Extensive water damage in any part of your home can be extremely overwhelming for you and your family. Determining the level of damage you have incurred is the best first step you can take in getting your home and your life back to normal and will help you address repairs in the fastest, most efficient way possible.
Signs of Class 4 Water Loss
Those with class 4 water loss have suffered extensive water damage, saturating very low permeance and porosity materials such as:
- Hardwoods
- Subfloors
- Plaster
- Brick
- Concrete
- Stone
- Crawlspaces
- And other materials seen in subsequent classes of water loss
Class 4 Water Loss Damage
Damage seen in class 4 water loss involves deep pockets of saturation, which require a very low specific humidity in order to dry, longer drying times, and often special equipment.
Jump to another class of water loss:
- Class 1 Water Loss: Slow rate of evaporation
- Class 2 Water Loss: Fast rate of evaporation
- Class 3 Water Loss: Fastest rate of evaporation
How to Prevent Further Damage
- Timing
Timing is critical in preventing further damage due to mold, mildew, and the proliferation of other microorganisms that can adversely affect the health of you and your family. Water, time, and temperature promote this contamination. Stagnant water grows bacteria, mold, and mildew that can easily be spread throughout your home. - Circulation and ventilation
Reduce microorganism growth and speed up drying times by circulating and ventilating fresh air through the damaged area. If using appliances to aid with ventilation, be cautious of standing water and aware of the risk of electrical shock. - Removing unsalvageable debris
If the area is safe or you are unable to get in touch with a professional, remove any unsalvageable debris to expose saturated areas and reduce drying time and microorganism growth. - Safety
When possible, avoid the damaged area until professional help arrives. If attending the area is unavoidable, be certain to use gloves, splash goggles, and an organic respirator or paint respirator to avoid exposure to microorganisms and spores.
