Assessing Water Damage
When our homes experience water damage, there is nothing more that we want then to get things back to normal. Whether the water is from storm damage, flood damage or another source, the first step to getting your home back to normal is assessing the damage. There are four classifications for water damage:
Class 1- In the first classification, the water has a slow evaporation rate. In class 1 the damage has affected only part of a room or a specific area and has only come into contact with materials such as plywood, particle board, or concrete (materials with a low porosity). Although no damage is minor, when there is minimal to no absorption by carpet or padding, moisture levels are typically lower.
Class 2 – In the second classification, the water has a faster evaporation rate. Class 2 water damage affects an entire room or carpets and cushioning. The water has saturated walls from one to two feet. In this class there is moisture within the structural materials.
Class 3 - Third class damage has the fastest evaporation rate. In Class 3 damage, water may have come from the ceiling. Often the ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, cushion and sub-flooring of an entire area are completely saturated.
Class 4 – The fourth class includes materials that have a very low porosity. Class 4 damage commonly includes deep saturation and requires a very specific and low humidity to evaporate.
The categorization of water damage is set under the Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration under protocol set by the IICRC S500. In order to accurately assess the level of damage, a property damage repair company can inspect your home and provide you with an accurate assessment.
Getting your life back to normal begins with an assessment. Anytime there is any type of damage to our homes, whether it’s fire damage, mold damage, smoke damage or flood damage; getting everything back in order is of chief concern. Finding a local water damage cleanup service provider can be the first step to restoring your home and restoring your life.
