low permeability like plywood or concrete.
Class 2
This class is a little more damaging than class 1 and is characterized by the following:
- It has a high absorption rate.
- The entire room or area is impacted.
- Water has saturated the carpeting and/ or cushioning.
- The moisture has wicked at least 12 inches up the walls.
- The structure's safety is compromised by the presence of moisture.
Class 3
This class of water damage can be identified by the following results:
- It has the fastest absorption rate.
- Moisture has saturated the ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, and sub-floors.
- The liquid may have come from the roof, and/or it has wicked up the walls over 24 inches.
Class 4
This class of water damage means:
- It requires specialized equipment and methods for drying and restoration.
- Materials like hardwood, plaster, and concrete that have deep pockets of saturation have become moisture-laden.
- The drying of the wet contents will be a tedious process.
Most of these classes and categories of water damage cannot be addressed by a DIY approach as it could prove to be dangerous and more expensive in the long run if things go awry. Property owners must contact a professional water damage restoration company like All Nation Restoration for water damage removal and restoration.
Why All Nation Restoration?
All Nation Restoration is a full-service Water, Fire, Smoke, Mold, and Biohazard Company with many years of experience in the water damage restoration industry. Here are some of the features that the company is known for:
- Well-trained technicians, the best equipment, the best tools, and the best products in the industry.
- Free estimates and inspections.
- Lifetime owner transferable warranties.
- Swift emergency response time with 24x7 availability.
- Sterling customer service by our technicians and staff.
- Licensed, bonded, and insured.
For more information on water removal services, call +1-512-934-8180 or email at info2@AllNationRestoration.com
