Which class represents the least amount of water absorption and evaporation load?

Class 1 represents the least amount of water absorption and evaporation load in the context of water damage categorization. In the IICRC standards for water restoration, different classes of water damage are defined based on factors such as the amount of moisture, the extent of the damage, and the types of materials affected.

Class 1 indicates that only a small amount of water has been absorbed, typically affecting only a portion of a room or a small area, and is limited primarily to materials with low permeability—such as concrete or masonry. This means that the water does not have the opportunity to evaporate as extensively as in higher class categories, where more significant absorption and broader water presence are common.

Understanding the different classes of water damage is crucial for establishing appropriate drying goals and employing the right techniques and equipment for effective moisture removal. Since Class 1 involves minimal absorption, the drying process is generally simpler and requires less extensive intervention compared to higher classes where moisture intrusion is more significant.