3 Steps To Categorize Water Damage

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Littleton, CO

3 Steps To Categorize Water Damage

Categorizing water damage is an important step toward evaluating the severity of damage and determining restoration requirements. Building owners and managers can get a clearer sense of the severity of water or sewer damage by considering three aspects of damage to a commercial building in Littleton, CO.

1. The Source of Water
Water damage from broken or leaking supply lines tends to be clean, Category One water damage. This water has often undergone treatment to reduce contaminants and pathogens.
Category Two water damage originates from an overflowing shower, appliance or toilet, but does not contain solid waste. Category Three water from a sewer backup or external flood is the most contaminated type of water damage.

2. Where Water Leaks Flow
Water flowing down between levels of a structure degrades in condition. Clean water from a pipe leak becomes Category Two damage on a lower floor. Water from a sewage company: flooded toilets can also degrade further.
Like sewer damage, leaks between floors call for disinfection. Tearing out porous materials such as ceilings, carpets, and drywall may be necessary to discourage mold.

3. How Long Water Is Left Sitting
Within 24 to 48 hours, Category One damage can turn into contaminated Category Two damage that requires disinfection and may necessitate tearing out porous building materials.
Mold may also multiply in the same span of time after damage. Visible growth may become detectable as soon as 48 to 72 hours after the damage takes place.
The source and flow of water are important for determining the severity of recent water damage. Ongoing or past damage may result in secondary damage, such as mold. Property owners and managers may be able to do more accurate preliminary assessments based on these three factors, but the opinion of a restoration company can be helpful for restoring water or sewer damage at a building in Littleton, CO.