Water Damage

If you’re affected by water damage in your property, immediately stop the water source, turn off electricity to affected areas, and call a certified restoration company.

Professional water extraction should begin within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth—critical in Greater Vancouver’s humid coastal climate. Document all damage with photos and video for your insurance claim before cleanup begins.

 

Emergency Response (What To Do Right Now)

When you discover water damage in your property, the first 24-48 hours are critical. Greater Vancouver’s high humidity (averaging 80%+ in winter months) accelerates mold growth, making fast response essential.

Immediate actions:

• Shut off the water source if possible (main valve typically near your water meter).
• Turn off electricity to affected areas at the breaker panel—never enter standing water with power on.
• Call your insurance company to open a claim.
• Contact a certified restoration company (IICRC-certified technicians can begin extraction same-day).
• Document everything with photos and video before any cleanup begins

 

What NOT to do:

• Don’t use household vacuums on water (electrocution risk).
• Don’t turn on the HVAC system (can spread contamination).
• Don’t remove standing water yourself if sewage is involved.
• Don’t delay—every hour increases damage and restoration costs.

 

Winmar Vancouver Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact & Assessment (Hours 0-4) Our Vancouver team responds 24/7. We arrive on-site within 2-4 hours for emergencies across Greater Vancouver.

Initial assessment includes:

• Identifying the water source and category (clean, grey, or black water).
• Moisture mapping with thermal imaging cameras.
• Documenting damage for insurance purposes.
• Creating a restoration scope and timeline.

 

Step 2: Water Extraction (Hours 4-24) Industrial extraction equipment removes standing water—our truck-mounted units extract thousands of gallons per hour. For Vancouver’s older homes (many pre-1970s), we take special care with original hardwood floors and plaster walls.

 

Step 3: Drying & Dehumidification (Days 1-5) This is where Greater Vancouver’s climate matters most. Professional-grade dehumidifiers and air movers create controlled drying conditions regardless of outside weather. We monitor moisture levels daily until materials reach acceptable thresholds (typically below 15% for wood).

 

Step 4: Cleaning & Sanitizing (Days 3-7) All affected materials are cleaned, sanitized, and treated with antimicrobial solutions. Contents are inventoried and either restored on-site or moved to our facility for specialized cleaning.

 

Step 5: Restoration & Repairs (Days 7+) Final phase returns your property to pre-loss condition: drywall replacement, painting, flooring installation, and any structural repairs needed.