Are you dealing with water damage in your Winooski rental property, and are you looking for a restoration company to help with the clean-up? To ensure that you are hiring a company with relevant expertise, you should first understand the different classifications of water damage and how that will determine your repair bill, as well as the total repair time. The more you know about water damage classification, the more informed decisions you can make 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. This classification system is used by many restoration companies to determine how much water they will be dealing with, how much absorption and damage there is, and how long it will take for the property to dry so they can start the repairs.
Class 1 Water Damage
The water damage best-case scenario would be Class 1 damage. There is minimal water absorption in this classification of water damage, and few highly porous materials (only about 5% or less) have been impacted. Since Class 1 damage is usually caused by clean water, there is little to no contamination. Once the water is removed, Class 1 damages can usually be repaired quickly.
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. This classification of water damage usually occurs when there is leaking or bursting of pipes inside of walls, soaking drywall, or insulation. These situations need more time to be addressed since the damaged materials have to be removed and the structures underneath have to dry completely.
Class 3 Water Damage
Class 3 water damage is usually because of a major weather event or water main break. When water damage is classified as Class 3, that means that the structure has had significant damage from flood water, storm damage, or other major water events. Walls, floors, and other areas are likely soaked through, and more than 40% of the impacted area consists of porous materials. In addition to regular clean-up and restoration, the structure might need disinfecting given that the water may or may not have been clean. This makes repairing a home after Class 3 water damage a time-consuming affair.
Class 4 Water Damage
Finally, when both porous and non-porous materials have absorbed large quantities of water, you have Class 4 damage. Class 4 damage is common after flooding, whether due to a storm or a major event. This means even the home’s wooden structures are compromised, and drying the entire structure can be very time-consuming and complex. Not to mention, it is also usually very expensive. This is why it is essential to hire a restoration company that has the experience and specialized equipment to do the job correctly when you are dealing with Class 4 water damage.
Water damage of any type can be difficult for rental property owners and their tenants, too. It is a good idea to rely on the professionals to help get things back to the way they were. If your rental property needs more time and attention than you have to spare, give us a call. Our expert Winooski 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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