Home damage caused by water is one of the most serious things that can happen. It is important to have a clear understanding of exactly what you need to do to restore your house so that you can act as quickly as possible. A brief explanation of the different types of water damage and how they can be remedied follows. Protect your home fully by using this information.
Damage types according to category
If the water is clear and does not contain contaminants, it is considered clean water damage. It is usually a burst pipe that causes the water to leak. While the flood area is not a health hazard for people, you must act immediately to dry it out or mold can develop quickly.
Water that is grey indicates that it is slightly contaminated with microbes. Greywater may come from washing machines or toilet bowls. As long as cleaners wear protective gloves, masks, and goggles, cleaning can begin immediately.
All kinds of dangerous microorganisms, along with fertilizers and pesticides, are prevalent in black water. The most common causes of black water flooding are natural disasters and serious sewage system damage. Professionals should only handle this type of water damage since it is extremely dangerous.
The levels of water damage
Moisture that has accumulated within a restricted area is classified as class 1 destruction. Plywood is often affected because of its porous nature. So long as water damage is cleaned up quickly, only minor repairs will be required.
Water that has flooded the entire room and reached a level of twelve inches or more is considered class 2 destruction. This water has penetrated materials, but not to a great depth. The damaged drywall can be removed and filled with filler to repair the holes in this case. Quick-drying will improve the odds of this method working.
A class 3 water destruction occurs when the walls, ceilings, and floors are saturated as well as the carpet and insulation. A professional inspection will determine if the house can be salvaged, which is most often the case, what kind of repairs are needed, and how much they will cost. Most commonly, the solution involves replacing the flooring, the wall and ceiling drywall panels, and the insulation.
Those materials that have been saturated by water, such as stone, are considered class 4 destructions. When a house has not been dried properly after water damage, the damage is typically the most serious. Occasionally, there is a delay for technical reasons, such as determining whether the restoration crew can safely enter the structure. It’s important to have an expert inspect the house to determine whether and how it can be saved. It may be possible to repair the foundation if it is mostly intact, for example.
Can water damage be prevented?
The proper maintenance of your house is essential. A flood insurance policy may not be a prevention method, but it can assist you in dealing with the aftermath of a disaster.
Once your house is dry, use expert water damage repair services. Hire professionals who have experience in restoring water damage.