Dallas Water Damage Classification Criteria

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides water damage mitigation from puddles to floods for your Dallas home

What are the Classifications for Water Damage?

Any time water pools where it shouldn't, damage is done to the affected area. Dallas water damage can be minor or disastrous, depending on the origin and extent. Leaking roofs, faulty pipes, pumps, or uncontrollable forces of nature can all contribute to the damage that may be fixed quickly or result in the total loss of a building's structural integrity. To distinguish the levels of damage done, insurance companies utilize a classification system established by the IICRC. Each classification is determined by the amount of water, absorption, and the expected evaporation rate, with class 1 being the lowest and class 4 the greatest in each factor.

Class 1 Water Damage: Refers to the least severe amount of damage that can occur, affecting only a small area with little to no absorption in soft materials, such as carpeting. Class 1 water damage in Dallas is the least expensive category to deal with and usually is caused by a small leak in a roof or appliance overflow. Even if a small amount of flooding occurs, the water is easy to remove and may require only a minimal amount of evaporation.

Class 2 Water Damage: Occurs when an entire room is affected, and the water has damaged wood-grained materials. Dallas Class 2 water damage includes some structural damage in the framework, drywall, and flooring of a location. This category also considers the height of the water. So long as any flooding has stayed below the 24-inch mark, it is still a class 2. Damage of this kind is typical of a sump pump failure, and if quickly noticed and expeditiously handled, the water can be drained and the area dried out before significant structural damage occurs.

Class 3 Water Damage: Any situation in which the water damage has severely affected a building without irreparably compromising its structural integrity is categorized as class 3 water damage. Class 3 water damage poses health risks for a building's inhabitants and typically requires the involvement of an insurance company to resolve. This level of damage is caused by burst pipes or water coming from overhead through a collapsed ceiling. If not handled quickly and effectively, a property with class 3 water damage may later be deemed unsalvageable.

Class 4 Water Damage: The fourth class of water damage is also referred to as a "specialty drying situation." In class 4, even materials with low permeance and porosity, including concrete, hardwood, and plaster, have been saturated. In most cases, this is considered a total loss. A building with class 4 water damage has had its fundamental structure compromised and requires nearly all its materials to be replaced. Drying out such a location requires a low and specific humidity to be maintained, which isn't possible in most cases. This level of damage is usually caused by a natural disaster, such as a severe flood.

Water Damage Repairs

The amount of water, the materials affected, and the expected evaporation rate all play essential roles in determining the extent of water damage. To make the best repair and salvage decisions, it is advisable to hire an IICRC certified water remediation firm. SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas has been doing water damage remediation for over 40 years in the Dallas area. Our crews can help mitigate most types of damage from your property.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas relies on advanced equipment to help to detect hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and thoroughly clean and dry your property and possessions. We finish the job with professional deodorization and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety. We are ready to help 24/7. Just call (214) 361-7887.