Water damage

Water damage describes various possible losses caused by water intruding where it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes such as rotting of wood, mold growth, bacteria growth, rusting of steel, swelling of composite woods, de-laminating of materials such as plywood, short-circuiting of electrical devices, etc.

The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots that could eventually mar a surface, or it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as burst pipes and flooding.

For example, the city of Fond du Lac Wisconsin received $1.2 million FEMA grant after flooding in June 2008.

The program allows the city to purchase the water damaged properties, demolish the structures, and turn the former land into public green space.

[citation needed] Water damage can originate by different sources such as a broken dishwasher hose, a washing machine overflow, a dishwasher leakage, broken/leaking pipes, flood waters, groundwater seepage, building envelope failures (leaking roof, windows, doors, siding, etc.)

[4] Experts suggest that homeowners inspect and replace worn pipe fittings and hose connections to all household appliances that use water at least once a year.

This includes washing machines, dishwashers, kitchen sinks, and bathroom lavatories, refrigerator icemakers, water softeners, and humidifiers.

A number of insurance companies offer policyholders reduced rates for installing a whole-house leak protection system.

[6] Class of water damage is determined by the probable rate of evaporation based on the type of materials affected, or wet, in the room or space that was flooded.

[8] While there are currently no government regulations in the United States dictating procedures, two certifying bodies, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the RIA, do recommend standards of care.

[10] Presently, the California Contractors State License Board has no specific classification for "water and fire damage restoration."

The goal of the drying process is to stabilize the moisture content of impacted materials below 15%, the generally accepted threshold for microbial amplification.

[6] In conclusion, key aspects of water damage restoration include fast action, adequate equipment, moisture measurements, and structural drying.