Water Damage
Living in Atlanta we all know that water damage can come from anywhere. It is important to understand what type of water damage you have, what steps should be taken to suppress, remove, and restore back to normal.
Category 1
water intrusions are the result of compromised sanitary water supply lines. In order for a situation to remain a Category 1, water must not have sat in a structure for more than 72 hours, and materials affected must be clean and well maintained. Odors indicate that the cleanliness of the water is not Category 1.
Category 2
Water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological and/or physical contamination is said to be Category 2. In order to remain a Category 2, water must not be allowed to dwell in the structure for extended time. If the water source was originally Category 1, the water will degrade to Category 2 after 72 hours. When water is a Category 2, it will continue to degrade and become a Category 3 after 48 hours.
Category 3
When water intrusion results from a grossly unsanitary source, carries disease causing agents, or when water has dwelled in a structure for more than 120 hours, it is said to be Category 3. Regardless of the initial source, water can be deemed Category 3 if it is allowed to dwell in the structure for five days. Removal of all highly porous materials and thorough cleaning or surfaces to be restored is required.