The Three Different Categories of Water Damage

While all cases of water damage are cause for concern, there are different categories that cause different levels of damage. The category of water damage will certainly depend on the source and where the damage occurred, such as in the basement, attic, kitchen, crawlspace, bathroom, etc. But regardless of when and where the damage occurred, a water damage restoration company must be notified immediately.

About Water Damage

As soon as it starts, water damage will spread to the areas of least resistance, such as through cracks, porousPorous describes a material that contains small openings or ... More materials, and downhill. Over time, dangerous conditions will develop, such as moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More that threaten not only the property structureStructure refers to the framework or components of a buildin... More but the health and safety of everyone in the home; it only takes as little as 24 hours for it to develop within the wet areas.

Areas that pose the highest risk of damage include porousPorous describes a material that contains small openings or ... More areas, such as those containing small holes. These materials will include carpeting, drywall, insulationInsulation is a material used in buildings to reduce the tra... More, fabrics, and wood floors. As soon as they absorb water, they will first become discolored and weakened, and then they may experience buckling and eventually permanent damage.

As soon as you find water damage in your home or building, it’s crucial to call for water damage restoration. In this situation, time is definitely money; therefore, quick restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More will result in lower costs.

Water Damage Categories

When looking at the different types of water damage, there are three different categories, including the following:

• Category 1 = clean water. This type of water is not harmful for humans. Possible sources will include sink overflows, broken appliances, showerheads, and other water lines.
• Category 2 = gray water. The water is contaminated and is considered dangerous if ingested, usually containing microorganisms. Possible sources include broke sump pumps, broken toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and seepageSeepage is the slow movement of water or other fluids throug... More.
• Category 3 = black water. The water is unsanitary, containing bacteria, pathogensPathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or f... More, and virusesViruses are microscopic infectious agents that can only repr... More. Any contact is considered dangerous; therefore, it is highly recommended to leave the restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More process to the professionals. Possible sources will include sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More backups, natural floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, toilets, or stagnant bodies of water that have become a bacterial growth habitat.

What to Expect When Calling the Professionals

As soon as you call for professional water damage restorationWater damage restoration is the professional process of clea... More, they will likely ask you a few questions over the phone before they send out their technicians. This can include any of the following:

1. When did you first notice the loss?
2. When did the loss occur?
3. Is there any standing water?
4. How did the loss happen?
5. Is there any moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More involved?

The purpose of these questions is to give the technicians an idea of the extent of the damage, also helping them determine the scope of the project while keeping the restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More process efficient. It is highly recommended to be as open and honest as possible to allow them to best prepare and gather all equipment and products necessary.

At any time you find moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, be sure to inform them right away as they will need professional products to remove it. Failure to do so will allow it to spread and create a number of issues for you, your family, and the property structureStructure refers to the framework or components of a buildin... More. Be aware that moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More removal services will involve setting up a containment chamber to prevent it from spreading, followed by complete moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More removal. This can last anywhere from a few hours to a week, depending on the extent of the damage.

Water Damage Classes

When determining water damage restoration options, there are different classes of damage that will be identified, depending on the extent of the damage. These include the following:

• Class 1: This is the least harmful form of damage. The building structureStructure refers to the framework or components of a buildin... More has absorbed very little water, meaning the restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More process will be fairly quick.
• Class 2: Carpets and cushions may be damaged because the water will evaporate quickly. RestorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More will be a little more difficult to return the materials to their original conditions.
• Class 3: The fastest evaporationEvaporation is the process by which a liquid, such as water,... More rate, broken sprinklers and other overhead water sources will quickly spread water that soaks the walls, floors, and furniture.
• Class 4: This type of damage will affect plasterPlaster is a building material made of lime, gypsum, or ceme... More, concrete, and hardwood floors as it requires special restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More and water extraction procedures.

Water Damage Restoration in Sioux Falls SD and North Iowa

When your home floods, don’t delay at calling the professionals for water damage restorationWater damage restoration is the professional process of clea... More services.

Regardless of the category or type of damage, emergency water damage restorationWater damage restoration is the professional process of clea... More services must be called right away at the sight of the problem. Due to its ability to spread within minutes, immediate action is needed to prevent it from spreading to other areas and materials.

Any hesitation longer than 24 hours after the damage can also result in moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and bacteria growth in the affected areas that will require professional products to remove. Over time, the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More will continue to consume the property structureStructure refers to the framework or components of a buildin... More, even dispersing moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More into the air and triggering breathing and allergy issues.

RestorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More professionals are available 24/7 to respond to all water damage emergencies from all sources. From broken appliances to flooded basements from heavy rain, they will respond immediately with all equipment and products needed to extract the water and dry out the affected areas. They will also monitor the dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More process, using moisture detection meters to measure the moisture levels within the building materials and air spaces.

They will also address any moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More problems to fully restore the property to a safe and healthy living condition. After the service, they will work with your insurance agency during the claims process for additional peace of mind.

For professional water damage restoration services in Sioux Falls SD,  Sioux Center, Orange City IA and North Iowa area, call RestorationMaster at (888) 782-0519.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, water damage, fire and smoke damage, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, fire, smoke, and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.