It is stated by the IICRC, an international organization dedicated to restoration and cleaning standards, that there are four water and flood damage classes. Considerable restoration companies use this classification system to help determine how much water they will be addressing, the amount of absorption and damage, and how long will it take for the property to dry so that repairs can be started.
Class 1 Water Damage
You could look at Class 1 damage as a sort of water damage best-case scenario. There is minimal water absorption in this classification of water damage, and few highly porous materials (only about 5% or less) have been impacted. Class 1 damage is also normally caused by clean water, which simply means there is little or no contamination. Class 1 damage can be immediately fixed up in most cases once the water is removed.
Class 2 Water Damage
The next classification of water damage is Class 2. Class 2 water damage is similar to Class 1 but occurs when more porous materials – between 5 and 40% – are present in the impacted area. This classification of water damage oftentimes comes about if pipes inside of walls leak or burst, soaking drywall or insulation. In these cases, more time is really needed to remove the damaged material and completely dry the structures underneath.
Class 3 Water Damage
Class 3 water damage, on the other hand, is usually the result of a major weather event or water main break. When water damage is classified as Class 3, that means that floodwater, storm damage, or other major water event has impacted the structure to a significant degree. Walls, floors, and other areas are likely soaked through, and really, more than 40% of the impacted area consists of porous materials. The water may or may not be clean, which could entail disinfecting and regular clean-up and restoration. This makes repairing a home after Class 3 water damage a cumbersome affair.
Class 4 Water Damage
One last matter to consider, Class 4 damage occurs when both porous and non-porous materials have absorbed hefty quantities of water. Class 4 damage is usually the final result of flooding, whether caused by a storm or other major event. A classification of 4 states that even the home’s wooden structures are compromised, and getting that structure completely dry can perhaps be very labor-intensive and stressful. It is furthermore often awfully pricey. It’s important to hire a restoration company with appropriate experience and specialized equipment to fulfill the job accurately in the matter of Class 4 water damage.
Facing water damage of any type, whether severe or not, could be stressful for rental property owners and their tenants, too. It is a good idea to rely on the professionals to help get things back into good working order in such happenings. If your rental property needs more time and attention than you can freely give or spare, give us a call. Our expert Jacksonville property managers will be of service and help you and your tenants to get your property restored as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact us online today.