Categories and Classes of Water Damage

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

The cleanliness of water (category) and the scale of damage (class) determines what procedures will be followed for mitigation.

At SERVPRO, we have been working with various degrees of water damage for almost twenty years. Our experiences range from small leaks to total property losses. 

When dealing with water damage, we follow IICRC standards and guidelines to ensure proper mitigation. Part of determining what the procedures will be depends upon what type of water has affected the property, as well the extent of the damage.

Categories

Category refers to the type of water affecting the structure.

• Cat 1 (Clean): Water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Examples include: broken water supply lines; melting ice or snow; falling rainwater; or broken toilet tanks.
• Cat 2 (Gray): Water contains significant contamination and can potentially cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Examples include: discharge from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from washing machines; or toilet overflows with some contaminants.
• Cat 3 (Black): Water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents and can cause significant adverse reactions to humans if contacted or consumed. Examples include: sewage; rising water from rivers and streams; wasteline backflow; or water with traces of regulated or hazardous materials such as pesticides or toxic organic substances.

Classes

Class refers to how much water and how the water has affected the structure.

• Class 1 – least moisture absorption (less than ~5% of combined floor, wall and ceiling surface area)
• Class 2 – significant moisture absorption (~5% to ~40% of combined surface area)
• Class 3 – greatest moisture absorption (more than ~40% of combined surface area)
• Class 4 – deeply held or bound water into low evaporation materials (e.g. plaster, wood, concrete, masonry) or assemblies (e.g. multilayer wallboard, subfloors)

We at SERVPRO service the Chicagoland area, including Elk Grove, Schaumburg, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, and the surrounding area. For a fast 24/7 emergency response, call (847) 593-3055!