Mold is a naturally occurring fungus found both indoors and outdoors, but it becomes a serious issue when it grows inside a home or business. For mold to take hold, it needs three basic elements: moisture, a food source such as wood, paint, insulation, or drywall, and temperatures that most Chicago buildings already maintain year-round.

Chicago properties — from vintage brick two-flats to high-rise condos near the lake — often create ideal conditions for mold growth. Heavy rains, basement seepage, winter condensation, aging plumbing, and past water leaks all leave behind moisture that mold spores can easily exploit. Once mold finds a damp surface, it can begin spreading in as little as 24–48 hours, causing unpleasant odors, indoor air quality concerns, and potential long-term damage to building materials.

Chicago’s climate and building styles make mold more common than many homeowners realize. Between lake humidity, heavy rainfall, freeze–thaw cycles, and aging infrastructure, moisture can enter — or get trapped inside — a property in several ways. Once moisture is present, mold spores only need a short window to begin growing.

Common reasons mold develops in Chicago properties include:

• Basement and garden-level moisture:
Many Chicago neighborhoods have older foundations, porous masonry, or below-grade living spaces that naturally draw in moisture, especially after storms or snowmelt.

• Plumbing issues inside walls and ceilings:
Hidden leaks in older buildings — particularly in multifamily units — can quietly saturate drywall and insulation, creating perfect conditions for mold to grow unnoticed.

• Roof leaks and attic condensation:
Ice dams, flat roofs, and older roofing systems can allow water to enter slowly, leading to mold growth above ceilings or within attic cavities.

• High humidity from everyday living:
Cooking, showering, or running appliances without proper ventilation can cause moisture buildup, especially in smaller condos or vintage apartments.

• Past water damage that wasn’t fully dried:
Even minor water events — a small kitchen leak, a backed-up drain, a burst pipe — can leave behind hidden moisture if not professionally dried.

In Chicago’s dense neighborhoods and tightly built structures, mold spreads rapidly through shared wall cavities, HVAC systems, and unsealed gaps. Professional evaluation is essential to determine the full scope of the problem and prevent it from spreading any further.

Effective mold remediation requires more than wiping surfaces or spraying chemicals — especially in Chicago’s older homes, condos, and multi-unit buildings, where moisture can travel through hidden wall cavities and building materials. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons follows a strict, IICRC-compliant mold remediation process to protect your property, your health, and the rest of the building.

Here’s how our team handles mold in Chicago properties:

• Step 1: Comprehensive Inspection & Moisture Mapping
Our IICRC-Certified technicians use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and visual assessment to locate not only visible mold, but also the underlying moisture source — whether it's seepage in a Lakeview basement, a roof issue in Lincoln Park, or plumbing problems in a South Loop high-rise.

• Step 2: Containment to Prevent Cross-Contamination
Mold spreads quickly through air movement, vents, and shared walls. We install plastic sheeting, seal doorways, and use negative-air machines equipped with HEPA filtration to ensure mold spores stay confined to the affected area.

• Step 3: Safe Removal of Damaged Materials
Depending on the severity, removal may include drywall, insulation, carpeting, or deteriorated wood. Our team follows OSHA, EPA, and IICRC standards for safe handling and disposal, ensuring the contaminated materials never compromise other areas of your home.

• Step 4: HEPA Vacuuming & Antimicrobial Cleaning
After removal, all affected surfaces are HEPA-vacuumed to capture microscopic mold particles, then cleaned with professional-grade antimicrobial solutions approved for use in occupied homes and commercial buildings.

• Step 5: Structural Drying & Dehumidification
Mold returns if moisture remains. We use commercial air movers, dehumidifiers, and targeted drying techniques designed for Chicago’s unique climate — especially important for basements, attics, and older masonry structures.

• Step 6: Clearance & Prevention Recommendations
For homeowners using an independent hygienist, we work with them during post-remediation verification. We also provide long-term moisture management recommendations to help prevent future mold growth.

Our process is designed for Chicago’s complex building structures and Midwest weather patterns, ensuring your home or business is restored safely and fully.

Mold isn’t always obvious. In many Chicago homes — especially older brick buildings, vintage two-flats, and tightly insulated condos — mold can grow unnoticed behind walls, under flooring, or inside attic and basement spaces. If you’re unsure whether mold is present, the warning signs often show up before you ever see discoloration.

Here are the most common indicators of mold growth in Chicago properties:

• Musty or “earthy” odor that doesn’t go away
Persistent odor is often the first clue, especially in basements, utility rooms, and enclosed closets common across Chicago’s North and Northwest Sides.

• Recent or past water damage
Any water intrusion — flooding, burst pipes during winter freeze, roof leaks, plumbing breaks — can leave behind enough moisture for mold to grow within 24–48 hours.

• Discoloration on walls or ceilings
Dark patches, streaks, or bubbling paint may appear, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and around window frames in older homes.

• Increased humidity or condensation
Condensation around windows, cold exterior walls, or HVAC vents is a red flag. Many Chicago homes experience this due to seasonal temperature swings and older insulation.

• Allergic reactions or respiratory symptoms
Coughing, sneezing, headaches, or sinus issues that improve when you leave the home can be signs of hidden mold — especially in tightly sealed winter months.

• Warped flooring or soft drywall
Moisture trapped beneath floorboards or behind plaster can cause structural materials to swell, bow, or feel soft to the touch.

• Visible mold growth
If you see black, green, white, or fuzzy spots on walls, tile grout, wood, or stored belongings, the mold problem may be more widespread than it appears.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s important to schedule an inspection promptly. Mold spreads quickly in Chicago’s climate, and early detection saves time, money, and prevents further property damage.

When mold appears in a Chicago property, you need more than a basic cleanup — you need a certified team that understands the unique conditions of Chicago buildings and delivers restoration that lasts. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons combines 40+ years of local experience, industry-leading certifications, and a proven track record serving neighborhoods across the city.

Here’s what sets us apart from other restoration companies in Chicago:

• Chicago’s Most Experienced Mold Remediation Team
Our franchise has served the Chicagoland area for over 40 years. We understand the way moisture moves through Chicago’s brick homes, vintage flats, lakefront high-rises, and multi-unit buildings — and we tailor every remediation plan accordingly.

• IICRC Master-Certified Leadership
Our leadership team includes Master Fire & Water Restorers, the highest certifications awarded by the IICRC. This means every mold remediation project is handled with expert-level knowledge of moisture, building science, containment, and safe removal practices.

• Backed by the Nation’s Oldest Restoration Company — Founded in Chicago in 1929
ServiceMaster began right here in Chicago nearly a century ago. Our franchise carries forward that legacy with advanced training, national resources, and the professionalism homeowners expect from an industry leader.

• Advanced Equipment for Complete Mold Removal
From HEPA-filtered negative-air machines to moisture-mapping technology and commercial dehumidifiers, we use professional-grade systems that ensure mold is removed safely and thoroughly.

• Rapid Response Across Chicago Neighborhoods
Whether you’re in Lakeview, Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, River North, or downtown Chicago, our teams respond quickly — often the same day — to stop mold from worsening and spreading.

• Compassionate, Transparent Service
Mold can disrupt your home, your health, and your peace of mind. Our team explains every step, provides honest assessments, documents the damage, and maintains clear communication until your property is fully restored.

• Recognized for Excellence
Our company is a 2025 Inc. 5000 Honoree, a member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), and a trusted provider for thousands of Chicago homeowners and property managers.

When mold threatens your property, choose the team with the experience, certifications, and Chicago-specific knowledge to get the job done right the first time.

North Side

• Rogers Park
• West Ridge
• Edgewater
• Andersonville
• Uptown
• Buena Park
• Lakeview
• Lakeview East
• Wrigleyville
• Roscoe Village
• Lincoln Park
• Old Town
• North Center
• Ravenswood
• Sheridan Park

Northwest Side

• Albany Park
• North Park
• Mayfair
• Irving Park
• Avondale
• Logan Square
• Hermosa
• Belmont Cragin
• Portage Park
• Jefferson Park
• Forest Glen
• Norwood Park

West Side / Near West

• West Town
• Ukrainian Village
• Wicker Park
• Bucktown
• Humboldt Park
• West Loop
• Fulton Market
• Noble Square
• East Garfield Park
• West Garfield Park

Downtown & Near North

• Gold Coast
• Streeterville
• River North
• The Loop
• New Eastside
• Lakeshore East
• South Loop
• Printer’s Row
• Dearborn Park

Chicago Building Types We Specialize In

• Vintage brick homes
• Classic Chicago two-flats & three-flats
• High-rise condos and apartments
• Lakefront buildings with humidity exposure
• Garden-level and basement units
• Historic homes with plaster and lath
• Mixed-use and commercial properties

Chicago’s climate creates conditions where mold can return if moisture isn’t controlled long-term. From humid lakefront summers to tightly sealed winter interiors, preventing mold in Chicago homes requires a combination of good ventilation, quick response to leaks, and routine property maintenance. These tips help homeowners reduce the risk of mold growth throughout the year.

• Keep indoor humidity under control
Chicago’s lake-effect humidity can spike quickly in summer. Use dehumidifiers — especially in basements and garden units — and aim for indoor humidity levels between 45–50%.

• Inspect basements after heavy rain
Many North Side and Northwest Side neighborhoods experience seepage after storms. Check for damp walls, wet floors, or musty odors in basements and crawlspaces.

• Vent bathrooms and kitchens properly
Run exhaust fans during and after showers or cooking. In older Chicago flats where fans vent poorly, consider upgrading ventilation to reduce moisture buildup.

• Maintain your roof and gutters
Freeze–thaw cycles cause roof wear, ice dams, and gutter blockages — all common sources of water intrusion that lead to mold in attics and upper floors.

• Fix plumbing leaks immediately
Even small drips inside wall cavities or behind tile can trigger mold growth. Regularly inspect under sinks, around toilets, and in mechanical rooms.

• Use air conditioning consistently in summer
AC systems help remove humidity. Chicago’s older masonry homes hold heat and moisture longer, so consistent cooling prevents condensation around windows and walls.

• Keep furniture slightly away from exterior walls
Older brick buildings can develop condensation on cold walls, especially in winter. Allowing airflow behind furniture reduces moisture pockets where mold thrives.

• Dry spills and water intrusions quickly
Mold begins growing within 24–48 hours. If your home experiences water damage from storms, backups, or appliance leaks, ensure everything is professionally dried.

• Schedule routine moisture inspections
Properties with a history of seepage, flooding, or ice damming benefit from periodic inspections — especially before winter and after early spring storms.

Implementing these steps greatly reduces mold risk, but if you notice persistent moisture or musty odors, professional inspection is the safest next move.