Floods & Water Damage
Disaster Rescue
Water Damage Categories
Class 1
water damage (least amount of water, absorption and evaporation): Water losses that affect only part of a room or area, or larger areas containing materials that have absorbed minimal moisture. Little or no wet carpet and/or cushion are present.
Class 2
water damage (large amount of water, absorption and evaporation): Water losses that affect at least an entire room or carpet and cushion(pad). Water has wicked up walls less than 24”. There is moisture remaining in structural materials (e.g., plywood, particleboard, structural wood, concrete).
Class 3
water damage (greatest amount of water, absorption and evaporation): Water wicked up over 24″, or water may have come from overhead affecting ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, cushion and sub-floor. The entire area are saturated.
Class 4
water damage (specialty drying situations): These consist of wet materials with very low permanence/porosity (hardwood, plaster, brick, concrete, stone). Typically, there are deep pockets of saturation, which requires very low specific humidity.
water damage stages
When water damage occurs, there are five specific stages of water damage. Treatment must be quick and appropriate to limit the severity of the damage. The need for emergency service should become very apparent as we review the five stages of water damage.
At first, water migrates from the source horizontally in all directions. Given time, water penetrates over, under, and through the bottom plates of the walls. Eventually if not contained or removed, the water flows into the adjoining rooms. Saturation occurs as gravity pulls moisture deeper into structural flooring materials. As wood and other hygroscopic materials readily take up and absorb moisture, they become saturated and begin to swell. Furniture, hardwood floors, and even plywood underlayment can warp, buckle, and/or delaminate. The longer everything remains wet will directly impact the chances of irreversible damage done by the water. As standing water evaporates, the humidity can increase beyond 60%. This abnormal humidity will begin to affect books, pictures, paintings and other hygroscopic materials, causing secondary damage. The water may “wick” up vertically affecting the drywall, insulation, and framing. Draperies and upholstery can also develop water rings as water comes into contact with these materials and begins to “wick” up the fabric. In time, fungi and bacteria spores can germinate and multiply in organic materials. As fungi damage continues, the indoor air quality degrades rapidly. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses become hyperactive in this moist environment. Beyond any possible damage, health risks can arise if not addressed or handled appropriately. Fast response normally prevents water damage from moving through all 5 stages. You must always have a great sense of urgency and respond quickly when dealing with water damage. In all situations, the underlying cause of water accumulation must be rectified. If not corrected, mold growth will re-occur even after drying. It is imperative that water infiltration is corrected as quickly as possible after the onset of damage.