The Most Common Causes of Property Damage for Homeowners (Updated 2025 Guide)

Sam Simon

July 12, 2025

From water damage to windstorms, Chicago-area homeowners face property risks year-round. Discover the most common causes of home damage — and how to protect your home and wallet.

Why Understanding Risks Matters

Owning a home is one of life’s biggest investments — but it also comes with risks. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve seen firsthand how unexpected disasters turn lives upside down.

This updated guide explains the most common causes of property damage for homeowners today, based on insurance data and real-world experience. Plus, we offer expert tips on how to reduce risk and prepare for the unexpected.

Top 7 Most Common Causes of Home Property Damage

Water Damage & Freezing Pipes

According to the Insurance Information Institute, water-related claims make up nearly 30% of all home insurance claims.
This includes:

Burst pipes during winter freezes
Appliance leaks (like washing machines and dishwashers)
Water heater failures
Plumbing backups

Chicago tip:
Our Midwest winters make freezing pipe bursts one of the most common and costly disasters. Insulate pipes and keep your heat on, even when you’re away.

Wind & Hail Damage

Wind and hail account for over 34% of claims nationwide — often from storms, tornadoes, or derechos.
Common damage includes:

Roof shingle loss
Broken windows
Damaged siding or gutters

Chicago tip:
Severe spring and summer storms are increasing in intensity. Inspect your roof annually and trim nearby trees.

Fire & Smoke Damage

Fires (including electrical fires and kitchen fires) cause devastating loss. Even small fires can create smoke damage throughout the home, requiring professional cleaning.

Chicago tip:
Install working smoke detectors and consider having your electrical system inspected, especially in older homes.

Theft & Vandalism

While often overlooked, theft and vandalism cost homeowners thousands each year.

Chicago tip:
Use smart locks, alarm systems, and well-lit exteriors to deter break-ins. Many insurers offer discounts for security systems.

Mold Damage

Mold thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas — especially after water events.
While not always covered under homeowners insurance, mold removal is crucial to protect health and property value.

Chicago tip:
Check basements, attics, and around windows regularly, and address leaks or dampness immediately.

Sewer Backups & Sump Pump Failures

Standard policies do not cover sewer backups or sump pump overflows without additional riders.

Chicago tip:
Chicagoland homes, especially near Lake Michigan and older neighborhoods, are at risk. Ask your agent about sewer backup coverage.

Liability Claims

Injuries on your property (like slips on icy sidewalks) can result in lawsuits and insurance claims.

Chicago tip:
Shovel snow promptly, salt walkways, and make sure your homeowner’s policy includes sufficient liability coverage.

How to Protect Your Home: Expert Tips

Review your insurance policy annually
Keep an updated home inventory
Invest in preventative maintenance
Add recommended coverage riders (e.g., sewer backup)
Work with reputable local restoration experts

How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Helps

When disaster strikes, you don’t just need repairs — you need guidance.
With over 40 years of experience serving Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides:

We work directly with your insurance company to document damage, streamline claims, and get your life back to normal.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Led by IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer Sam Simon and CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, we are an MBE/WBE-certified, family-owned disaster restoration company proudly serving Chicagoland.

We are also the authors of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset — the essential handbook for disaster preparedness.

Service Areas

FAQ: Home Property Damage

Q: What’s the #1 cause of home insurance claims?
A: Water damage and freezing, followed by wind and hail.

Q: Does insurance cover mold removal?
A: Sometimes — typically only if caused by a covered water event.

Q: How can ServiceMaster help during an insurance claim?
A: We provide expert documentation, cleanup, and restoration to help maximize your claim.

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:

Subscribe now for expert tips, rapid-response insights, and restoration guidance delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re recovering from fire, water, or mold damage, stay prepared with advice from the trusted pros at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons.