Damaged incurred by water is one of the leading causes of home repair around the world, including locally in Cleveland, OH. From flooding to pipes that are leaking, water damage repair is a multi-billion dollar industry. Water itself can cause considerable damage to the home even if it comes from a slow leak over time. Quite often, it’s not just the water itself, but what the water brings with it that can cause even more damage.
Although there are many ways a home can be damaged by water, the two principle means are generally flooding where all the damage occurs at once and leaking where the water damage occurs over time. In either case, the amounts of damage that can occur are separated into categories.
The Classifications of Water Damage
Essentially, there are four classifications of water damage that can be applied to the home. Each of these classifications helps define what type of damage has been done and to what materials.
Minor Damage – Typically, this is water that covers materials of low porosity such as concrete or particle board.
Moderate Damage – Water that has covered the floor of a carpeted room and has wicked up the walls and clings to structural materials.
Major Damage – Water that has cascaded from the ceiling, soaking the entire roam.
Specific Situation – Generally, this is water present in a particular location for a long period of time.
Flood Damage
Probably the most commonly associated damage from water, flooding often occurs during storms or from surges in nearby streams, rivers, lakes or even the ocean. Flooding not only brings water, but a wealth of other foul materials into the home in Cleveland that must be treated immediately.