Different Types Of Water Damage And How Restoration Differs
Water damage can happen in various forms, with each one presenting a unique challenge and the restoration process and techniques being different for each type of water damage.
It is essential to learn about the different types of water damage and how restoration varies. This blog presents the various types of water-related damage and the different restoration methods.
Water Damage Restoration – Morgantown, West Virginia
Clean Water Damage
Category 1 water damage damage is caused by a source of water that would not generally pose substantial harm to humans. Sometimes categorized as clean water damage, this type of damage is caused by a source of water from a clean source. Examples of clean water include broken water supply lines, melted ice or snow, or falling rain water. Clean water does not generally create an unhealthy environment when dry. If a person comes in contact, drinks, or eats something containing clean water, there is no real risk of sickness. Therefore, clean water restoration is generally limited to extraction of water, drying and, occasionally, sanitizing the affected area.
Grey Water Damage
Secondly, Category 2, or grey water, damage refers to water that has a slight level of contamination, such as dishwasher, washing machine and shower water. Grey water is a bit more dangerous than clean water, but not as dangerous as black water. Restoration for grey water damage usually means more cleaning and sanitizing than for clean water damage, and sometimes materials in the affected space have to be removed and replaced so that the space can become cleaner and safe.
Black Water Damage
Category 3 water damage, also known as black water damage, is the worst type, and comes with the highest health risks. Black water losses contain dangerous organic or inorganic contaminants, a combination of sewage, chemicals and bacteria, that can lead to serious health concerns. Usually, these losses are caused by sewage backups or by flooding from rivers or streams. The restoration of black water damage is more complex, involving intensive cleaning, disinfection, decontamination and drying of the affected areas. In most instances, porous materials that had come into contact with black water are discarded to prevent the spread of the contaminants and avoid health hazards.
Restoration For Structural Damage
The extent of structural damage that water damage restoration professionals need to deal with also determines the type and extent of restoration. Mild forms of water damage, such as leaks or spills from small appliances, may require relatively simple restoration procedures such as drying out the surface of the property. A strong flood, however, can lead to extensive structural repairs because the water may damage the property’s foundation. This can cause sagging beams or joists to reinforce sagging areas. Professional restoration teams may also need to rip out and replace damaged materials in extreme cases.
Restoration For Mold Remediation
Mold growth is a common byproduct of water damage, and can show up within 24 to 48 hours of water intrusion. Mold remediation, a type of restoration service, involves locating mold growth areas to eliminate and address those areas, removing contaminated materials, and fully preventing further mold growth. Professional restoration teams work with cutting-edge equipment and procedures to mitigate mold growth, and restore safe living conditions for occupants.
Overall, depending on the specific details of each case, it is important that water damage is restored according to the level of damage and from what kind of water it came from. Restoration companies will do a damage assessment to detect the level of damage, the type of water, and formulate a restoration plan suitable to the specific needs of that property. By knowing the different types of water damage and how the restoration processes differ, homeowners can have an idea about the procedures that will be done on their property and prevent further damage, protecting the health of all occupants. In the face of water damage, do not hesitate to contact us at Crossroads Property Rescue. Our team of professionals is here for you and your loved ones to achieve an early intervention with swift action that can restore your property and peace of mind.