Not All Types Of Water Damage Are The Same

There are three different categories of water damage. In each of those categories, there are also four classes. The following list describes the three categories.

Category 1 Water

This is water that’s actually clean at the site of its releasing source. If people consume it, it won’t pose a hazard to them. Water classified as category 1 can get contaminated progressively if it starts mixing with soils or interacts with floor coverings and building assemblies, such as subflooring, decking, and walls.

Temperature and time both promote first the growth and then the amplification of microorganisms in water, which can make category 1 water begin to degrade in quality.

Examples of this can include vertically falling rainwater, burst water pipes, and failed supply lines hooked up to appliances.

Category 2 Water

This is water that already has contamination to some level. If humans consumed it, there is a possibility of discomfort or sickness. Just like category 1 water, temperature and time will make category 2 water get progressively more contaminated.

Category 3 Water

This is water that is already highly contaminated. If humans consume this kind of water, then serious illness and death are possibilities. Examples of this would include sewage, any rising flood water coming from streams and rivers, and ground surface water that flows horizontally into buildings and homes. Water can get into a structure because of windstorm damage in two different ways.

The first way involves any rainwater that is windblown or falling and comes in because of damage to wall assemblies or roof components.

The second way is more about ground surface water that travels horizontally, often category 3 water, which has soil contaminants and silt that wind up infiltrating structures, typically through their doors or possibly around the foundation walls.

Ground surface water might also be called storm surge, and it can accumulate to depths of ranging from several inches up to several feet. If structures get submerged partially or even remain flooded substantially for weeks, then it’s common for very elaborate procedures to be necessary.