When water enters your home or business, the first question is simple: should you do it yourself or call a professional (DIY vs Professional)? Small spills might look easy, but hidden moisture can damage drywall, flooring, and insulation. In Vancouver’s rainy climate, fast and correct drying is essential to avoid mold and future repairs.
DIY Water Damage Cleanup: When It Can Work
- Small, clean water spills you can dry fully within 24 hours
- Easy access areas like tile floors or concrete with no wall or ceiling impact
- You can monitor the area and keep fans running continuously
Limits of DIY
- Hidden moisture behind walls and under floors that home fans cannot reach
- Mold growth can begin in 24 to 48 hours if materials stay damp
- No professional documentation for insurance claims
- Household tools cannot match commercial extractors and dehumidifiers
Why Choose Professional Restoration
- IICRC certified technicians who follow industry standards
- Truck mounted extraction, industrial dehumidifiers, and thermal imaging
- Daily moisture checks until materials are dry to safe targets
- Preventative antimicrobial treatments to reduce mold risk
- Full reports and photos to support insurance claims
The Vancouver Factor
Frequent rain, high humidity, and older buildings increase the chance of slow leaks and hidden damp spots. Even minor incidents can return as odors, stains, or warped floors if not dried the right way.
Our Proven Process
- Assessment and Inspection We find the source and map all wet areas with moisture meters and thermal imaging.
- Water Removal We extract standing water fast to stop further damage.
- Drying and Dehumidification We use professional air movers and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from building materials.
- Sanitization We clean and apply antimicrobial agents where needed.
- Repairs and Restoration We replace damaged drywall, flooring, and trim as required.
DIY or Professional: How to Decide
- Choose DIY for very small, clean water incidents on hard surfaces that you can fully dry in a day.
- Choose Professional for wet drywall, ceilings, insulation, wood floors, basements, sewer backups, or any flooding.
Need Help Now?
Call Novaco Restoration 24/7 at 604 400 4800 for fast water damage restoration in Vancouver. We arrive quickly, document everything for insurance, and get your home or business back to normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dry water damage with household fans?
Fans help with surface moisture, but materials like drywall and subfloors hold water deep inside. Professional dehumidifiers are needed to pull moisture out and reach safe targets.
How fast can mold start to grow?
Mold can begin within 24 to 48 hours on damp materials. Quick extraction and controlled drying reduce this risk.
Will insurance cover water damage restoration?
Many policies cover sudden and accidental water damage. We provide photos, moisture logs, and estimates to support your claim.
How long does professional drying take?
Most projects take 2 to 5 days, depending on how much water was absorbed, the materials, and indoor humidity.
What should I do first while I wait for help?
Shut off the water source if possible, turn off power to affected areas, move small valuables to a dry place if it is safe, and call 604 400 4800 right away.
Do you handle repairs after drying?
Yes. We complete repairs and restoration, including drywall, flooring, paint, and trim, so you have one team from start to finish.
