When dealing with water damage in your Kingsville rental property, a good restoration company can help you get things cleaned up. To be sure that you are hiring a company with the right expertise, you must have an understanding of the different classifications of water damage and how that will determine 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. Most restoration companies use this classification system to determine how much water they will be dealing with, the amount of absorption and damage, and the amount of time it will take for the property to dry so they can start repairing.
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. Class 1 damage is also often caused by clean water, which means there is little to no contamination. 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. 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
On the other hand, Class 3 water damage is often brought about 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
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. Not to mention, it is also usually very expensive. This is why Class 4 water damage has to be handled by a restoration company with enough experience and specialized equipment.
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 Kingsville 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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