When Water Damage Looks Impossible: How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Turns Chaos Into Recovery

When Disaster Strikes, It Looks Final

Imagine coming home to find your basement ankle-deep in water. Or opening your business on a Monday morning to discover ceilings sagging and floors buckling after a weekend pipe burst.

To a homeowner or business owner, this scene feels overwhelming — destructive, expensive, and final.

But here’s the truth: what looks like chaos to you is a familiar, solvable challenge for trained professionals. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve spent over 40 years helping Chicagoland families and businesses recover from catastrophic water damage. And while every job is unique, the process that restores order is systematic and proven.

During the recent floods in Milwaukee and Ozaukee County’s North Shore, I met several homeowners who broke down in tears as we walked through their damaged properties. Many of them felt like their lives had been turned upside down in a single night. The sight of water destroying floors, furniture, and treasured belongings was understandably overwhelming. In moments like this, I always pause, look them in the eye, and say: “This will all be in your rearview mirror before you know it. Trust us.”

That message isn’t just words of comfort — it’s a promise rooted in decades of experience. We’ve seen thousands of homes and businesses brought back from what first seemed like total loss. Our job isn’t just about drying carpets or repairing drywall — it’s about turning despair into relief, guiding people step-by-step back to normalcy.

Why Water Damage Feels So Devastating

Water spreads silently and quickly. Within minutes it seeps into flooring, drywall, and furniture. Within hours it can warp wood, blister paint, and soak insulation. If left untreated for days, it breeds mold, compromises structural integrity, and creates lingering odors.

To the untrained eye, the damage looks irreversible. But to us, it’s a process problem — and process problems have solutions.

The Professional Water Damage Restoration Process (Industry Standard)

Most reputable restoration companies — including ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons — follow the IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration. While the labels may differ, the process is consistent across the industry. Here’s how it works:

1. Make Safe & Stop the Source

Shut off water, isolate electrical hazards, and secure the site before restoration begins.

2. Inspection & Moisture Mapping

Use meters and infrared cameras to identify how far the water has spread, what materials are wet, and any safety risks. Categorize the water damage (Category 1–3) and determine drying classes.

3. Documentation & Planning

Develop a detailed restoration plan, set drying goals, and outline equipment and manpower needs. Provide documentation for insurance.

4. Water Extraction

Pump out or extract standing water quickly. Mechanical extraction dramatically reduces drying time.

5. Selective Demolition (“Flood Cuts”)

Remove unsalvageable materials such as saturated drywall, insulation, or flooring to expose cavities and prevent mold.

6. Cleaning & Antimicrobial Application

Clear debris, HEPA vacuum affected areas, and apply EPA-registered disinfectants to prevent microbial growth.

7. Drying & Dehumidification

Set up industrial air movers and dehumidifiers, controlling humidity and monitoring moisture daily until materials reach target levels.

8. Post-Mitigation Verification

Confirm that all affected materials are dry, update logs, and complete photographic documentation.

9. Repairs & Rebuild

Restore finishes, reinstall trim, flooring, and complete any necessary reconstruction to return the property to pre-loss condition.

Why Professional Water Damage Restoration Matters

Many homeowners try to tackle water damage on their own with shop vacs and fans. While that might work for a minor spill, larger incidents demand professional intervention.

Here’s why:

• Hidden Water: Without professional meters, you’ll never know what’s trapped behind walls.
• Mold Growth: Mold can form in as little as 24–48 hours.
• Structural Damage: Wood framing and drywall can remain wet long after surfaces look dry.
• Insurance Claims: Documentation from certified professionals speeds approval and coverage.

When you hire ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, you’re not just getting equipment — you’re getting certified expertise, proven methods, and peace of mind.

Real-World Example: From Devastation to Relief

In Milwaukee County’s North Shore, we saw firsthand how devastating water damage can look. Families were emotional, some even in tears, convinced the damage was beyond repair. But within hours, our process — inspection, water extraction, selective demolition, cleaning, drying, and rebuilding — transformed panic into relief.

I remember one homeowner who told me she couldn’t imagine ever feeling at ease in her house again. By the time we finished, she said it felt like the nightmare had lifted. That’s the power of proven restoration — what felt impossible to them was routine for us. And true to what I always tell homeowners, the damage soon became just another problem in the rearview mirror.

That’s what professional restoration delivers: not just a dry home, but emotional recovery.

FAQs About Water Damage Cleanup

How long does water damage restoration take?
Depending on the size of the loss, drying typically takes 3–5 days. Complete restoration (including rebuild) can take longer.

Can my hardwood floors be saved?
It depends on how long they’ve been exposed and how quickly mitigation began. In many cases, yes — but timing is critical.

Will insurance cover this?
Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, but not flooding or neglect. We work directly with insurers to streamline the process.

Do I need to move out during restoration?
Not always. For severe cases or health hazards, temporary relocation may be necessary. We’ll guide you on the safest option.

Don’t Despair: ServiceMaster Has Your Back

When water damage strikes, it’s easy to think your home or business is lost. But with the right process and the right professionals, recovery is not only possible — it’s often faster than you think.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve spent over four decades serving Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County. We’re IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorers, proud members of the Restoration Industry Association, and the authors of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.

We bring the nation’s oldest restoration legacy (founded in Chicago in 1929) and pair it with local, family-owned service you can trust.

Don’t despair. Call ServiceMaster By Simons — we’ve got your back.

📞 Chicago:(773) 376-1110
📞 Lake County & North Shore:(847) 316-9145
📞 Oak Park & River Forest:(708) 524-0304

Related Services (Internal Links)

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County. With over 40 years of expertise, our team provides water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning.

Led by Sam Simon, IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and co-author of RESTORE, and Nasutsa Mabwa, company CEO, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned honors including the Chicago Star Award, the BBB Torch Award, the SB100 Best of Small Business Award, and recognition on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies (#2,507 with 169% growth).

We proudly continue the ServiceMaster legacy, founded in Chicago in 1929, bringing local families and businesses peace of mind when disaster strikes.