When dealing with water damage in your Broken Arrow 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. By knowing more 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. This classification system used by most restoration companies tells them how much water they have to deal with, the extent of the absorption and damage, and how long it will take for the property to dry so they can commence with 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. There is also little to no contamination in Class 1 damage since this is typically caused by clean water. In most cases, once the water has been removed, Class 1 damage can be repaired fairly quickly.
Class 2 Water Damage
The next classification is Class 2 water damage. 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. The extent of water damage under this classification often happens when pipes inside of walls leak or burst, soaking drywall or insulation. Situations like this typically need more time since the damaged material has to be removed and the structures underneath dried completely.
Class 3 Water Damage
On the other hand, Class 3 water damage is often brought about by a major weather event or water main break. When the structure has significant floodwater, storm damage, or damage from a major water event, it is classified as Class 3 water damage. Walls, floors, and other areas are likely soaked through, and more than 40% of the impacted area consists of porous materials. The water may or may not be clean, meaning disinfecting could be required in addition to regular clean-up and restoration. This makes repairing a home after Class 3 water damage a time-consuming affair.
Class 4 Water Damage
Lastly, Class 4 damage is when both porous and non-porous materials have absorbed large quantities of water. Class 4 damage is very noticeable after flooding, whether due to a storm or other major event. This means even the home’s wooden structures are compromised, and drying the entire structure can be very time-consuming and complex. It also usually costs more to repair and restore. When it is a Class 4 water damage, it is a must to hire a restoration company with adequate experience and specialized equipment to get the job done correctly.
Experiencing any type of water damage can be difficult for rental property owners, as well as their tenants. It makes sense to call on professionals to help you get things back in working order in such situations. If your rental property needs more time and attention than you have to spare, give us a call. Our expert Broken Arrow 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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