What is the difference between Water Damage Category and Class?

Category refers to the level of contamination in the water (e.g., Cat 1 is clean, Cat 3 is black water with pathogens). Class refers to the rate of evaporation based on the porosity of the affected materials (e.g., Class 1 is low porosity, Class 3 is highly porous materials like carpet).

What is a Category 3 water loss?

Category 3 (Black Water) is grossly contaminated water containing pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. Examples include sewage backups, rising floodwaters from rivers, or stagnant water.

IICRC S500 TECHNICAL REFERENCE

IICRC Water Damage
Category & Class Estimator

Instantly cross-reference contamination levels and material porosity to accurately scope a structural drying job.

PROOF OS Autonomous Field Engineering & Compliance Engine

IICRC S500 LOSS CLASSIFICATION CERTIFICATE

Standard: IICRC S500 Category & Class Matrix

Date / Time: Generated Live

Job / Claim: Field Water Loss Classification

Contractor: Proof Certified Restoration Operator

1. Determine Category (Contamination)

Source of the water?

2. Determine Class (Evaporation Rate)

What materials are primarily affected?

Resulting Classification

Category 1

Class 1

Clean water source with minimal porous materials affected. Standard air movers and LGR dehumidification recommended.

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IICRC Water DamageCategory & Class Estimator

Estimator inputs

1. Determine Category (Contamination)

2. Determine Class (Evaporation Rate)

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IICRC Water Damage
Category & Class Estimator