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The Urgency of Removing Water: Disaster Restoration and Material Preservation

Nasutsa Mabwa

June 23, 2025

Rapid water removal is critical to protect your Chicagoland property from structural damage, mold, and costly repairs. Learn why time matters and how ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons can help restore your home or business.

Why Immediate Water Removal Matters

Water is essential for life — but when it invades your property, it can become one of the most destructive forces. Known as the universal solvent, water dissolves and damages more materials than any other substance. That’s why fast water removal is critical for any Chicago-area home or business affected by flooding, leaks, or other water intrusions.

According to FEMA, mold and microbial growth can begin within 24–48 hours of water exposure, making speed essential for safety and preservation.

How Water Damages Structures and Materials

Structural Risks

Materials like wood, drywall, and insulation absorb water quickly. This leads to:

Swelling, warping, and loss of structural integrity
Risk of collapse or weakened load-bearing capacity
Crumbling drywall and compromised insulation
Corrosion of metal components and support systems
Damage to electrical systems, increasing fire and shock risks

Mold Growth and Health Hazards

Standing water creates an ideal breeding ground for mold. Mold spores, including dangerous species like Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), can:

Damage walls, floors, and personal belongings
Release airborne spores that trigger asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions

Why Swift Action Protects Your Property and Your Wallet

Delays in water removal increase restoration costs and risks. Minor damage can escalate into:

Major structural repairs
Widespread mold remediation
Temporary displacement from your home or business

Proactive water removal helps protect your health, property, and finances.

For immediate assistance, visit our water damage restoration page.

How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Helps

Our IICRC-certified team provides:

Rapid water extraction
Structural drying and moisture monitoring
Mold prevention and odor control
Content cleaning and packout services

We serve homeowners and businesses throughout Chicago, the North Shore, and DuPage County, including neighborhoods like Albany Park, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, and North Park.

FAQs — Water Removal and Disaster Restoration

Why is it important to remove water immediately after a flood?
Water causes rapid material deterioration, structural risks, and promotes mold growth. The faster it’s removed, the more damage can be prevented.

How long does it take for mold to start growing after water damage?
Mold can start developing within 24–48 hours of water exposure.

Can I handle water removal myself?
DIY cleanup often misses hidden moisture in walls, floors, and structural elements. This can lead to unseen damage and mold growth. Professional drying ensures full restoration.

Will insurance cover water removal and restoration?
Most policies cover sudden water damage. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons works with insurers to document losses and help with claims.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a trusted leader in disaster restoration across Chicago, the North Shore, and DuPage County. Our services include water damage restoration, fire cleanup, mold remediation, smoke odor removal, and specialty cleaning. We are IICRC-certified and a proud Restoration Industry Association (RIA) member.

For help with water damage, call 773-376-1110 or visit https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com.

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

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.