Water Damage: Categories & Classes Cat 1 Cat 2 Cat 3 Water Damage

Water damage in your home or business is an issue that should never be underestimated or ignored. It can lead to significant structural problems and health risks if not addressed promptly. When you detect any signs of water loss. Whether it’s a leak or flooding, it is crucial to act quickly to mitigate further damage and ensure safety. Calling a business that specializes in water damage, water removal and remediation is paramount to limit damages.

 

A flooded basement can cause many problems. Water can damage your belongings and the structure of your home. It can also lead to mold growth, which is harmful to health. Even more if it is Cat 3 water damage

Help for Any Disaster

If you’re dealing with an unexpected disaster, we’re here to help. Contact us today to talk to an expert.

Failed Sump Pump Cat 2 water loss

Important items to note when you find water damage

When you call a service like R & S Restores Property Restoration, our team will ask you a few questions. This helps us understand your needs over the phone. These are a few items that should be asked by any professional mitigation company.

  • When did the water damage occur?

  • When did you first notice it?

  • Is there standing water?

  • Do you know how the loss occurred?

  • Has the source of the water damage been located and stopped?

Upon our arrival at the site, our highly trained technicians will conduct a thorough assessment of the damage that has occurred. One of the initial steps in this process will involve determining the specific category and class of the water damage present. This classification is crucial, as the protocol we implement will vary significantly depending on the source of the water and the class of damage identified. By understanding these factors, we can ensure that we take the most effective and appropriate measures to address the situation and restore the affected area properly. To help you better understand, we have broken things down for you below. If you have any questions or need property restoration, don’t hesitate to reach out to R & S Property Restoration. 

Water damage things to know.

Categories of Water Damage

Categories of Water Damage

It is important to assess the damage. This helps decide what is needed to begin water damage repair and water removal.

Category 1 = clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include water supply lines or copper pipe leak.

Category 2 = gray water. This means that the water is contaminated and may cause illness if consumed. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps, dishwasher leak.

Category 3 = black water. This type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that cause illness. The possible sources of black water or cat 3 damage include sewage problems and contamination of standing water.

Classes of water damage

The class of damage is significant when evaluating water damage repair options.

  • Class 1 is the least harmful form of damage. Building materials absorb only a little of the water from this type of water loss. Water damage repair is the simplest with this type of condition.
  • Class 2 has a fast rate of evaporation, which means that carpets and cushions may be damaged. Water damage repair is more challenging when it involves class 2 water damage.
  • Class 3 has the fastest rate of evaporation. In this case, the water may come from a toilet overflow on an upper floor, or a busted pipe in the ceiling.  Overhead sources, soaking the walls and furniture.
  • Class 4 requires special water restoration and water removal procedures. This type of damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster, and concrete.

If you or your business has water loss or damage, call R & S Restores first. We are a top water removal and restoration company in Novi, Michigan. We are dedicated to protecting your most important investment.

Call us at 888-545-8514

Frozen water line floods house
Red triangle, road sign and stop for emergency, construction or symbol for caution to driver on the

Water Damage Emergency Tips

R & S Restores can help with your water damage mitigation needs. Here are some useful water damage tips to follow while you wait for us to arrive:

  • Collect miscellaneous items from floors

  • Turn on the air conditioning. This will help reduce humidity and improve drying conditions. This is especially important in summer or when it is humid outside

  • Water can cause items to leach color, so it is best to remove colored rugs and such from wet carpeting

  • If you can, remove artwork, computers, and other vulnerable, sentimental items or paperwork from the affected area

  • Lift up wet upholstery and cushions

  • To the best of your ability remove excess water via mopping, shop vac or blotting

  • Take away lamps and other items from the table. Then, wipe off any extra water from wood surfaces. Humidity trapped under these items can damage or stain the wood

  • Try to separate furniture from wet floor via aluminum foil or wood blocks between wet carpet and furniture legs

R & S Restores Is Here for you

When disaster strikes and you need cleanup, restoration, and construction services.  R & S Restores can handle all your property damage needs. We serve Novi, Michigan, and the greater Metro Detroit area. We are equipped and trained to handle minor to large scale losses in residential. Contact R & S Restores and let us take care of your water damage and help restore your property to pre-loss condition.

 

Restoration team discussing plans with homeowner