Classes, Categories and Steps of Water Damage Restoration

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring a home or business after water damage comes in many different forms. It can be as simple as vacuuming up water and leaving the room to dry, or as severe as reconstructing an entire flooded home from a pipe break or supply line break.

Moisture creates the perfect atmosphere for bacteria to grow and breed. Certain materials are also at risk when there is water or flood damage and will have to be assessed by a restoration company (such as SERVPRO of Lynnwood) to determine if they must be replaced. Carpets and drywall often develop bacteria that, if not treated immediately, cannot be removed. For mitigation to be effective, determining what class and category of damage caused by water in a business or home is imperative. For a better overview of this, refer to the outline below:

Water Cleanup Classes: 

Class 1: Little moisture has been absorbed by part of a room. 

Class 2: An entire room has been affected and water has absorbed into the walls and carpet. This is often from a supply line break or pipe break.

Class 3: Water in a home or business completely saturated most of the area and walls and may be coming through the ceiling. This is considered flood damage. 

Class 4: Materials in a flooded home such as stone, concrete, and hardwood require specialty drying due to severe damage.

Water Cleanup Categories: 

Category 1: Damage has been caused by a clean water sources such as a broken pipe or a supply line break. For mitigation to be effective, immediate action is required to lessens the risk of further damage caused by water in a business or home. 

Category 2: Flood damage is caused by “grey water” containing contaminates such as detergents or urine from a pipe break or supply line break. 

Category 3: Completely unsanitary water, such as that found in sewers or rivers, has caused the damage in a flooded home, and a bacterium has begun growing. The Process of Restoration Restoring a home or business to livable conditions generally involves water removal, decontaminating the area, and drying. In more severe cases, entire parts of the building may need to be replaced. The process is delicate and should only be handled by a professional restoration company.

For more information on the steps involved, continue reading below: 

Step 1: Inspection – Getting a thorough inspection is the most important factor in mitigation with regards to water cleanup. Professionals will inspect the walls, floors, and ceiling and fit them into a class and category. This will be used to best determine a restoration plan. 

Step 2: Water Removal - Vacuums and pumps are used to remove water in a business or home, and the process must begin as soon as possible to prevent mold. 

Step 3: Drying – After all standing water is removed and absorbent materials are vacuumed, dehumidification and drying begins. This can take several weeks to complete.

Step 4: Cleaning – Personal items such as clothing and drapery need to be sanitized to prevent mold and bacteria growth from water in a home or business.

Step 5: Restoration – When there is severe damage from water in a business or home, materials such as walls, flooring, and broken pipes are replaced. When dealing with flood damage or general water damage it's always best to call a restoration company. They are specially equipped to handling water in a home or business and will be able to act fast to prevent further damage.

Visit http://www.SERVPROlynnwood.com for more information on water damage.