Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique explains the differences between various types of paintbrushes.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Sunday, October 12, 2025
An Overview of Water Damage Classifications and Categories
Water damage comes in a variety of forms that can be merely annoying or potentially dangerous, depending on the source of the flow. Today, we will go over the general categories of water leaks, the type of damage they can cause and the recommended steps to treat them. Water damage is split up into various categories and classifications according to standards set by the IICRC.
Category 1 (Clear Water)
This type of water damage occurs when a pipe or appliance springs a leak or overflows when left on unattended. Fortunately, in these types of situations, the water is usually clean and does not pose any real risk to you immediately. Clean water damage typically is an issue for the surrounding environment, such as carpets, books and other belongings which are not waterproof and may need restoration work done if the flooding happens over a long period of time. Additionally, water damage can potentially lead to more severe issues such as mold growth that will need the attention of a professional mold inspector and remediator.
Category 2 (Grey Water)
Gray water damage involves some degree of contamination, whether it's physical, biological or chemical. In layman's terms, gray water is dangerous but not hazardous and needs some form of remediation in order to ensure that the environment is properly restored for human inhabitation. The most common household gray water situations come from toilets, dishwashers and washing machine leaks, where detergents or food particles are mingled in with the water supply. Gray water, like clean water, may also cause mold damage in unattended situations and can also potentially lead to other structural issues depending on the type of contaminant in the water.
Category 3 (Black Water)
This is the most uncommon form of water damage as well as the most dangerous. Black water contains extremely unsanitary agents including bacteria and fungus, and contaminate all surfaces it touches. Black water damage is usually caused by natural disasters such as storms and floods, where debris is washed into the water, or from ruptured sewage lines or septic tanks. This type of water damage must be handled by a professional restoration firm and potentially the state environmental protection agency, as the consequences of leaving the situation untreated or improper treatment can be devastating to many others besides the property owner.
In addition to the types of water damage, there are also various classifications to specify the rate of evaporation for a water damage scenario. This information is subsequently utilized by the technicians to determine the proper method of dryout and an approximate timeline.
Class 1 (Slow Evaporation Rate)
This is the most benign level of water damage in which only a part of a room or area is affected, or the materials involved are relatively low permanence or porosity such as particle board, structural wood or plywood. In these situations, there is usually a minimal amount of moisture absorbed by materials and restoration time is typically fast.
Class 2 (Fast Evaporation Rate)
This class generally involves an entire room, or flood damage where water has wicked up to 24 inches on the wall. Moisture can be present in the structure as well. These scenarios are middle of the road as far as the work and time involved.
Class 3 (Fastest Evaporation Rate)
Class 3 situations commonly involves water that comes from above, either from an upstairs room or outside during heavy rain. In these scenarios, water has saturated more than 24 inches above the wall, posing severe structural risk and potential damage if not immediately addressed.
Class 4 (Specialty Drying Situations)
In this class, the surrounding structure and materials have very low permance/porosity, causing water to remain in saturated pockets throughout. Examples include hardwood, brick, concrete or other materials that do not have a high amount of absorption rate for moisture. These scenarios require very specific low humidity and ventilation solutions in order for water to be effectively removed.
While the class and categorization of a water emergency can usually be quickly inferred, be sure to double check with your water technician when they arrive on site to get the full scope of the situation after a professional inspection has been conducted. Your technician should be able to provide you with an approximate estimate of the timeframe, as well as details on the exact work that needs to be done to bring everything back up to speed. We will cover the various methods of water damage restoration in our next article so be sure to stay tuned!
Category 1 (Clear Water)
This type of water damage occurs when a pipe or appliance springs a leak or overflows when left on unattended. Fortunately, in these types of situations, the water is usually clean and does not pose any real risk to you immediately. Clean water damage typically is an issue for the surrounding environment, such as carpets, books and other belongings which are not waterproof and may need restoration work done if the flooding happens over a long period of time. Additionally, water damage can potentially lead to more severe issues such as mold growth that will need the attention of a professional mold inspector and remediator.
Category 2 (Grey Water)
Gray water damage involves some degree of contamination, whether it's physical, biological or chemical. In layman's terms, gray water is dangerous but not hazardous and needs some form of remediation in order to ensure that the environment is properly restored for human inhabitation. The most common household gray water situations come from toilets, dishwashers and washing machine leaks, where detergents or food particles are mingled in with the water supply. Gray water, like clean water, may also cause mold damage in unattended situations and can also potentially lead to other structural issues depending on the type of contaminant in the water.
Category 3 (Black Water)
This is the most uncommon form of water damage as well as the most dangerous. Black water contains extremely unsanitary agents including bacteria and fungus, and contaminate all surfaces it touches. Black water damage is usually caused by natural disasters such as storms and floods, where debris is washed into the water, or from ruptured sewage lines or septic tanks. This type of water damage must be handled by a professional restoration firm and potentially the state environmental protection agency, as the consequences of leaving the situation untreated or improper treatment can be devastating to many others besides the property owner.
In addition to the types of water damage, there are also various classifications to specify the rate of evaporation for a water damage scenario. This information is subsequently utilized by the technicians to determine the proper method of dryout and an approximate timeline.
Class 1 (Slow Evaporation Rate)
This is the most benign level of water damage in which only a part of a room or area is affected, or the materials involved are relatively low permanence or porosity such as particle board, structural wood or plywood. In these situations, there is usually a minimal amount of moisture absorbed by materials and restoration time is typically fast.
Class 2 (Fast Evaporation Rate)
This class generally involves an entire room, or flood damage where water has wicked up to 24 inches on the wall. Moisture can be present in the structure as well. These scenarios are middle of the road as far as the work and time involved.
Class 3 (Fastest Evaporation Rate)
Class 3 situations commonly involves water that comes from above, either from an upstairs room or outside during heavy rain. In these scenarios, water has saturated more than 24 inches above the wall, posing severe structural risk and potential damage if not immediately addressed.
Class 4 (Specialty Drying Situations)
In this class, the surrounding structure and materials have very low permance/porosity, causing water to remain in saturated pockets throughout. Examples include hardwood, brick, concrete or other materials that do not have a high amount of absorption rate for moisture. These scenarios require very specific low humidity and ventilation solutions in order for water to be effectively removed.
While the class and categorization of a water emergency can usually be quickly inferred, be sure to double check with your water technician when they arrive on site to get the full scope of the situation after a professional inspection has been conducted. Your technician should be able to provide you with an approximate estimate of the timeframe, as well as details on the exact work that needs to be done to bring everything back up to speed. We will cover the various methods of water damage restoration in our next article so be sure to stay tuned!
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Top 10 Sherwin Williams Colors for EVERY Room in Your Home
Custom Color Palettes: https://shop.thepaintpeople.com/produ... Custom Color Palettes: https://shop.thepaintpeople.com/produ... Discover the perfect palette for your home with our guide to the top 10 Sherwin-Williams colors that will breathe life into every corner. From serene bedrooms to vibrant living spaces, we've curated a list of the most stunning hues to elevate your interior design. Join us as we explore the versatility, trends, and timeless appeal of these Sherwin-Williams shades, helping you create a personalized haven that reflects your style and personality.
Monday, October 6, 2025
Do’s And Don’ts When Restoring Your Home After Fire Damage
Watching your home go up in flames could cause an emotional turmoil that’s difficult to deal with. However, a fire accident isn’t the end of the road for your home as you can always restore it.
The key to restoring a home after fire damage depends on several factors you should do and don’t. Remember, fire damage restoration is a serious matter, and you don’t have any room for mistakes. For example, even if the firefighters declared that the fire’s over, it doesn’t mean that getting inside is safe. You might step on glass shards, nails, and anything sharp. There’s also a chance that heavy debris may fall on you while you attempt to clean and restore your home right away.
And because of those things, it’s always advisable to work with professional restoration companies like Arsidaho.com and others that offer similar services. Hiring these companies can hasten the restoration process.
Dos And Don’ts
Surely, you still want to help with the restoration process. It might be because you want to quicken the process or reduce the amount you need to spend. Whatever the reason, you want to make sure that you do it safely and properly.
What To Do
Here’s a list of the things you should do when restoring your home after fire damage:
1. Avoid The Scene Of The Fire
You need to avoid the fire scene until the firefighters permits you to go inside your home. Even if the fire appears to be out, it can restart. You don’t want to trap yourself inside when that happens. Moreover, the burnt part of your house can be unstable after a fire. Something may collapse and it may fall on you.
2. Document The Scene
Taking pictures, collecting receipts, and recording conversations with firefighters can help you with your insurance. This is because the evidence will help speed up the insurance claim process and ensure that you get a fair claim to cover the restoration process.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Insurance providers will have to assess the extent of the damage before they can start processing the claim. And to get them to process it as quickly as possible, you should call them immediately and let them know about the damage. Once they come, you can show them the parts that you documented to help with the process.
4. Find A Reliable Restoration Company
After the fire, you’ll want things to go back to normal as soon as possible. Therefore, you should find and contact a restoration company. Let them handle the restoration and help them out if they need anything. Even though you may be tempted to start the restoration by yourself, don’t; you may not have the right cleaning equipment and skills to do it alone.
5. Discard All Exposed Food
The food that has been exposed to fire or smoke isn’t suitable for consumption anymore as it may have chemicals that are unsafe to your body. Therefore, once you’re allowed back into the house, ensure that you discard all of them.
6. Seek Support
Watching your house go into flames can be traumatizing even for emotionally and financially strong people. You don’t need to go through such moments alone, and you should call and talk to your friends and family to seek emotional support. With a calm mind, you can trust yourself to make proper decisions.
7. Seek Temporary Shelter
Depending on the severity of the fire damage, you may need to seek temporary shelter as soon as possible. Take all the valuables you can, and make sure to do it right away. You don’t want your pets and family members to stay in your home as the soot and other toxic fumes may harm their health.
Also, you need somewhere to rest and pull yourself back together. Restoring your home may be on top of your priority list after the fire, but don’t forget yourself.
What Not To Do
After the fire, there are things that you should be keen to avoid doing to prevent further damage and make the restoration process smooth. Such things include the following:
1. Do Not Use Utilities
After a fire, you need to stop using the utilities such as gas and water. Remember that water that’s mix with dirt and debris becomes more electrically conductive. If it comes in contact with faulty electric equipment, it may result in electrocution.
On the other hand, there’s a huge chance that your gas line has been damaged or it might even be the reason the fire started. The last thing you want to do is to try igniting anything within the vicinity as there might be a gas leak.
2. Avoid Cleaning Before Insurance Assessment
Even after documenting the fire scene, you should avoid scrubbing soot, smoke, or moving anything in the house before an insurance inspection. This is because cleaning up may lessen the extent of the damage and consequently reduce your insurance claim.
3. Don’t Turn On Any Electric Equipment
Sometimes, the cause of the fire could be faulty electric equipment or connection. Turning on electric equipment soon after you’re allowed back into the house without a safety clearance could start another fire.
And even if the firefighter declared that your house is safe, don’t hesitate to ask about the status of your electricity service. Remember that aside from starting another fire, having problems with electricals may lead to electrocution or short your appliances.
4. Don’t Use Or Clean Carpets And Curtains
When soot or debris gets to your carpet after fire damage, it could be a headache to try and clean it. To avoid wasting time and further trouble, you should just dispose of it or get professionals to work on it. They can provide the best cleanup process for those items.
Conclusion
Fires can happen, and if a fire damages your home, you’ll be so distressed. The best you can do is ensure you do the right thing to make the restoration of your home easier and faster so that you can get your old life back. Follow all the things you’re supposed to do and act with caution.
SOURCE: https://purehomeimprovement.com/restoring-your-home-after-a-fire-damage/
Friday, October 3, 2025
Window Restoration from Start to Finish | This Old House
This Old House takes on restoring the old windows at the Belmont Victorian house. We show you the entire process from start to finish.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Saturday, September 27, 2025
365 DAYS HOUSE RENOVATION TIMELAPSE
Bienvenue dans norte Rénovation d’une ancienne exploitation viticole de + de 750m2
(Welcome to norte Renovation of an old wine farm of + 750m2)
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Comparing 3 Types of Benjamin Moore Paint (Don’t Waste $$$)
Today I am testing 3 Benjamin Moore paint lines. What is the difference between these different price points? When is it worth it to spend more and where can you save? Let's find out. Watch my Home Depot and Sherwin Williams Paint Comparisons
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Alltek Restoration Provides 24/7 Emergency Services
Emergency Services
We are here to help when you need it. Providing first response to your needs 24/7. Our team will be dispatched to your loss, will assess the damages, explain the course of action required and with your approval start immediately preventing further loss and damages.
The post-loss condition of a structure or dwelling can vary and is specific to each type of loss and the severity of the damage that has occurred. Determining the cause of the loss and the affected area is the first step and often most important. How and what steps are taken can have a significant impact on further damages and what is necessary to prevent or limit further damages to a structure. Alltek Restoration, Inc. provides all emergency or temporary services which your property may require.
Board Up Services
Are very common requirements after storm or fire losses. The damages caused by the actual fire and tactics use to extinguish can leave your property with broken or blown out windows, burnt doors or broken doors, ventilation holes in roofs, and structural deficiencies all of which leaves the property open to access, in distress, and insecure. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.
Temporary Weather Proofing
Your property may require temporary weatherproofing as a result of a loss. Both storm and fire damages can leave your property exposed or vulnerable to weather elements which will cause further damage to your property. Preventing additional damages is key as secondary damages can exceed the preliminary damages.
Content Services
Depending on the type of loss and severity will determine what needs to be done.
Services can include the following: manipulation, both salvageable and non-salvageable / total loss inventory, packing for on or off-site storage, cleaning and restoration, and pack back after repairs.
Mitigation Services
Includes initial loss assessment, determination of cause and source, water category/classification, moisture mapping, and determining the affected areas that require structural drying. Removal of both salvageable and non-salvageable building components, and the placement of required drying equipment as well as monitoring the drying progress until completed. After the drying process, repairs may proceed.
Temporary Utility Services
After a loss, a structure's utilities can be interrupted or shut off until safe operation and use can be confirmed. All utilities are subject to interruption which can make your home uninhabitable or unsafe. After a fire, if the electrical system is damaged emergency personnel will have the utility provider interrupt service to prevent the risk of injury and further structure damages. We can provide emergency repair or provide temporary utilities that are required so repairs may begin.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
How to Fix and Flip a Fire Damaged Home
Don't be scared of a burnout property! This video will show you how to renovate a fire-damaged home in 5 easy steps. I know house flipping fire and smoke damage can seem intimidating, but if you take a deep breath, sometimes the repairs are easier than you think.
What's your experience been flipping a fire-damaged home?
____
Follow James Dainard:
Website: https://jamesdainard.com/
Monday, September 15, 2025
Our next renovation project - 1930’s semi!
We’ve started a new renovation project! This is a 2 bedroom 1930’s semi-detached house in the North East of England. It needs a substantial amount of work to bring it up to modern standards. This should be a really interesting project and hopefully useful if you’re ever thinking of doing something like this. Subscribe for future updates on this channel or if you want to see every detail of the renovation join the Member Zone for less than the price of a pint!
Gosforth Handyman
Friday, September 12, 2025
Understanding the Water Damage Restoration Process
When moisture seeps into your home, a number of issues can occur.
To minimize long-term problems and contamination, you need to undertake
water damage restoration. Learn the steps involved in this process.
Responding to Initial Contact
When you realize that you have a significant moisture problem, your first step will involve calling a clean-up company for assistance. Many companies have 24-hour availability for emergency response. The representative you speak with on the phone will ask a few questions. These include your name, address, insurance information, type of damage, the problem cause, and whether electricity is available.
Inspecting the Situation
A professional will arrive to inspect the situation at the location. Expect the professional to look for the source of the dampness. If possible, the technician will try to stop the water source. The technician will then attempt to identify the type of water in your home. It may be white, gray, or black depending on the source of the moisture. The work performed to resolve the issue will depend on the type of water.
Removing and Extracting the Moisture
Removing the dampness is achieved with the use of submersible pumps and industrial vacuum units. These suck up excessive amounts of wetness in a short peroid. It's crucial to remove the water as quickly as possible to prevent mold from forming. Technicians will also use other types of equipment such as moisture detectors and meters that measure the amount of saturation in the home. Infrared cameras are also effective for detecting hidden dampness that could lurk behind ceilings and walls.
Drying and Dehumidifying
Dampness will linger long after the pumps and vacuums finish removing the standing water. Porous materials retain dampness for a lengthy time. This wetness will cause swelling, warping, and mold. To avoid these situations, the technicians will move on to drying and dehumidifying the area. Industrial dehumidifiers and air movers are effective for eliminating wetness in porous building materials. This equipment is also effective for drying carpeting and furniture. Moisture meters will enable technicians to monitor drying progress.
Sanitizing and Disinfecting
Once your home and furnishings are dry again, the work moves on to sanitizing and disinfecting an area. Excessive dampness usually leaves behind unpleasant odors. Fogging equipment and industrial air scrubbers are effective equipment for eliminating serious odor problems. The team may also use antibacterial and antimicrobial treatments such as abrasive, foam, or immersion cleaning to sanitize and disinfect your home. The technicians will also dispose of any unsalvageable items.
Final Restoration
Final restoration of your home involves the last steps of returning your house to the pre-moisture condition. Final water damage restoration includes reconstructing areas, installing new carpet, installing hardwood flooring, replacing drywall, and painting.
Because excessive moisture can lead to serious mold problems in a building, it's crucial to perform water damage restoration to repair issues.
Responding to Initial Contact
When you realize that you have a significant moisture problem, your first step will involve calling a clean-up company for assistance. Many companies have 24-hour availability for emergency response. The representative you speak with on the phone will ask a few questions. These include your name, address, insurance information, type of damage, the problem cause, and whether electricity is available.
Inspecting the Situation
A professional will arrive to inspect the situation at the location. Expect the professional to look for the source of the dampness. If possible, the technician will try to stop the water source. The technician will then attempt to identify the type of water in your home. It may be white, gray, or black depending on the source of the moisture. The work performed to resolve the issue will depend on the type of water.
Removing and Extracting the Moisture
Removing the dampness is achieved with the use of submersible pumps and industrial vacuum units. These suck up excessive amounts of wetness in a short peroid. It's crucial to remove the water as quickly as possible to prevent mold from forming. Technicians will also use other types of equipment such as moisture detectors and meters that measure the amount of saturation in the home. Infrared cameras are also effective for detecting hidden dampness that could lurk behind ceilings and walls.
Drying and Dehumidifying
Dampness will linger long after the pumps and vacuums finish removing the standing water. Porous materials retain dampness for a lengthy time. This wetness will cause swelling, warping, and mold. To avoid these situations, the technicians will move on to drying and dehumidifying the area. Industrial dehumidifiers and air movers are effective for eliminating wetness in porous building materials. This equipment is also effective for drying carpeting and furniture. Moisture meters will enable technicians to monitor drying progress.
Sanitizing and Disinfecting
Once your home and furnishings are dry again, the work moves on to sanitizing and disinfecting an area. Excessive dampness usually leaves behind unpleasant odors. Fogging equipment and industrial air scrubbers are effective equipment for eliminating serious odor problems. The team may also use antibacterial and antimicrobial treatments such as abrasive, foam, or immersion cleaning to sanitize and disinfect your home. The technicians will also dispose of any unsalvageable items.
Final Restoration
Final restoration of your home involves the last steps of returning your house to the pre-moisture condition. Final water damage restoration includes reconstructing areas, installing new carpet, installing hardwood flooring, replacing drywall, and painting.
Because excessive moisture can lead to serious mold problems in a building, it's crucial to perform water damage restoration to repair issues.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Things to Consider If You Need a Restoration Service
When you find yourself the victim of a natural disaster or fire and water damage, it is only natural to feel as if you have lost everything. Don't despair and lose hope. When disaster strikes, don't assume that all is lost. Simply contact a restoration service and let
them take care of everything. Keep in mind that at first, you may be
shocked about what has happened to your home, but with the right team of
professionals on your side, you can and will get through this ordeal.
You are going to need to do some things before the restoration service can get started. One of those things is to file a police report so that your insurance company will cover the cost to fix any damaged components of your home. A reputable restoration service can get things back to normal the fastest way possible. If some part of your home needs to be rebuilt because of extensive damage or if some part just needs to be remodeled, you don't have to go out looking around for a company that would be willing to take on your home with the type of damage it has sustained.
There are several reasons why you should hire a professional company. One is because emergencies and disasters can happen any time of day or night. You don't want to have to wait for assistance if it is after hours. By hiring a professional team, you have assistance available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are there at your beck and call to help.
Because there is so much urgency in times of dire need, it may not be possible for you to properly screen all contractors that offer a restoration service. That is why you should hire a restoration service that has employees. A reputable company will be certified by several government agencies, in addition to having all of the required credentials and insurances for your protection. When you are faced with this type of situation, it is best to get started right away to reduce the severity of your loss or damage. The right company will get your property secured and cleaned up in no time.
You want to hire a company that will work with your insurer so you don't have any unexpected or out of pocket expenses. They can fill out the necessary paperwork and speed up the processing time for your claim. This will help you to get back on your feet.
Keep in mind that you need to hire a restoration service that is available around the clock. They need to have workmen's compensation insurance and liability insurance on all of their workers. The longer they have been in business shows how well they cater to the needs of their customers. Ultimately, you want a company that can take care of all of your needs from start to finish, which will make the whole process less stressful and easier to deal with.
You are going to need to do some things before the restoration service can get started. One of those things is to file a police report so that your insurance company will cover the cost to fix any damaged components of your home. A reputable restoration service can get things back to normal the fastest way possible. If some part of your home needs to be rebuilt because of extensive damage or if some part just needs to be remodeled, you don't have to go out looking around for a company that would be willing to take on your home with the type of damage it has sustained.
There are several reasons why you should hire a professional company. One is because emergencies and disasters can happen any time of day or night. You don't want to have to wait for assistance if it is after hours. By hiring a professional team, you have assistance available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are there at your beck and call to help.
Because there is so much urgency in times of dire need, it may not be possible for you to properly screen all contractors that offer a restoration service. That is why you should hire a restoration service that has employees. A reputable company will be certified by several government agencies, in addition to having all of the required credentials and insurances for your protection. When you are faced with this type of situation, it is best to get started right away to reduce the severity of your loss or damage. The right company will get your property secured and cleaned up in no time.
You want to hire a company that will work with your insurer so you don't have any unexpected or out of pocket expenses. They can fill out the necessary paperwork and speed up the processing time for your claim. This will help you to get back on your feet.
Keep in mind that you need to hire a restoration service that is available around the clock. They need to have workmen's compensation insurance and liability insurance on all of their workers. The longer they have been in business shows how well they cater to the needs of their customers. Ultimately, you want a company that can take care of all of your needs from start to finish, which will make the whole process less stressful and easier to deal with.
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Why Do Breakers Trip? | Ask This Old House
In this video, This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman shows host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about why and how breakers trip.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Why is Prep Important Before Painting? | Ask This Old House
In this video, This Old House painting contractor Mauro Henrique tells us why prep work is important before painting, how he prepares for a paint job, and why we shouldn’t try skipping this critical step if we want a great finish.
Sunday, August 31, 2025
How to Keep Your Basement From Flooding | This Old House
Avoiding a soggy disaster with damage-prevention specialist Michael Milligan.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse
Thursday, August 28, 2025
How Do You Decide Whether To Clean It Or Destroy It?
Deciding to clean something or not on a restoration job can be tricky.
subscribe: 
/ @firehouseeducation
/ @firehouseeducation Monday, August 25, 2025
Steps To Help Recover Immediately After A Home Fire
Watch and learn four steps from the American Red Cross to help recover immediately after a home fire.
For more information on home fire recovery, please visit http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prep... .
For more information on the American Red Cross Home Fire Safety Campaign, please visit: http://www.redcross.org/fire .
To make a financial donation, please visit: https://www.redcross.org/donate/home-...
Friday, August 22, 2025
Categories of Water Damage Explained
Water can enter a building in many ways. Local flooding, leaking roofs and broken plumbing are all potential water sources that can cause damage to belongings and possible structural damage as well as create potential indoor environmental and indoor air quality concerns.
It’s important for people to understand what type of water has entered a structure so that it can be properly remediated and appropriate measures can be taken to protect workers and building occupants from any potential hazards.
Depending on the water source and possibly the length of time it remains in a building, it may contain bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, protozoa and even parasites. There are three categories of water that are typically used when classifying a water damage or flooding event. These include:
Category 1 Water, also known as Clean Water, does not typically result in an immediate health threat to building occupants. This type of water is considered clean at its point of release. Examples include broken water supply lines and the overflow of a sink or tub. Even in properties with this type of initial water damage, mold can begin to grow in as short as 24 hours. It may also become increasingly contaminated over time and as it interacts with materials in the property.
Category 2 Water, also known as Grey Water, typically contains a significant amount of biological or physical contaminants that can cause sickness when humans are exposed or if it is accidentally consumed. Examples include water discharged from a dishwasher or washing machine. Category 2 Water, that is not promptly removed or has remained stagnant for some time, may at times be reclassified as Category 3 Water.
Category 3 Water, also known as Black Water, is grossly contaminated. It may contain harmful pathogens, microbes and chemicals that could cause illness. Sources include sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water.
These are just a few things to know about categories of water in water damaged buildings, to learn more about this, please contact the professionals at Jimmy Garza Emergency Water Removal today.
Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. Alltek Restoration specializes in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well-executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.
We serve the following counties:
Alameda,
Contra Costa,
Marin,
Merced,
Napa,
Sacramento,
San Francisco,
San Joaquin,
San Mateo,
Santa Clara,
Solano,
Sonoma,
Stanislaus
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
CSLB's Senior Scam Stopper Seminar
CSLB's "Senior Scam Stopper" Seminar covers tips for seniors on how to hire a licensed contractor and how to avoid being scammed. For more resources and information, you can visit cslb.ca.gov/seniors
Saturday, August 16, 2025
This Old House | House Fire Reclamation
The back porches are brought to code. Ice blasting is used to get rid of the fire odor. New vinyl siding gets installed. Homeowner Carol considers new accent colors to match. Framing begins inside.
A lingering smell is one of the biggest problems faced by victims of a house fire. Kevin finds our demo expert Ron Peik addressing that problem with a unique solution—ice.
The old siding dates to the early 80’s and finding a match has been difficult. Carol has decided to put new vinyl siding on the entire house and change the color. Tom works with Charlie and siding installer Diogenes Porto on the side of the house that received most of the damage.
The new siding color gives Carol a chance to change accent colors on the exterior. She meets with Mauro Henrique to pick new colors for the columns in front.
In the second floor apartment framing has begun. Kevin finds Russ and his crew erecting a new wet wall between the kitchen and bathroom and moving a bathroom wall to make space for a laundry room.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Flooded Home: Make Sure Everything is Dry Before Rebuilding
NDSU Extension Educator Carl Pedersen shows what to look for and check out in your home before rebuilding after the flood.
For more flood information check out http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood
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