Category 1 Water Damage Defined

4/22/2018 (Permalink)

If you’ve had flooding at your place of business in Cary, NC, one of the first things the insurance company will likely want to know is the category of water damage. The IICRC, or Institute of International Cleaning and Restoration Certification, defines water damage based on the degree of contamination it causes. The degree of contamination is classified into three categories, determined by the source of the water. Category 1, also called “white” water, is water damage that originates from a clean water source, which presents minimal risk of exposure to contaminants through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Water damage can come from several different clean water sources.

1. Broken Pipes

A supply line can burst when temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, causing flooding once the temperature rises and the water thaws. This can result in significant damage to carpets, wood flooring, and walls. Corrosion and severe water pressure changes can also cause a broken pipe.

2. Broken Appliances

Certain appliances that use water have a water supply line, such as dishwashers, ice makers, or washers. If one of these appliances malfunction, water damage can occur to the surrounding areas.

3. Overflow

Water left running from a sink or shower—or even a broken toilet tank—can overflow. This can cause water damage.

4. Rain or Snow Damage

Excessive rain or melting snow and ice can result in significant water damage from water seeping through the roof and leaking into walls, ceilings, or insulation. The sheer weight of snow and ice left on top of a roof can be heavy enough to cause structural damage, which can lead to extensive water damage.

Once it is determined that the water damage is from a clean water source (category 1), your insurance company will typically want to use a professional cleanup and restoration service to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROcarymorrisvilleapex.com/.