Homes and businesses alike experience water damage from time to time. Without immediate and proper help, water damage can lead to further losses, such as wood rotting, mold development, and bacterial growth. The different classes and categories of water have varying effects on items and building materials, but there are some types of materials that are more susceptible to water damage than others.
Common Causes of Water Damage
- Appliance malfunction (e.g. dishwasher)
- Broken Pipes
- Drip Irrigation Systems and Sprinklers
- Flooding
- Leakage
- Rainwater Runoff
- Roof Leaks
- Sewer Backup
Categories of Water Damage
There are three (3) types of water damage as designated by the IICRC (the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification).
Category 1: Clean Water
- This type of water does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows.
- However, Category 1 can quickly degrade into Category 2 if not dealt with right away.
Category 2: Gray Water
- Gray water is contaminated and may cause sickness if ingested. This type of water contains toxic microorganisms that can cause serious threats to our health.
- Gray water comes from broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage.
Category 3: Black Water
- Black water contains significant pathogens and is grossly unsanitary. It could cause severe illness or death if ingested.
- Sewer backups, flooding from rivers and streams, toilet overflows, and stagnant water that has begun to support bacterial growth are examples of black water.
Classes of Water Damage
The class of damage is important when assessing water damage repair options.
- Class 1 is the least harmful form of damage. Materials absorb very little of the water from this type of damage. Water damage repair is the easiest in this type of situation.
- Class 2 has a fast rate of evaporation, which means that carpets and cushions may be damaged. Water damage repair is more difficult when it involves Class 2 damage.
- Class 3 may need to have a lot more demolition involved. It has the fastest rate of evaporation. In this case, the water may come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources, soaking the walls and furniture. Ceilings may be wet and damaged, along with other materials such as wet insulation and behind the walls.
- Class 4 requires special water restoration and water removal procedures. This type of damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster, and concrete. Special drying methods and longer dry-out times are usually involved in these types of situations. This type is the most complicated and hardest to deal with.
What Materials Can Be Affected by Water Damage?
Different items have varying levels of water resistance. While some are salvageable, others cannot be saved by drying out and may have to be discarded.
Carpeted floors
- A carpet can resist a huge volume of water before water damage can occur. However, all the water that is soaked up by the carpet must undergo proper drying, which requires special methods, to prevent mold growth.
- Carpets affected by Category 2 water need to be replaced, while those affected by Category 3 water will require the replacement of both the carpet and the pad.
- When considering a carpet as a flooring option, remember that it will not be as smooth as replacing individual tiles or hardwood pieces after it is patched with remnants.
Ceramic or stone tile floors
- This type of flooring is extremely resistant to water damage and will require minimal repairs as long as the water doesn't penetrate the subfloor. Ensure that the tile is well-grouted and sealed.
- Tile floors vary in cost and installation can be more expensive. Keep any extra tile after installation for future repair work.
Hardwood floors
- Hardwood floors are delicate and can be damaged easily depending on the amount of protection they have. If the water damage is minimal, repair of individual spots can be performed.
- It's best to contact a professional to decide whether your hardwood floor needs repairing or replacement after water damage
Laminate floors
- Laminate has a different reaction to water compared to other floors. It must be dried promptly since laminates cannot be dried once the water has passed through the surface. The laminate may not exhibit evidence of deterioration for several days after the harm has occurred.
- Installing laminate floors is easy and affordable. In addition, they can sometimes be replaced in small patches.
Linoleum and vinyl floors
- These floors are typically resistant to water. Make sure to inspect the subfloor by loosening and removing individual sections of vinyl flooring to check for damage.
Flooring is only one example, of course. There are elements all around your property that will determine how resistant your home is to water damage and whether a repair or replacement is required. A skilled specialist can help you understand what the components in your home mean for the cost of water damage restoration.
How Our Professionals Deal With Water Damage
ServiceMaster by Wright is a water removal company that can dispatch a technician to a residence at any time of day. A professional can come over at any time of the year to provide homeowners with the instant help they require.
Our professional process includes:
Inspection and Assessment
- When our water technicians arrive at a property that has been flooded, they may inquire about the issue in detail.
- The purpose of the questions is to offer the professional a better understanding of how to proceed with water extraction.
Water Extraction
- Water extraction equipment is included in all company vehicles to help with water removal.
- Even though the water extraction procedure takes time, our experts are diligent in their work. They make sure that all of the water has been evacuated before moving on to the next stage.
Structural Drying, Dehumidification, and Content Cleaning & Restoration
- Professionals move on to the following phase, which is drying wet flooring, once the water extraction procedure is completed.
- When people think about floors, they may only think of hardwood or tile floors that need to be dried. However, many homes contain carpets and rugs that have a high predisposition for quickly absorbing water.
- As a result, drying wet floors, rugs, and carpets as quickly as possible is crucial. Fans and air circulation can be used to dry damp floors and other items in a home.
- Books, woodwork, and art can all be affected by moisture in the air. Even after all of the water has been removed from a structure, mold can easily form. As a result, our experts work diligently to ensure enough air circulation and dry moist flooring.
Wood Flooring Repairs and Reconstruction
- Floor Damage Assessment - ServiceMaster by Wrights's technician will assess the damage of floor, whether it needs flooring repair or flooring replacement.
- Flooring Repair/Replacement/Removal or Demolition - Our specialists will repair the affected flooring. If the flooring is not salvageable, we will demolish the flooring and replace it with new flooring.
- Flooring Installation - ServiceMaster of Roswell is also a certified General Contractor. We install hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring, and tiles. We also repair ceiling and drywall.
Schedule an Appointment for Water Removal and Repair Services in Fort Myers, Florida
ServiceMaster by Wright is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at our live answering service, (239) 431-9947. You can also connect with us online. We are servicing residential and commercial properties in Fort Myers, Florida, and the surrounding areas and counties.
- Nearly 40 years of experience
- IICRC Accreditation
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Licensed technicians
- Insurance Preferred Vendor
