How Water Damage May Lead to a Mold Issue

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Are there visible yellowish-brown stains on your house’s roof or walls? Do you sense a musty odor as soon as you walk in?

If your answer is yes, then this means that your house has water damage— a problem that you shouldn’t ignore for an extended amount of time because it can cause serious damage.

We have assembled a few basics to help you in understanding this issue:

Water Damage Categories

According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC), there are three categories of water damage:

• Category 1 includes water damage involving clean water such as the one released due to the breakage of water supply lines or overflow of tubs or sinks.

• Category 2 includes water damage caused by grey water, which is the wastewater that includes chemical, biological or physical impurities. Examples of grey water include drainage from dishwaters and washing machines, toilet bowls containing urine, sump pump failures, etc.

• Category 3 includes water damage caused by black water. This water damage starts from category 2, but it can soon turn into category 3 if you don’t take the necessary steps to counter it.

Water Damage Classes

According to IICRC, there are four classes of water damage based on the evaporation rate:

• Class 1 type of water damage has a slower evaporation rate and it is not spread over a large area. In this type of water damage, the furniture and other items don’t absorb water quickly.

• Class 2 water damage has a fast evaporation rate. It is spread over a large area and has a water depth of less than twenty-four inches.

• Class 3 has the fastest evaporation rate and the water usually pours from overhead and affects the whole house. It damages everything from furniture and carpets to the walls, ceilings and flooring.

• Class 4 water damage has low humidity due to which the items absorb water at a slow pace.

What to do in case of Water Damage?

You should take the following steps in case of water damage:

• Turn off the affected area’s electricity.
• Identify the category of water damage and take steps accordingly.
• Remove furniture and other items from the standing water.
• Call a restoration company.