Mold Damage in Chicago Home – Example of Mold Growth on Walls and Ceilings

Why Mold is a Serious Problem in Chicago — And How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Can Help

Nasutsa Mabwa

June 24, 2025

Mold is a hidden threat to homes across Chicago and the suburbs. Discover why it’s a serious problem and how ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons delivers expert mold cleanup and remediation.

Why Mold Thrives in Chicago

Mold is a serious problem in Chicago, and it’s no coincidence. The city’s unique climate and building landscape contribute directly to mold growth. Our humid summers, frequent rainstorms, and drastic temperature swings create the perfect environment for mold spores to thrive. In older neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Rogers Park, Lincoln Park, Edgewater, North Park, and Sauganash, aging infrastructure and outdated ventilation often trap moisture in walls, basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Even in newer homes across suburbs like Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, and Northbrook, undetected leaks or improper insulation can result in hidden mold colonies.

The Health Risks of Mold in Your Home

Mold exposure is not just an aesthetic or odor problem — it can have serious health consequences. Inhaling or coming into contact with mold spores may lead to:

Respiratory problems (including worsening asthma or allergies)
Persistent coughing or wheezing
Skin irritation or rashes
Eye irritation
Headaches and fatigue

Children, seniors, and individuals with compromised immune systems (including those undergoing chemotherapy or with chronic illnesses) are particularly at risk.

Where Mold Commonly Grows in Chicago Properties

Mold can develop anywhere moisture lingers. In Chicago-area homes and businesses, common problem spots include:

Basements: prone to flooding and poor ventilation
Attics: often lack adequate airflow and insulation
Bathrooms: high humidity and frequent condensation
Kitchens: moisture from cooking and dishwashing
Air ducts & HVAC systems: collect dust and moisture, creating ideal mold conditions
Behind walls and under floors: hidden leaks or condensation can feed hidden mold growth

Why You Shouldn’t Attempt Mold Cleanup Yourself

DIY mold removal is risky. Disturbing mold can release spores into the air, spreading contamination and increasing health risks. Without proper containment, protective equipment, and remediation techniques, the problem can worsen — potentially requiring more extensive and costly repairs.

Our Services: What We Offer to Chicago & North Shore Homeowners

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides a comprehensive range of restoration and specialty cleaning services for residential and commercial properties in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Our services include:

We proudly serve neighborhoods including Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Portage Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, West Town, South Loop, Gold Coast, and suburbs like Lake Forest, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northfield, and Bannockburn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly should I act if I discover mold?
A: Immediately. Mold spreads rapidly and the sooner remediation begins, the lower the health risks and restoration costs.

Q: Will homeowners' insurance cover mold removal?
A: Coverage varies. Mold caused by a covered peril (like a sudden pipe burst) may be eligible. Always check with your insurance agent.

Q: How long does professional mold remediation take?
A: It depends on the extent of the contamination, but most projects are completed within a few days to a week.

Q: Can I stay in my home during mold remediation?
A: In many cases, yes — especially if the mold is confined to a small area. We’ll help you assess the safest option.

Q: How can I prevent future mold growth?
A: Control moisture levels with proper ventilation, fix leaks immediately, use dehumidifiers in problem areas, and schedule regular inspections of at-risk spaces.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a locally owned and operated disaster restoration company with 40+ years of service in Chicagoland. As part of the nation’s oldest restoration brand — founded in Chicago in 1929 — we blend local knowledge with nationally recognized expertise. Our team holds IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer certifications and we are proud members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). We’ve earned numerous awards for service excellence, including the BBB Torch Award and Chicago Star Award.

We serve communities across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake, and DuPage County, offering emergency response and compassionate, expert restoration care. Our commitment is to restore not just properties — but peace of mind.

Call Today for Trusted Mold Remediation in Chicago

If you suspect mold in your home or business, don’t wait. Contact ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons at (773) 376-1110 or request service online. Let us restore your property — and your peace of mind.

For more guidance on protecting your home, check out our book: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.

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.

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