If there is any water damage in your Cutler Bay rental property, you may be looking for a restoration company to help you with the clean-up. To ensure that you hire a company with the right expertise, it helps if you first understand the different classifications of water damage and how that will affect both your repair bill and 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 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
Class 1 damage would be the best-case scenario among all water damages. 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. Class 1 damage is fairly easy to repair once the water is removed.
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. Water damage of this classification often happens when a pipe bursts or leaks 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 caused by 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. 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
Finally, when both porous and non-porous materials have absorbed large quantities of water, you have Class 4 damage. Class 4 damage is very noticeable after flooding, whether due to a storm or other major event. At Class 4, the home’s wooden structures are compromised, and getting everything thoroughly dry can be very time-consuming and complex. It also usually costs more to repair and restore. This is why Class 4 water damage has to be handled by a restoration company with enough experience and specialized equipment.
Experiencing any type of water damage can be difficult for rental property owners, as well as their tenants. It is wise to rely on professionals to help get things back in order in such situations. If your rental property needs more time and attention than you have to spare, give us a call. Our expert Cutler Bay 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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