Water Damage
Statistics
Water Damage Accounts for over $20 Billion in Damage Each Year
1.42% of 100 homes will file a claim
36% of 100 homes will have some form of water damage each year and 51% will not report the lost
Why have an Evaluation/Inspection for Water Damage
Water damage evaluation/inspection is best left to individuals that are trained in the field of water damage restoration. There are many reasons for this. The first thing the individual will be certified and have the appropriate equipment to evaluate the water damage. You cannot just use your eyes or hands to gauge the degree of damage. With the proper equipment, the trained individual can tell the extent of the damage. Secondly, there are four classes of water damage. Thirdly, there three categories of water damage. Only trained professionals using the right equipment can tell these classes and categories of water damage.
To many times, people with no knowledge of water damage restoration, will try drying the house themselves and will create more problems than they resolve.
There are calculations for the amount of drying equipment needed for a home or business. This is determined on the category and class of water damage. Also, the moisture content of structural material has to be monitored, readings for temperatures and relative humidity have been recorded, these are just a few steps taken in water damage.
All water damage procedures must be within the guidelines of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Manual S500 "Standard and Procedure Guide to Professional Water Damage Restoration"
The Ongoing Damage of Water Damage
Within Minutes
Water Contamination spreads to unaffected areas
Moisture sensitive surfaces swell and disfigure
Furniture stains appear on carpeting and are usually permanent
Paper goods and records are ruin
Rust stains appear on carpeting and other surfaces
Drapery fabrics that contact water may develop permanent water marks
Within Hours
Pre-existing moisture related problems are activated such as urine, etc.
Drywall softens and warps
Cellolocasic browning may occur on natural materials
Foam cushions (pad) can begin to disintegrate
Bacterial odor problems begin to develop
Wood furniture, in contact with water, can become permanently ruin
Within Days
Mildew and Biological growth take place, odors begin to permeate the structure
Wood floors are warped and ruin, glue down floor covering and carpet begin to delaminate
Within Weeks
Structural integrity can be permanently damaged
Mildew can permanently stain/damage natural materials
Serious Health hazards to occupants of the building have developed
Moisture Content (MC)
16%-20% Supports microbial growth on many wood materials (Mold)
20%-30% Supports the growth of dry rot fungus.
30% and Over Wood is at saturation point
Note hardwood flooring and subfloor should be between 8%-10% moisture content
Category of Water Damage
Category 1 Water "Clean Water"- Clean water originates from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans. Examples of clean water source include, but not necessarily limited to. broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows with no contaminates, appliance malfunctions involving water supply lines, melting ice or snow, falling rainwater, broken toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives.
Category 2 Water "Gray Water" (Unsanitary)- Gray Water contains a significant level of contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed or exposed to humans. Gray water carries microorganisms. Examples of gray water sources may include, but not limited to, discharge from dishwashers, washing machine, overflows from toilet bowls with some urine (no feces), sump pump failures, and seepage due to hydrostatic pressure, broken aquariums and puncture water beds.
Category 3 Water " Black Water" (Grossly Unsanitary)- Black water contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary. Black water includes sewage and other contaminated water sources entering of affecting the indoor environment. Category 2 water that is not remove promptly from the structure may be re-classified as Category 3 water.
Class of Water Damage
Class 1 - Only part of the room or area is wet or larger areas containing materials that have absorbed minimal moisture. Little or no wet carpet and/or cushion is present.
Class 2 - An entire room or more is affected. Carpet and cushion (pad) may be wet. Water has wicked up the walls less than 24 inches. There is significant moisture remaining in the structural materials.
Class 3 - Fully involved. Water may have come from overhead. Ceiling, walls, insulation, carpet, cushion (pad), and subfloor in virtually the entire area are saturated.
Class 4 - Specialty drying situations.