Are you dealing with water damage in your Chattanooga rental property, and are you looking for a restoration company to help with the clean-up? To ensure that you are hiring a company with relevant expertise, you should first understand the different classifications of water damage and how that will determine your repair bill, as well as the total 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 is used by many restoration companies to determine how much water they will be dealing with, how much absorption and damage there is, and how long it will take for the property to dry so they can start the repairs.
Class 1 Water Damage
You can think of Class 1 damage as the best-case scenario for 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. Because Class 1 damage is usually caused by clean water, this means there is little to no contamination. Most of the time, Class 1 damage can be repaired as soon as 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. Leaking pipes or pipe bursts inside of walls that then soak drywall or insulation is the most common cause of this classification of water damage. Typically, more time is needed to remove the damaged material as well as to ensure that all structures underneath have dried completely.
Class 3 Water Damage
Class 3 water damage often happens as a result of 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. Aside from regular clean-up and restoration, disinfecting might be needed since the water may or may not be clean. This makes repairing a home after Class 3 water damage a time-consuming affair.
Class 4 Water Damage
Lastly, there is Class 4 damage where both porous and non-porous materials have absorbed large quantities of water. Class 4 damage is typical after flooding due to a storm or other major event. At this classification, the home’s wooden structures are compromised, making thorough drying of the structure time-consuming and complex. Not to mention, it is also usually very expensive. If your property has Class 4 water damage, it is a must to hire a restoration company with adequate experience as well as specialized equipment to get the job done correctly.
Any type of water damage can become a difficult experience for rental property owners and tenants. 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 Chattanooga 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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