Damage to your home from water is a horrifying possibility. If the damage occurs due to an earthquake or leaky pipe, water could cause a lot of destruction to the structure and everything inside it. It’s not a good idea to wait when it comes to water damage. If you suspect that you are suffering from water-related damage, don’t hesitate to seek assistance and repairs from a reputable contractor.
Water Categories
One of the most important things to determine when there is damage from water is the type of water that caused it. There are three kinds of water that are rated based on their level of contamination.
The first category is pure, sanitary water, sometimes referred to by the name clear water. It is typically found in water supply lines that are clean, like those that connect to the faucet or in bottles of drinking water. While the water may have little or no contaminants, however, it could degrade to more hazardous levels quickly when it comes into contact with other contaminants in the environment.
Category Two, also referred to by the name grey water, refers to water that is mostly pure. However, it can contain contaminants. This type of water is typically found in washing machines or dishwasher overflows, in addition to bathtubs and toilets. This type of water could cause discomfort or sickness when consumed, and it can transform into category 3 when it is in contact with other pollutants in the environment.
Categories Three drinking water, commonly referred to by the name black water, is exceptionally unsanitary and has a high concentration of contamination. It could cause serious illnesses or even death if consumed. The sources of this type of water are water from rivers, sewage, flooding or wind-driven rains, as well as standing water that encourages the growth of bacterial species. If not treated, the water will eventually get to this point of contamination after it comes in contact with microbes, bacteria and other microbes.
The extent of the damage
Once the water quality level has been established, the next step is to assess the extent of the damage.
One class One water damage usually is only a minor area or an area that has very little porosity, like concrete. Without wet carpets or other materials that are highly porous, the damage of class one is the least hazardous and is the most straightforward repair.
Class Two damage can impact the entire space, which may include the carpet. It is also possible that water has been absorbed into walls for as high as 2 inches. There could be moisture in the structural components of the structure.
Class Three water damage refers to total flooding of ceilings, walls insulation, carpet and the walls. The majority of water comes from the ceiling in these instances.
Classes Four damages are reserved for unique or special drying conditions, where substances with lower porosity (such as wood, plaster or brick, stone or concrete) are saturated. There could be massive areas of saturated.
Repair Procedures
Repair begins with an examination of the affected area using sensors for water, such as probes and infrared instruments, to determine the cause of the problem and determine the extent of the damage. The water source can be fixed if it is possible, like the leak of a pipe. Certain damaged materials like carpet and drywall are taken away and replaced, and other materials like concrete or structural beams are dried. Other restoration services could include cleaning up contaminated areas as well as eliminating the smell of the affected area.
When the work is done, the drying equipment like air movers, scrubbers, dehumidifiers and other floor drying equipment may be stored in your home for a couple of days to ensure that the space is totally dried. If water remains within the space, then it will cause the growth of mold and bacteria. In the course of two to three days (or whatever time is needed), the area will be re-evaluated to make sure drying is completed and the drying equipment is removed.
We wish you never to go through the trauma of flooding in your home. However, if the day does come, do not wait, and don’t allow the damage to worsen.