According to the IICRC, an international organization dedicated to restoration and cleaning standards, there are four water and flood damage classes. Most restoration companies use this classification system to determine how much water they will be dealing with, the amount of absorption and damage, and the amount of time it will take for the property to dry so they can start repairing.
Class 1 Water Damage
Class 1 damage can be said to be the 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. There is also little to no contamination in Class 1 damage since this is typically caused by clean water. Most of the time, Class 1 damage can be repaired as soon as 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. Water damage of this classification often happens when a pipe bursts or leaks inside of walls, soaking drywall or insulation. These situations need more time to be addressed since the damaged materials have to be removed and the structures underneath have to dry completely.
Class 3 Water Damage
Class 3 water damage often happens as a result of a major weather event or water main break. With a Class 3 water damage classification, you can expect that floodwater, storm damage, or other major water event has had a significant impact on the structure. Walls, floors, and other areas are likely soaked through, and more than 40% of the impacted area consists of porous materials. Aside from regular clean-up and restoration, disinfecting might be needed since the water may or may not be clean. This makes repairing a home after Class 3 water damage a time-consuming affair.
Class 4 Water Damage
Lastly, there is Class 4 damage where both porous and non-porous materials have absorbed large quantities of water. Class 4 damage is typical after flooding due to a storm or other major event. At Class 4, the home’s wooden structures are compromised, and getting everything thoroughly dry can be very time-consuming and complex. Not to mention, it is also usually very expensive. If your property has Class 4 water damage, it is a must to hire a restoration company with adequate experience as well as specialized equipment to get the job done correctly.
Water damage of any kind can be a difficult experience for both rental property owners and tenants. It is a good idea to rely on the professionals to help get things back to the way they were. If your rental property needs more time and attention than you have to spare, give us a call. Our expert Hoover property managers will work with you and your tenants to get your property restored as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact us online today.