A crawl space can be an extremely useful area in a residence. In fact, many homeowners use their crawl spaces for extra storage. At the very least, a crawl space can add an insulation buffer under or on the side of the house. It can also provide a handy area for tradespeople to access pipes …
Read moreHow to Tell If You Have Water Damage in Your Crawl Space
Any city that sits on a lake and features rivers running through its neighborhoods will experience flooding on occasion — and Chicago is no different. Even in 2019, Chicago experienced somewhat severe flooding that swamped neighborhoods after heavy rain. The Chicago River is certainly a blessing to the area, but it can pose a threat …
A water damage emergency is not just an inconvenience. It is a serious and stressful situation that can result from any number of water disasters — many of which you can’t fully prepare for. Every minute counts when it comes to assessing, extracting and cleaning water damage in a room or building. However, with the right water restoration …
Read moreCommon Causes of Water Damage in Chicago & What to Look For in Your Home
How Fast Does Mold Grow? Mold growth is a process that includes three distinct phases. In the first two days after water damage occurs, mold begins its initial germination and growth. Between the third and the twelfth day, the spores begin to colonize within the structure. Then, between 18 and 21 days after the initial …
Read moreHow Long Does It Take Mold to Grow on My Walls After Water Damage?
Mold growth is a natural outcome of water damage. After a leak or flood, water can soak into your flooring, baseboards, furniture and drywall. In fact, drywall is one of the primary places where water can soak in and lead to mold damage. In the hours and days after a leak or flood, what are …
Read moreHow Do I Know if I Have Mold in My Drywall After Water Damage?
Winters in Chicago can be beautiful, with freshly fallen snow making for picturesque views. But snow and ice can also cause roof leaks if you do not take the proper precautions. Every year, you should pursue these preventative measures: Water damage caused by ice and snow can become costly and also eat up a lot …
Read moreHow to Prevent Roof Leaks From Ice & Snow Storms in Chicago
The longer water damage lingers, the more long-term problems it can cause for your home. Mold growth and structural damage can occur if you do not address water damage immediately. You may also suffer more aesthetic deterioration the longer you wait to repair the water damage. An immediate water damage fix can save you money …
Read moreWhy Is It Important to Have Flood Damage Fixed Quickly?
Restoring a home after water damage generally involves two phases. The first is drying out the structure and cleaning up from the water. This can take anywhere from three to five days, depending on how long the home received the water exposure. The second part of the process, restoring the home to its former state, …
Read moreHow Long Will Water Restoration Take From Start to Finish in My Home?
Your home just sustained serious water damage, and after recovering from the initial shock, you are ready to make your insurance claim. Most people have never gone through the insurance claim process for water damage. You will need to take five basic steps: Call your insurance agent as soon as possible Fill out any claim …
Read moreClaim Process for Water Damage Restoration in Chicago
Yes. Your air conditioner can cause extensive water damage to your home. Maybe it’s just a small puddle around the unit or an inch of water in your basement. At ServiceMaster, we have seen homeowners actually have their ceiling collapse due to flooding from an AC unit. Here are some of the most common causes of …