Call Today - 24/7 Emergency Services

  • Find a Location
  • Own a Franchise

National Call Center

1-800-SERVPRO

801 Industrial Blvd Gallatin, TN 37066

©2024 SERVPRO. All rights reserved.

Water DamageWater Damage
Fire DamageFire Damage
MoldMold
Storm/DisasterStorm/Disaster
ConstructionConstruction
Residential ConstructionCommercial ConstructionRoof Tarp/Board-up

24/7 Nationwide
Service 1-800-SERVPRO

Call for Service

Know the Four Classes of Water Loss

By SERVPRO


Share:
  • Copied!


  • Classes of water loss describe the amount of water and the projected rate of evaporation based on the amount and type of wet materials in your home or business. There are four classes of water loss. Keep in mind, this is different from the three categories of water damage for insurance companies.

    Class 4: Specialty Drying Situations

    Class 4 water losses are caused by major water damage, like a severe flood. This classification can have devastating consequences for your property, affecting the structure. With a high level of water present, special care should be taken with drying; the process may take longer than what other classifications require. This class of water loss includes materials with low porosity, including:

    • Plaster
    • Concrete
    • Rock
    • Crawlspaces
    • Hardwood

    If you experience this classification, it is best to call your local SERVPRO® to have the area professionally cleaned and restored.

    Class 3: Fastest Rate of Evaporation

    Class 3 water losses typically come from overhead, saturating areas such as:

    • Insulation
    • Ceilings
    • Walls
    • Carpet
    • Cushions
    • Subfloor (in almost the entire area)

    A class 3 water loss can cause major damage to your entire property. It also has the fastest evaporation rate out of all four classifications. Most disasters of this type originate from a burst pipe or water coming from a collapsed ceiling. A class 3 water loss should be addressed immediately and professionally restored by your local SERVPRO. Acting quickly is crucial; by waiting, you may endanger your health and safety. Mold and mildew can grow because of class 3.

    For more information about SERVPRO’s mold services, visit our mold remediation resource, including our mold restoration process.

    Class 2: Fast Rate of Evaporation

    Class 2 water losses affect the whole room through materials such as carpets and cushions. Class 2 is identifiable if the whole room has been affected, and the rate of water evaporation is fast. Notably, water in this classification has wicked up the walls no more than 24 inches. In class 2 water losses, the following materials may be severely wet:

    • Wood grained material
    • Flooring
    • Carpets
    • Furniture

    Repairing class 2 water damage may cost more than class 1 since the affected area is larger. It may also be more difficult to clean.

    Class 1: Slow Rate of Evaporation

    Class 1 water losses affect only a certain portion of a room through low-permeance or low-porosity materials. This may include materials such as:

    • Vinyl composition tile
    • Plywood
    • Structural wood
    • Concrete
    • Particle board

    Class 1 is typically the easiest to handle because it only covers a small area. The damage created here is generally minimal, and the affected items have absorbed only a small amount of water. The cost of repairs is also inexpensive, making a class 1 water loss the best-case scenario.

    Can SERVPRO Help Clean Up Water Damage?

    SERVPRO is equipped to handle water damage losses big and small. Whether you experience class 1 water loss or class 4 or aren’t sure which class or category you have been struck by, reach out to your local SERVPRO. While you wait for help to arrive, follow these emergency water damage tips.

    Your local franchise’s technicians will implement an eight-step water restoration process to return your home or business to pre-loss condition, including:

    1. Emergency Contact, where a specialist will ask certain questions to determine the type and scope of loss, and dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment.
    2. Inspection and Water Damage Assessment, where SERVPRO technicians will assess the area upon arrival, and stop the source of water, if necessary.
    3. Water Removal, where water is removed using specialized pumps and extraction equipment.
    4. Damaged Material Removal, where non-restorable items are removed from the property to ensure efficient drying of remaining property and materials.
    5. Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Deodorization, where SERVPRO products, equipment, and special techniques are employed to ensure the affected area, including floors and ceilings, are restored to pre-loss condition.
    6. Drying, where special drying equipment is used to extract water you can’t see out of materials. This occurs after most of the water has already been removed. Oftentimes, this equipment is placed on technicians’ first visit to begin the drying process as quickly as possible.
    7. Monitoring, where SERVPRO technicians monitor the progress of drying and adjust as needed.
    8. Repairs and Construction, where construction services and other needs are addressed following water removal and cleanup.

    SERVPRO is Here to Help®

    When you’re struck by water damage and time management is precious, understanding the four classes of water loss can be a nerve-racking process. But when you reach out to SERVPRO, rest assured your property will be restored to pre-loss condition, “Like it never even happened,” no matter the class or category of water damage. With the resources of a national brand and the localized touch of your neighborhood cleanup company, SERVPRO is ready to help. Let SERVPRO technicians determine the scope and type of water damage to best lay out an appropriate plan of action.

    When you experience water damage, look no further than SERVPRO. With over 2,100 franchises across the United States and Canada, there is a SERVPRO near you. With more than five decades of experience and elite equipment, SERVPRO technicians are prepared to handle all manner of cleanup, restoration, and construction needs, big and small. No class of water loss is too tough. Call your local SERVPRO today.

    For more information, visit our FAQ and Glossary.

    Sources:

    https://www.neti.education/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Category-of-Loss-and-Class-Descriptions-IICRC-S520.pdfhttps://www.francophoniecanadienne.ca/categories-and-classes-of-water-loss/


    Talk to a representative now:
    National Call Center

    Need help elsewhere?

    (800) 737-8776

    24/7 Emergency Service

    ©Servpro Franchisor, LLC – All services in the U.S. performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Franchisor, LLC.
    ©Servpro Industries (Canada) ULC – All services in Canada performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries (Canada) ULC.

    Unless otherwise noted, each use of "SERVPRO," “us,” “we,” or “our” throughout servpro.com collectively refers to both the SERVPRO brand and the Servpro Franchise System, which is made up exclusively of independently owned and operated franchise locations.

    *#1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based on Commercial and Residential Attitude & Usage Tracking studies. Polling 816 commercial business decision-makers and 1,550 homeowner decision-makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Studies conducted by C&R Research: Oct 2019 and Decision Analyst: Oct 2019.