When flooding hits your home or other accidents occur, you need a professional. Water damage is the primary risk. But mold becomes a greater possibility too — if the space is not properly dehumidified and ventilated. If you’re careful, you can avoid that potentially expensive risk. First, we will judge the situation based on the quantity of water, absorption of it, and where it is.
Let’s talk about the four main classes of damage we see.
Class 1: little water absorption and small evaporation load.
Our biggest concern is the porous material. Porous materials include carpets, gypsum board, fiber-fill insulation, and walls and ceilings. In this class, these materials will comprise less than 5% of the affected area. With few exceptions, a “class 1” is usually materials that can be easily evaporated. Low evaporation materials include concrete, masonry, plaster, and wood.
Class 2: mid-range water absorption and evaporation load.
This is more serious. Here, there is water intrusion on those porous materials between 5-40%. We want to remediate right away! The low evaporation materials haven’t absorbed much, however. And other “low evaporation assemblies” — like multilayered wallboard and subfloors, gym floors, etc. — haven’t, either.
Class 3: highest water absorption and evaporation load.
This is when your porous materials represent more than 40% of the affected area. Still, the low evaporation materials and assemblies have absorbed little moisture.
Class 4: deep, unmoving water intrusion.
Your low evaporation materials and assemblies have absorbed a serious amount of water. Drying and ventilating will take much longer than usual. We will need to use special machines in order to preserve the foundations of your home — if possible.
Classes 3 and 4 are the most dangerous types of water damage. While we can usually handle these cases, we want to make sure our clients have realistic expectations for the process. We are always happy to answer any questions and explain up front just what is possible.
If you are in need of service, please give us a call today.
