Which materials require a significant time to dry due to being deeply saturated in a class 4 water intrusion?

In the context of water intrusion, class 4 materials are those that are heavily saturated and require a prolonged drying period due to their high-density composition and low permeability. Low evaporation materials are characterized by their ability to hold substantial amounts of water, making the drying process slow and challenging. Examples include materials such as concrete, brick, and certain types of plaster or other thick, dense materials, which do not allow moisture to evaporate quickly. This significant retention of moisture requires the use of specialized drying techniques and equipment over an extended period to effectively restore these materials to a pre-incident condition.

On the other hand, lightweight fabrics, wood, and hard surfaces are generally either more porous or have a higher rate of evaporation compared to low evaporation materials. Lightweight fabrics typically dry faster due to their structure, wood can vary based on its type and moisture content but generally has a lighter saturation level, and hard surfaces allow for more efficient evaporation when properly addressed.

Understanding the classifications of materials in water damage restoration is essential for determining appropriate drying methods, timelines, and equipment to effectively mitigate damage and restore the environment.