How do Class 1, 2, and 3 categories differ from Class 4 in water damage?

The difference between Class 1, 2, and 3 categories of water damage and Class 4 primarily relates to the characteristics of the materials affected and the extent of moisture absorption and evaporation. Class 4 water damage is unique in that it involves materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood floors, plaster, or concrete. These materials retain moisture significantly longer due to their density and low permeability, requiring specialized drying techniques.

Class 1, 2, and 3 categories are characterized by how quickly the water evaporates from porous surfaces. For example, Class 1 represents minimal water absorption and easy drying, whereas Class 2 signifies a larger area affected with structural and porous materials being impacted. Class 3 indicates a situation where substantial amounts of water have affected materials, leading to rapid evaporation. In contrast, Class 4 requires extended drying application methods because of the resistance of the materials to moisture escape, leading to a much slower evaporation process.

Focusing on this distinction highlights the unique challenges presented by Class 4 water damage, which necessitates alternate strategies in drying and mitigation compared to the other classes.