Water Damage Restoration and What Your Home May Need

Often, clients will hear water restoration and mold remediation companies refer to "IICRC standards" or that their methods are "in accordance with IICRC". Understandably, the majority of people outside of this industry are baffled by the IICRC acronym and the implications behind it.

The IICRC, which is an acroynym for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, has certain guidelines that are followed by mold and water restoration remediators. Updated editions are often released that keep industry professionals apprised of the most pragmatic and efficient remediation tools and exercises. 

In the 3rd edition, the s500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, there are references to the appropriate amount of drying equipment to use on a property, relative to the damage experienced. Various algorithms are used to calculate the appropriate amounts, which are delineated in the following classes: 

• Class 1 (smallest volume of water, absorption and evaporation): an area or portion of a property that is only minimally affected by water. There is no observable damp carpeting in the area. 
• Class 2 (large amount of water, absorption and evaporation): An entire room or large area has been affected by water damage, including damp carpeting. 
• Class 3 (greatest amount of water, absorption and evaporation): Large areas are saturated with water; this includes ceilings, walls and any other overhead areas. 
• Class 4 (Specialty drying situations): These consist of wet materials with very low permeance/porosity (e.g., hardwood, plaster, brick, concrete, light weight concrete and stone). These types of losses may require longer drying times and special methods.

Being familiar with this class system, prior to having work performed in your property, can help you understand what level of work is actually required if you experience a water damage restoration issue. 

The appropriate drying method would be determined based off of an inspection. According to industry experts, the most common 'class' documented is Class 2. The following levels of drying are associated with each class: 

• Class 1:  Closed drying system i.e. not requiring outside air, whilst employing a dehumidifier.
• Class 2: Water is first extracted from porous materials and materials which have absorbed water by using a sub-surface extraction tool. Dehumidifiers should be installed in the immediate area. Create a drying chamber and installed air movers into the room. Ensure all wet materials are completely removed and heavily damaged materials (such as heavily water damaged carpeting), is removed and replaced. 
• Class 3: Consult with a certified professional since this type of damage is considered 'severe'. 
• Class 4: Consult with a certified professional since this type of damage is considered 'severe'. ​

This is a summation of the general drying techniques after an area has experienced water damage. It is recommended that, if one has experienced a great amount of water damage, they consult with an IICRC certified professional to have restoration work completed in the property. ​