
Teach Mold a Lesson: Mold Removal and Remediation Services for Chicago, IL Schools

Sam Simon
August 1, 2015Summer comes with lots of activities. Kids are out of school, and there is nothing keeping them from swimming, running, biking, travelling, camping, climbing trees, scraping their knees, etc. However, when schools are left empty for an entire summer, something else may become quite active: mold.
As parents are preparing their kids to go back to school, schools also need to be prepped for their return. ServiceMaster by Simons professionals are trained in mold inspection and remediation and can help your Chicago school (whether in Bucktown, Magnificent Mile, or even the River North neighborhoods) make the grade…an A grade that is.
Where can you find mold?
Different kinds of
molds
can be found almost anywhere, and all they need is moisture, oxygen, and a food source to thrive. The best mold environment is dark and damp, which usually tends to include basements and anywhere there’s a sink or toilet.
Mold is sneaky, so if you see it on one part of your wall, chances are that it is part of a larger colony that is also behind that wall. Many molds grow in humid places on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation.
How does mold spread?
Mold reproduction is similar to how plants use seeds to grow. Mold produces seeds on a smaller scale, called spores. Spores are constantly floating through the air, both indoors and outdoors. Since we can’t control the wafting of spores, we have to examine a different way to control mold.
How do we control the spread of mold?
Mold spores grow when they are able to land on areas with lots of moisture. When they find the perfect spot, they digest whatever they are growing on. Since where they grow becomes their food, molds tend to destroy spaces where they grow.
To control mold, you control its ability to feed. The best form of mold prevention is to control areas that collect problem moisture, such as areas damaged by leaks.
What kinds of mold should I be concerned about?
No one knows how many species of mold exist because only a fraction have been identified. It has been estimated that there are likely over
300,000 types of mold
, and each one has the potential to cause negative health effects.
Molds are known for triggering allergic reactions and asthma attacks to those already allergic to mold. They tend to cause general eye and nose irritation and even respiratory problems to most who encounter them. Some molds even produce potent toxins that can cause more serious health problems.
How do I get rid of mold?
Some people try to use store brand cleaners or a mixture of bleach and water to clean up mold. While this may work to get rid of the mold you can see on the surface, it does not resolve your mold problem. Chances are there is still a larger colony of growth that you haven’t seen. Plus, you’ve now uprooted some of the mold spores and set them free to roam your home or business and settle in a new location. Not good.
Trying to remove mold yourself poses a huge risk to your respiratory health. Unless you are a professional certified in mold remediation and have the proper safety equipment and respirator, we suggest this be taken off your DIY list.
Ok, so how can anyone get rid of mold?
Mold removal is just the tip of the iceberg. You need someone with a professional mold remediation plan to effectively take care of mold.
ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons has certified professionals trained to remediate mold problems. Our technicians will effectively:
- Inspect all areas vulnerable to mold
- Remove mold colonies
- Remove spores
- Repair damaged structures
- Repair any potential future causes of mold
If your Chicago, IL home smells musty, or if your school has not yet been inspected for mold, call us today to schedule our mold remediation services. We also provide a variety of restoration services, so make sure you ask us about what services are right for you.
Sam Simon
Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.
He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.
Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.
In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.
Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career under the name Sam Zabadneh, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile
Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.
Under the direction of majority owner and President & CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:
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