Water Damage Levels And How To Handle The Cleanup

Water damage affects about 14,000 people a day in the United States. A significant struggle for homeowners regarding water damage restoration is knowing how extensive and manageable the damage is. Homeowners may not always know when to call a water damage restoration company. It is important to remember water damage needs to be taken care of as soon as possible and should not be put off until later. 

Water Damage Cleanup In Westchester, New York

There are four classes of water damage. This blog will discuss the different classes of water damage and what you need to do about them.

Class 1

The lowest class of water damage is the least intrusive and the easiest to handle. Water damage is minimal and takes place in an area where materials have low porosity, such as tile floors. You are likely able to wipe up most of the water, and anything left behind will be able to evaporate quickly without risking further damage. However, if this kind of water damage is not immediately resolved, it can devolve into class 2 or 3.

Class 2

The next class of water damage includes a significant increase in water flow. It also affects materials more likely to absorb it, such as carpets. This kind of water damage is still contained to whatever area it occurred and whatever was there that absorbed it. It is not likely that any water left over after cleanup will be able to evaporate on its own and will require equipment to help remove all of the moisture. This kind of water damage is more challenging to fix on your own, and you should consider hiring a professional water damage restoration company to help you if you think it has yet to be dried completely. If not entirely cleaned up, it can turn to class 3 of water damage.

Class 3

Class 3 water damage involves infiltrating somewhere with many things that absorb the water. Besides carpeting, water might get into floorboards, walls, and ceiling boards. Even after drying up all the water on the surface level, you will need equipment to remove water from all the materials and objects that have gotten soaked with water. It will not be able to evaporate on its own and will likely leave mold and mildew behind if you do not take care of it immediately. You should use a professional water damage restoration company to help you with this kind of water damage to prevent it from worsening.

Class 4

The highest class of water damage involves water that has seeped into the materials that make up your home, such as the drywall, wood frames, insulation, or even the foundation. This water will not be able to evaporate, but it also might require a more extensive restoration process. You may have to remove some of your home’s structure to replace damaged materials that cannot be salvaged. You will not be able to handle these repairs and must hire a professional water damage restoration company.

If you need help with your water damage cleanup in your Westchester home, call New Crystal Restoration to help you get it repaired. Our experts will be able to help you no matter the damage and give you the peace of mind that your home is safe and all water damage is cleaned up.