When dealing with water damage in your Kendall rental property, a good restoration company can help you get things cleaned up. Understanding the different classifications of water damage will help ensure that you hire a company with the right expertise as well as understand how the extent of the damage determines your repair bill and repair time. When you are knowledgeable about water damage classification, you can make more informed decisions throughout the restoration process.
According to the IICRC, an international organization dedicated to restoration and cleaning standards, there are four water and flood damage classes. Restoration companies use this classification system to determine the amount of water they will be dealing with, the extent of absorption and damage, and how long it will take for the property to dry before they can begin with the repairs.
Class 1 Water Damage
Class 1 damage would be the best-case scenario among all water damages. 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 often caused by clean water, which means there is little to no contamination. Class 1 damage is fairly easy to repair 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. Leaking pipes or pipe bursts inside of walls that then soak drywall or insulation is the most common cause of this classification of water damage. Since there is a need to remove the damaged material and completely dry the structures underneath, these situations take more time to complete.
Class 3 Water Damage
Class 3 water damage is usually caused by a major weather event or water main break. A Class 3 classification of water damage means 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. Since the water may or may not be clean, disinfecting would be required on top of regular clean-up and restoration. This makes repairing a home after Class 3 water damage a time-consuming affair.
Class 4 Water Damage
Finally, when large quantities of water have been absorbed by both porous and non-porous materials, it is a Class 4 damage. Class 4 damage is very noticeable after flooding, whether due to a storm or other major event. At this classification, the home’s wooden structures are compromised, making thorough drying of the structure time-consuming and complex. It is also very expensive. This is why Class 4 water damage has to be handled by a restoration company with enough experience and specialized equipment.
Any type of water damage can become a difficult experience for rental property owners and tenants. It is wise to rely on professionals to help get things back in order in such situations. If your rental property needs more time and attention than you have to spare, give us a call. Our expert Kendall property managers will work with you and your tenants to get your property restored as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact us online today.
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