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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Not All Water Damage Is Created Equal...

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage comes in 3 categories and 4 classes, depending on time, source and amount.

Identifying How Severe the Damage Is to Your Property

Water damage can be more or less destructive depending on the source and qualities of the water. The IICRC (The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) has established three categories of water and four classes of water damage to give an understanding of just how clean or unclean the water is. 

Categories:

First, here are the three categories:

Category 1 refers to a water loss from a sanitary or clean water source. This category does not pose a substantial health risk from exposure. Examples of Category 1 water include a water faucet, rainwater, melting snow, a water fountain or a pipe break. Note: Category 1 water can become Category 2 or even Category 3 water if it is not dealt with rapidly or it floods into contaminated areas.

Category 2 water contains a significant amount of contamination and poses discomfort and sickness if exposure is not restricted. This water can contain microorganisms and bacteria. SERVPRO uses an anti-microbial spray to make sure that the surfaces are cleaned after removing the water. Examples of Category 2 include dishwasher or washing machine overflow, sink drains and broken aquariums. Note: Category 2 water can easily deteriorate into Category 3 water if it is not dealt with.

Category 3 water is extremely unsanitary. The high levels of bacteria cause this water to spread harmful toxins or pathogens and create an extremely dangerous environment. Severe symptoms can develop upon exposure. Examples of Category 3 include sewage and sewer backup, flooding from rivers, seawater, and stagnant liquid that has fostered bacterial growth.

Classes:

Now that we have explained the three categories, here are the four classes:

Class 1 - According to the IICRC standard:

“Class 1 - (least amount of water absorption and evaporation load): Water intrusion where wet, porous materials (e.g., carpet, gypsum board, fiber-fill insulation, concrete masonry unit (CMU), textiles) represent less than ~5% of the combined floor, wall, and ceiling surface area in the space; and where materials described as low evaporation materials (e.g., plaster, wood, concrete, masonry) or low evaporation assemblies (e.g., multiplayer wallboard, multilayer subfloors, gym floors, or other complex built-up assemblies) have absorbed minimal moisture.”

Class 2 - According to the IICRC standard:

“Class 2 - (significant amount of water absorption and evaporation load): Water intrusion where wet, porous materials (e.g., carpet, gypsum board, fiber-fill insulation, concrete masonry unit (CMU), textiles) represent ~5% to ~40% of the combined floor, wall, and ceiling surface area in the space; and where materials described as low evaporation materials (e.g., plaster, wood, concrete, masonry) or low evaporation assemblies (e.g., multiplayer wallboard, multilayer subfloors, gym floors, or other complex built-up assemblies) have absorbed minimal moisture.”

Class 3 - According to the IICRC standard:

“Class 3 - (greatest amount of water absorption and evaporation load): Water intrusion where wet, porous materials (e.g., carpet, gypsum board, fiber-fill insulation, concrete masonry unit (CMU), textiles) represent more than ~40% of the combined floor, wall, and ceiling surface area in the space; and where materials described as low evaporation materials (e.g., plaster, wood, concrete, masonry) or low evaporation assemblies (e.g., multiplayer wallboard, multilayer subfloors, gym floors, or other complex built-up assemblies) have absorbed minimal moisture.”

Class 4 - According to the IICRC standard:

“Class 4 - (deeply held or bound water): Water intrusion that involves a significant amount of water absorption into low evaporation materials (e.g., plaster, wood, concrete, masonry) or low evaporation assemblies (e.g., multilayer wallboard, multilayer subfloors, gym floors, or other complex, built-up assemblies). Drying may require special methods, longer drying times, or substantial water vapor pressure differentials.”

The IICRC sets the industry standard for professional carpet cleaning, water damage and mold remediation. Our staff is trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. Continuous training is important to our brand; from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, our staff is equipped with knowledge to restore your property.

If you have any questions, contact us HERE or give us a call at (816) 884-2240. SERVPRO is here to help.

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