3 Ways To Identify Category 2 Water Damage

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services in Longmont, CO

3 Ways To Identify Category 2 Water Damage

Restoration specialists categorize each incidence of water damage into one of three categories. Category One water damage occurs in the event that a supply line breaks and requires water pipe repair, extraction and drying. Flooded toilets and roof leaks are the most common causes of Category Two damage at commercial property in Longmont, CO. Category Two water damage is less severe than Category Three incidents, but still requires disinfection.

1. No Signs of Solid Waste
Category Two water damage is contaminated but contains no solid waste. Cleanup may be simplified, as water pipe repair and pumping out water should be sufficient. After water extraction, building owners should seek opinions from restoration professionals regarding the condition of building materials or contents exposed to a leak. Any substances that cannot be sanitized may need to be torn out and replaced to lower the risk that mold or other secondary damage will develop.

2. Clean Water Standing Over 48 Hours
Clean, treated water from a broken pipe or leaking supply line starts out as Category One damage. If the source of moisture goes untraced for longer than several days, the accumulated water can degrade in condition from Category One to Category Two damage. Over time, leaching building materials and contents can cause standing water to become highly contaminated Category Three damage.

3. Water Seeping Through Building Materials
Water that works its way through layers of building material such as roofing, insulation and drywall becomes more contaminated. Water from a roof leak is considered Category Two damage, and requires cleaning and disinfection of contents and building materials.
It is important to clean up water from any source. In the event that a pipe break flooded a commercial building in Longmont, CO, the building owner or manager should arrange for water pipe repair, extract standing water and dry the affected area as soon as possible.