The Problem and Our Solution

We responded to water damage caused by a hot water tank leak in an upstairs unit of a residential property on February 19. Water seeped into the apartment below and damaged ceilings, walls, and flooring in several rooms. When we assessed the damage, we found that water had gotten into the utility room, dining room, living room, bathroom, and hallway.

We classified the water damage as Class 2 due to the extent of moisture absorption and Category 2 due to potential contaminants in the water. Here’s what we found throughout the property and how we addressed each issue:

Utility Room

• Water-damaged ceiling and walls. Water damaged the ceiling, approximately 72 square feet of wall, baseboards, and trim. We opened the damaged ceiling and wall sections to reach moisture trapped behind them.
• Damaged laminate flooring. Water also reached the laminate flooring, which we removed. We then vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized that area.

Dining Room

• Water-damaged ceiling and walls. Water reached the ceiling, a full-height wall, baseboards, and trim. We removed damaged sections to reach the wet materials behind them.
• Damaged hardwood flooring. As work progressed, we determined that we had to remove all the hardwood flooring. We also removed the perimeter baseboards and then cleaned and sanitized the surfaces.

Living Room

• Water-damaged ceiling. Water spread into the ceiling, and we had to remove approximately 20% of it.
• Damaged carpeting. We removed approximately 30% of the carpeting, padding, and tack strips, then cleaned the exposed flooring.

Bathroom

• Water-damaged ceiling and walls. Water damaged the entire ceiling, a full-height wallpapered wall, baseboards, and ceramic tile around the bathtub. We removed the damaged ceiling and opened the wall where necessary to reach trapped moisture.

Hallway

• Water-damaged carpeting. There was damage around the carpeting, padding, and tack strips. We removed the damaged materials and cleaned the exposed flooring.

The Timeline

February 19 – Hot Water Tank Leak

The problem started with a hot water tank leaking in the apartment above. This caused water to seep into the lower unit, affecting several rooms and building materials. We classified the loss as Class 2, Category 2, and initially estimated a drying time of four days.

February 19 – Initial Mitigation and Drying Equipment Setup

• Set up six air movers and two dehumidifiers in the bathroom, dining room, living room, and utility room.
• Identified damaged ceilings, walls, flooring, and insulation that we need to remove or treat.

February 20 – Removing Damaged Ceiling Materials, Cleaning, and Structural Drying

• Opened ceiling areas using power tools to reach water-damaged materials.
• Used plastic containment to protect surrounding areas from dust and debris.
• Vacuumed affected surfaces to remove debris.
• Used 15 air movers and one dehumidifier across the dining room, utility room, living room, and bathroom.
• Monitored indoor drying conditions, recording 37.2% relative humidity and a temperature of 76.1°F.

February 21 – Continued Cleaning and Mitigation

• Continued vacuuming and cleaning affected areas.
• Removed laminate flooring from the utility room, carpeting and padding from the hallway, and all hardwood flooring and perimeter baseboards from the dining room.
• Continued cleaning and sanitizing work on affected surfaces.

February 22 – Moisture Monitoring and Drying Progress

• Continued monitoring moisture levels throughout the property.
• Kept air movers working in the affected areas.
• We checked several areas with a moisture meter and confirmed that the materials had dried.

The post How We Restored a Buffalo Grove Apartment After an Upstairs Hot Water Tank Leak appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

The Problem and Our Solution

A homeowner in Skokie, Illinois, called us on April 1 after a pipe burst underneath their kitchen sink, causing extensive water damage to the kitchen and adjoining dining room. Our team arrived within 50 minutes, inspected the damage, and began removing affected materials to prepare both rooms for drying.

Here’s what we found and how we addressed each issue:

Kitchen

• Damaged drywall and baseboards. Water affected approximately 10 linear feet of drywall and baseboards. We removed the damaged drywall up to 4 feet high and took out the affected baseboards to expose wet materials behind them.
• Water-damaged flooring and kitchen fixtures. Moisture had spread beneath the laminate flooring and around the kitchen fixtures. We removed the laminate flooring, countertop, sink, and garbage disposal. We also moved the stove and refrigerator to access affected areas behind them.
• Moisture in exposed materials. After demolition, we vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized the exposed wall framing, flooring, and other affected surfaces. We then installed four air movers and one dehumidifier to dry the remaining materials, along with a small air scrubber to filter airborne particles.

Dining Room

• Water-damaged wall and baseboards. Water had spread from the kitchen into the adjoining dining room. We removed a 2-foot-high section of drywall across approximately 3.3 linear feet of the shared wall and identified another 2–3 feet of affected baseboards and additional drywall that needed removal.
• Moisture beneath laminate flooring. After removing the laminate flooring, we discovered an older layer of vinyl tile underneath. The homeowner wanted to preserve this second layer, so we left it in place.
• Moisture in exposed surfaces. We vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized the affected areas, then placed two air movers in the dining room to help dry the remaining materials.

Throughout the project, we used a moisture meter to check moisture levels and a FLIR thermal imaging camera to identify temperature differences that could indicate hidden moisture. We also moved belongings and installed plastic sheeting and containment barriers to prevent dust and debris from spreading during the work.

The Timeline

April 1 – Burst Pipe Under Kitchen Sink

A pipe burst underneath the kitchen sink, and water spread into the kitchen and dining room next to it. The water soaked drywall, baseboards, and flooring. We classified the loss as Class 2, Category 3.

April 19 – Water Damage Mitigation and Drying Setup

• Arrived at the property and checked how far the water had spread with a moisture meter.
• Protected the surrounding areas with plastic sheeting before starting the cleanup.
• Opened damaged walls and took out wet materials.
• Discovered an older layer of vinyl tile flooring in the dining room, which the homeowner wanted to keep.
• Cleaned and sanitized both rooms, then placed drying equipment.

April 24 – Follow-Up Inspection and Project Completion

• Returned to inspect the rooms with a FLIR thermal imaging camera.
• Checked temperatures in different spots to see if everything is dry.
• Completed this water damage mitigation job.

The post How We Restored a Skokie Home After a Burst Pipe Flooded the Kitchen and Dining Room appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

The Problem & Solutions

On September 4, 2024, a homeowner called us about a failed sump pump in the basement of a residential property in Niles, Illinois. Water seeped into several rooms, soaking into the bottom part of the walls, insulation, and materials around them.

We classified this water damage as Category 2 because the water was contaminated, and Class 2 because water got into the drywall, insulation, and other porous materials throughout the basement.

Here’s what we found and how we addressed each issue:

Kitchen

• Water-damaged walls and insulation. Water reached the lower walls and insulation, including areas behind the kitchen cabinets. We cut out wet drywall up to 4 feet high, removed damaged insulation, baseboards, and sections of ceramic tiles.
• Moisture behind cabinets and appliances. We detached the countertop, lower cabinets, sink, and plumbing to get to the wet areas behind them.
• Moisture in wall cavities and floors. After taking out damaged materials, we vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized the wall framing and floors.

Eat-in and Workout Areas

• Wet drywall, insulation, and baseboards. The lower walls in both rooms got wet. We removed the baseboards, cut out wet drywall, and took out damaged insulation.

Hallway and Under-Stair Area

• Water-damaged walls and baseboards. Water spread through the wall materials and insulation in both connecting spaces. We opened the walls up to 4 feet high and removed damaged materials.

Utility Room and Linen Closet

• Wet walls, insulation, and trim. Both spaces had soaked lower walls. We removed the baseboards, door trim where needed, and damaged drywall and insulation.

Cedar Room

• Water damage along the lower walls. Moisture got into the lower wall sections, so we had to remove damaged materials and inspect what’s going on behind the cedar finish.

Bathroom

• Water-damaged walls and tile. Water spread across the lower walls, including behind ceramic tile and bathroom fixtures. The work called for removing damaged tile and opening the walls up to 4 feet high.

Bar Area

• Wet drywall, insulation, and trim. Moisture reached the lower walls and ceramic tile trim around the bar. We removed damaged baseboards, tile trim, and drywall up to 4 feet.

The Timeline

September 6 – Initial Assessment and Preparation

• The first step we took was to take moisture readings to see the extent of water damage throughout the basement.
• Our team packed and moved belongings to make room for our restoration team to begin their work.

September 7 – Drying Equipment Setup

• We placed 43 air movers, three dehumidifiers, and two air scrubbers throughout the basement.

September 9–10 – Material Removal and Cleaning

• We covered nearby surfaces with plastic sheeting to protect them from dust and debris.
• Our team took out the damaged drywall, baseboards, and insulation to reach wall cavities.
• We cleaned, sanitized, and dried the surfaces.

September 11 – Final Cleaning and Mitigation Completion

• We vacuumed the areas from which we removed the materials and sanitized them where needed.
• We completed the scheduled work.

The post How We Restored a Flooded Basement in Niles, IL, After a Sump Pump Failure appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Getting multiple quotes is usually the smart consumer move, but it works best for planned renovations.

Unfortunately, most water damage is an emergency that requires quick, decisive action.

In this blog, we’ll help you decide whether you have time to shop around or you need to act fast.

The Pros of Getting Multiple Quotes

1. You’ll get to compare pricing

Water damage repair services can vary significantly in labor, materials, and equipment costs.

Getting multiple quotes gives you a clearer picture of what water damage restoration should cost for your specific situation.

2. You’ll get to vet the contractors you’re considering

Getting multiple quotes is a great way to compare insurance and credentials, and make sure the contractor you choose is licensed.

This will also give you the chance to identify potential red flags like vague estimates or contractors who propose way more work than anyone else you’ve spoken to.

3. You can avoid unnecessary work

Different companies may propose different approaches to your water damage emergency.

When you get multiple quotes, you can avoid unnecessary work and identify important differences in scope, including but not limited to demolition, mold prevention, drying, reconstruction, and cleanup.

4. It may make the insurance filing process easier

In some cases, getting multiple quotes can provide useful documentation for your insurance company and actually make filing a claim more streamlined.

When Getting Multiple Quotes Actually Makes Sense

While it’s not always the right approach, there are some legitimate reasons to do your due diligence:

• The situation isn’t an emergency. Anytime you’re planning for preventative maintenance, like waterproofing, or fixing relatively minor issues like seepage, you can take your time to shop for the best price.
• You’re looking at a large reconstruction project. Even if there was a water emergency, you can start shopping around for quotes after mitigation is complete and the rebuild phase has begun.
• The damage is stable. If the damage you’re facing is contained and not actively getting worse, or if you’ve already started the mitigation process, you can afford to shop around for multiple quotes.

The Cons of Getting Multiple Quotes for Water Damage

Even though we all want a great deal, price shopping sometimes isn’t the best choice when it comes to water damage.

Here’s why:

1. Chicago’s climate can take damage from bad to worse

Water damage gets worse really quickly. What starts as a relatively manageable cleanup project can require total mold remediation if you leave it alone for even 24-48 hours.

The reason? Chicago’s wet, chilly climate.

Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles and aging plumbing make water damage especially unpredictable, while high humidity means damp areas stay damp unless they’re professionally dried.

This means that every hour spent scheduling and waiting for multiple estimates is an hour that mold spores spend growing, proliferating, and filling your home.

Say a homeowner in Des Plaines waits two days to phone around for three quotes after a pipe bursts. By the time they choose, mold has spread from the basement into the HVAC systems, which adds roughly $1,060–$3,355 in mold remediation costs.

2. Hidden damage usually isn’t visible in initial quotes

To get an accurate water damage estimate, you’ll need professional equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging. Sometimes, a team of professionals will even need to open walls to assess damage.

Unfortunately, the older homes throughout Chicago are pretty good at hiding water damage, thanks to thick walls, ceilings, and floors that don’t display the damage during a quick walk-through.

This means that companies providing “free estimates” often significantly underestimate costs and are forced to revise their initial quotes once they get into the work.

Here’s an example of how this could work:

Company A quotes $3,000 based on visible damage in a Rogers Park bungalow. Company B quotes $5,000 after moisture detection reveals a saturated subfloor and hidden pipe leaks. The “cheaper” quote wasn’t cheaper – it was just incomplete.

3. The “Low Quote” trap is a real risk

In emergency water damage situations, some companies offer low quotes to win jobs, then inflate the job cost once a customer is committed.

These “supplemental charges” could include equipment rental fees, disposal costs, and unexpected labor fees, which only appear after the job is in progress.

Here’s an example of how this could occur:

A Chicago homeowner chose a company quoting $2,500 less than competitors after a basement flood in Irving Park. They get a final bill that’s $4,000 higher than the original “expensive” quotes due to equipment fees and “discovered” damage.

4. There are storm chasers and opportunists everywhere

After major weather events, like Chicago’s harsh summer storms or winter freezes, out-of-town contractors usually come in and flood the market with low quotes.

Unfortunately, these companies usually lack local licensing, proper insurance, or even a physical Chicago address, and many disappear before warranty issues have a chance to crop up.

Here’s an example:

After a major flood event in Chicago, a homeowner in Berwyn hires a “too good to be true” contractor who vanishes after the payment has been made, leaving an unfinished job and a customer with no recourse for compensation.

5. Delayed mitigation may void your insurance coverage

Your homeowners insurance policy may require you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage to your property.

The Illinois Department of Insurance recommends making necessary temporary repairs as soon as possible, so don’t delay emergency water mitigation while you collect multiple estimates.

Waiting too long could allow the damage to spread and make your loss more extensive.

When You Shouldn’t Get Multiple Quotes

In some cases, shopping around will backfire.

Here’s when you should avoid it:

• You have active water intrusion. If water is still actively flowing into the home, every minute counts and you can’t afford to look for a great deal.
• There’s a sewage backup. Category 3 water (water with a high concentration of dangerous contaminants) poses significant and immediate health risks and requires a same-day response.
• There’s been a major storm event. When an entire neighborhood is affected, the best companies fill their books quickly. This means that the longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have.
• There’s an insurance claim in progress. If an adjuster is already involved in the restoration, adding multiple vendors will only lead to confusion and delays.

How to Choose a Water Damage Company in Chicago

1. Check the company’s credentials

To make sure you’re working with a reputable vendor, look for someone with IICRC certification, Illinois licensing, and BBB accreditation.

2. Ask about insurance coordination

Companies that have experience filing insurance claims in Illinois and working with major providers can help make the claims process easier and more streamlined.

3. Verify a local presence

Make sure the company you’re considering working with has a Chicago-area address and local phone number. This keeps you from falling victim to storm chasers and other predatory companies.

4. Read reviews from actual customers

Search Google, Facebook, and BBB for recent reviews and look for feedback about the company’s communication, timeliness, and billing.

5. Find a company that offers emergency response and comprehensive service

Water damage gets worse the longer you wait, so it’s important to move quickly.

Look for a company that will prioritize your needs, such as ServiceMaster by Zaba. We offer 24/7 emergency response and a local Chicago presence, so you can always count on our teams to get your job done quickly.

We also offer full-service capability, from mitigation to reconstruction, with expertise in Chicago-specific issues like basement flooding, frozen pipes, and sewer backup.

Trust ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba With Your Chicagoland Water Damage Needs

While it’s smart to get multiple quotes for planned projects, most water damage situations are an emergency – especially in Chicago.

In most cases, delays only cause increased damage, higher costs, and potential insurance problems.

With this in mind, don’t wait – trust ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba for reliable water damage restoration services and ethical pricing.

Contact us today to learn more about our team, our locations, and how we can help you reclaim your space: (773) 647-1985.

The post Should You Get Multiple Quotes to Restore Your Property After Water Damage in Chicago? appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

What you do in the next 24 hours determines how much you get from insurance, whether you can save your floors and cabinets, and how long it will take for things to get back to normal – a week or three months.

Here’s what water mitigation looks like, why it has to be done fast, especially in Chicago, and how much it’ll cost.

The post Water Damage Mitigation in Chicago: What Happens in the First 24 Hours appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

We received the emergency call at 9 PM and mobilized immediately.

Our team arrived on-site to stop further damage, begin extraction, and stabilize the property so banking operations could resume as soon as possible.

What Caused the Damage

The incident occurred after business hours when a pipe burst in the ceiling.

With freezing temperatures common in Chicago during late December, the plumbing system failed and released water into several connected areas of the bank.

Because the issue wasn’t discovered immediately, water traveled through carpeted areas, behind baseboards, and into wall cavities before it was reported.

We responded quickly to prevent further structural damage, protect sensitive areas like the vault, and minimize business interruption.

How We Restored the Bank

Due to the size of the building and the number of affected rooms, each area required a targeted mitigation plan.

We worked methodically to remove wet materials, extract water, sanitize surfaces, and dry the structure using commercial-grade equipment.

Vault Room

• Removed baseboards around the entire perimeter.
• Performed a 2-foot flood cut around the perimeter to access wet drywall.
• One wall contained double-layer drywall with insulation, which we removed to eliminate trapped moisture.
• Completed full carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all exposed surfaces.

We monitored moisture levels carefully to ensure structural materials inside this high-security area were fully dried.

North Common Hallway

• Performed full carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized flooring and lower wall surfaces.

Because hallways connect multiple rooms, we paid close attention to prevent moisture from migrating into unaffected areas.

North Lobby

• We installed containment barriers to protect customer-facing finishes and fixtures.
• Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
• Completed a 2-foot flood cut around the affected walls.
• Performed carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized the space.

Main Lobby

• Completed full carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all affected flooring.
• Installed containment barriers to separate damaged areas from unaffected sections of the bank.

South Lobby

• Removed baseboards on one affected wall.
• Performed carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized the area.

Teller Area

• Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
• Performed 2-foot flood cuts on two walls.
• Tore out one full-height wall due to saturation.
• Detached lower cabinets and countertops to access trapped moisture behind and beneath them.
• Completed carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all exposed surfaces.

We coordinated closely with management to ensure sensitive equipment and financial systems were protected throughout the process.

Bathroom

• Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
• Completed a 2-foot flood cut around affected walls.
• Detached vanity and countertop to access moisture behind fixtures.
• Performed water extraction.
• Cleaned and sanitized all surfaces thoroughly.

Bathrooms are high-risk areas for mold growth, so we applied antimicrobial treatments after drying.

Rear Hallway

• Carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized.

We placed air movers strategically to ensure proper airflow through this narrow space.

Break Room

• Removed baseboards around the perimeter.
• Performed 2-foot flood cuts on three walls.
• Completed carpet water extraction.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized.

Because cabinetry and appliances were present, we carefully inspected surrounding wall cavities and subflooring for hidden moisture.

The Outcome

Our team completed water extraction, structural drying, and full sanitization across every affected room.

We confirmed that moisture levels had returned to normal before leaving the site.

Our after-hours response on a holiday weekend kept the damage from spreading further and helped the bank minimize downtime.

The facility was left clean, dry, and ready for reconstruction and reopening.

If You’re Dealing With a Burst Pipe in a Commercial Property

Pipes burst all the time during Chicago winters, especially when buildings sit empty over the holidays.

If your business experiences a similar issue:

• Shut off the main water supply immediately.
• Call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba right away. The longer water remains in the building, the more damage it causes, and the more costly repairs become.
• Don’t assume carpet will dry on its own. Moisture seeps into padding and subfloors, creating mold risks.
• Inspect wall cavities. Water often hides behind drywall and baseboards.
• Act quickly after holidays or long closures. Freezing temperatures and vacant buildings increase the risk of burst pipes.

If you’re dealing with water damage in your bank, office, or commercial building in Norwood Park or anywhere in Chicago, we are ready to respond 24/7. 

Call us at: (773) 647-1985

The post Recent Project: Norwood Park Bank Restored After Burst Pipe Leak appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Management contacted ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba right away.

We arrived promptly and worked around the clock to stabilize the property and protect the residents.

What Caused the Damage

The fire began inside one residential unit when a lit cigarette ignited nearby materials.

Although the sprinkler system suppressed the flames, it released significant water into the unit and the surrounding areas.

How We Restored the Senior Center

Due to the size of the loss and the vulnerable population inside the building, we developed a coordinated mitigation plan.

We arrived on site within the hour and worked straight for seven days, ensuring seniors didn’t have to relocate to other facilities.

We worked in phases, isolating affected areas while maintaining clean, safe zones for occupants.

Fire Origin Unit

• Removed fire-damaged materials and debris.
• Performed selective demolition of smoke-saturated drywall and insulation.
• Extracted standing sprinkler water.
• Removed baseboards and completed necessary flood cuts.
• Cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized all structural surfaces.
• Set up commercial air movers and dehumidifiers for structural drying.
• Deployed HEPA air scrubbers to remove airborne soot and odor particles.

Neighboring Units (Above, Below, Adjacent)

• Performed detailed smoke damage assessments in each unit.
• Cleaned soot residue from ceilings, walls, flooring, and fixtures.
• Used HEPA vacuuming and specialized smoke-cleaning solutions.
• Installed air scrubbers to improve indoor air quality.
• Addressed minor sprinkler-related water damage where present.
• Applied deodorization treatments to eliminate persistent smoke odor.

Common Areas

• Installed containment barriers to prevent cross-contamination.
• Vacuumed and cleaned all flooring surfaces.
• Removed and replaced affected ceiling tiles.
• Cleaned light fixtures and HVAC registers.
• Ran commercial air scrubbers continuously during restoration.
• Sanitized high-touch surfaces to ensure resident safety.

Resident Coordination and Safety

This project required more than technical restoration.

We worked closely with facility management to:

• Relocate residents from the most impacted units to available units within the building.
• Maintain clear and safe walking paths at all times.
• Reduce noise and disruption during daytime hours.
• Communicate daily progress updates with staff and administration.

The Outcome

We completed fire debris removal, smoke remediation, water extraction, structural drying, and full sanitization across all 23 units and 3 common areas.

Because of our rapid response and coordinated mitigation plan, residents did not have to relocate to other facilities during the restoration.

The senior living center remained operational, safe, and ready for final reconstruction.

What to Do If You’re Dealing With Fire Damage in a Multi-Unit Property

Fires in apartment buildings can quickly spread to multiple units.

If your multi-unit property experiences a similar situation:

• Evacuate residents immediately and call emergency services.
• Shut down HVAC systems to limit smoke spread.
• Call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba right away. Smoke and soot damage spreads fast and becomes more difficult to remove over time.
• Do not assume neighboring units are unaffected. Smoke travels through vents, wall cavities, and ceiling systems.
• Act quickly to prevent long-term odor, corrosion, and mold from sprinkler discharge.

If you’re dealing with fire and smoke damage in a senior living facility, apartment building, or multi-unit property in Chicago, Lake County, or the surrounding suburbs, we are ready to respond 24/7.

Call us at: (847) 459-3900

The post Recent Project: Chicago Senior Center Restored After Resident Fire Incident appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

The problem started on the rooftop patio, where a blocked scupper box along the west exterior wall overflowed and pushed water through the ceiling below.

We dispatched a crew right away to assess the damage and start emergency mitigation.

What Caused the Damage

The scupper box, a drainage feature on the rooftop patio, had become clogged and couldn’t handle water runoff.

Water pooled on the patio, then seeped through the structure and into the second-floor bedroom and closet directly below.

How We Restored the Home

We acted quickly to prevent secondary damage. Our team demolished affected structures, ran high-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers, and cleaned everything thoroughly.

Bedroom

• Covered the floor with protective plastic sheeting to keep it clean during the work.
• Vacuumed and cleaned the floor.

Closet

• Laid down plastic protection across the closet floor.
• Moved clothing and stored items out of the workspace.
• Disconnected two light fixtures before starting demolition.
• Removed nine shelving units (9 feet 10 inches total) to access the walls behind them.
• Pulled out baseboards along two sections: one measuring 9 feet 10 inches, the other 2 feet 11 inches.
• Removed the entire ceiling to expose water damage in the cavity above.
• Cut out drywall on the west wall, 4 feet wide, running full height from floor to ceiling.
• Cut out a 2-foot section of another wall, also running full height.
• Extracted wet insulation where present.
• Vacuumed all debris, then cleaned and sanitized every exposed surface.
• Installed one dehumidifier and three air movers to pull moisture from the structure.

The Outcome

We finished drying the townhouse in four days and verified that moisture levels had dropped back to normal ranges.

Our after-hours response kept the damage from spreading further and gave the homeowner peace of mind during a stressful situation.

The space was left clean, dry, and ready for repairs.

If You Have a Rooftop Patio

If your Lincoln Park townhome has a rooftop patio, it could be a source of hidden water damage.

• Inspect rooftop drains and scuppers regularly. Leaves, debris, and ice can block drainage and push water into the structure.
• Check ceilings and closets below the roofline after heavy rain. Staining or damp drywall is often your first warning sign.
• Don’t ignore slow leaks. Even small amounts of water over time can rot framing and cause mold inside wall cavities.
• Skip the DIY ceiling removal. Improper demolition can spread moisture or damage electrical systems. Call ServiceMaster by Zaba to restore your ceiling safely.
• Schedule inspections after major storms. Especially after Chicago downpours, catching drainage issues early can prevent major repairs.

The post Recent Project: Lincoln Park, Chicago, Townhouse Water Damage from Blocked Rooftop Drain appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

The leak originated in the main-level master bathroom and quickly spread through walls and floors, affecting multiple rooms on both the main level and the basement unit below.

Our team responded immediately to contain the damage, remove all wet materials, and begin the drying process.

What Caused the Damage

The water damage began with a plumbing failure in the master bathroom on the main level.

Water traveled through the floor and into wall cavities, eventually reaching the basement unit and even the shared garage below.

How We Restored the Home

Each room required careful attention. Our crew worked quickly to remove saturated materials, set up professional drying equipment, and sanitize all affected areas:

Master Bathroom (Source Room)

• Detached and removed the double sink and vanity to access hidden moisture.
• Performed a 2-foot flood cut on the wall behind the vanity to remove wet drywall.
• Removed partial door trim, all tile baseboards, and the entire tile floor.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized the exposed subfloor and stud walls.
• Positioned three air movers to start the drying process.

Master Bedroom

• Moved and protected furniture and belongings with plastic sheeting.
• Removed partial baseboards and performed 2-foot flood cuts on walls where baseboards were removed.
• Pulled up all hardwood flooring to prevent further moisture absorption.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized the subfloor and wall cavities.
• Set up five air movers and one dehumidifier to remove moisture from the structure.

Closets

• Carefully handled personal items and protected contents with plastic.
• Removed baseboards and all flooring from both closets.
• Cut 2 feet of drywall from the affected walls to expose trapped water.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized all exposed surfaces.
• Placed one air mover in each closet to circulate air and accelerate drying.

Bedroom 2 (Behind Master Bathroom)

• This room was added to the scope after we confirmed hidden water intrusion with moisture detectors.
• Moved and protected furniture and belongings with plastic barriers.
• Removed 12 linear feet of baseboards and 10–12 linear feet of drywall along the wall shared with the master bathroom.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized the subfloor and stud walls.
• Set up one air mover to dry the affected wall cavity.

Guest Bedroom

• Protected and relocated contents to prevent further damage.
• Detached the track light, register, and smoke detector before beginning demolition.
• Removed half of the ceiling and any wet insulation above.
• Performed a full flood cut on the exterior wall, removing drywall, baseboards, and insulation.
• Removed half of the hardwood flooring where we detected saturation.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized all exposed surfaces.
• Positioned five air movers and one dehumidifier to remove moisture from the ceiling cavity and walls.

Garage (HOA Common Area)

• Coordinated directly with the HOA to address damage in this shared space.
• Removed the full ceiling and all wet insulation to prevent mold growth.
• Vacuumed, cleaned, and sanitized the garage floor and joist system.
• Set up four air movers and one dehumidifier to thoroughly dry the overhead structure.

The Outcome

We completed structural drying in just four days, confirmed that moisture levels had returned to normal, and prepared the condo for reconstruction.

Our team coordinated closely with the insurance provider and the HOA to streamline the claims process and ensure all parties stayed informed.

The homeowner returned to a clean, dry, and fully restored living space, ready for the next phase of repairs.

If You’re Dealing With Multi-Level Water Damage

Older buildings and multi-level layouts make water damage more complex in Old Town condos. If water spreads beyond one room:

• Check units below and shared spaces right away. Water often travels downward into basements, garages, and common areas.
• Put all HOA communication in writing. Clear documentation prevents disputes over who’s responsible and speeds up repair approvals.
• Address wet insulation immediately. Wet insulation holds moisture and leads to mold if you don’t remove and replace it.
• Have ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba check that everything is dry before you reinstall the flooring. Hardwood and engineered flooring can look dry on top while moisture stays underneath, causing warping later.
• Check for moisture behind the walls. Bathrooms are common sources of hidden leaks, and water can move sideways through wall cavities. ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to detect water trapped inside walls.

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The leak was caused by a broken toilet supply line in the unit above. Water traveled fast, soaking ceilings, walls, and floors across several rooms. 

Our team responded immediately to stop the damage, dry the space, and begin restoration.

What Caused the Damage

The water damage began when the upstairs unit’s toilet supply line burst.

Water entered the condo below, seeping into building materials and contents before the leak was discovered.

How We Restored the Home

Each room required a tailored approach. Our crew moved quickly to remove wet materials, set up drying equipment, and sanitize all affected areas.

Office

• Covered furniture and electronics in plastic to keep them safe during the process.
• Removed baseboards, carpet, padding, and tack strips to prevent moisture from spreading.
• Cut out a full section of drywall from floor to ceiling to access trapped water.
• Vacuumed all surfaces and applied antimicrobial treatment.
• Set up three air movers to begin drying immediately.

Kitchen

• Installed plastic protection and containment barriers to isolate the workspace.
• Moved the fridge and dishwasher out of the way, then reinstalled them after drying.
• Removed cabinet toe kicks to allow airflow underneath.
• Removed a full-height cabinet to expose wet drywall behind it.
• Pulled up engineered wood flooring that had absorbed water.
• Cleaned and sanitized the area before placing three air movers to dry the space.

Living Room

• Moved and protected furniture and contents before starting demolition.
• Took out engineered hardwood floors and all baseboards due to saturation.
• Performed flood cuts on partial walls and removed soaked drywall from floor to ceiling.
• Cleaned all exposed surfaces with disinfectant.
• Positioned four fans and one dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and structure.

Master Bedroom

• Handled personal belongings with care and moved them to a dry area.
• Pulled out carpet, padding, and tack strips to reach the subfloor.
• Removed one wall section from floor to ceiling where water had pooled inside.
• Disinfected all surfaces and placed three fans to dry the room thoroughly.

Master Bedroom Closet

• Removed carpet, padding, baseboards, and tack strips to expose affected surfaces.
• Cut into the wall where moisture readings showed trapped water.
• Sanitized the closet and placed one fan to begin drying, with more equipment added as needed.

Closet Above Bathtub

• Took down tile and drywall above the tub to expose water-damaged framing.
• Cleaned and treated the entire area to prevent mold growth.
• Set up three fans to dry the wall cavity and surrounding surfaces.

The Outcome

We completed structural drying, confirmed that moisture levels had returned to normal, and prepared the condo for repairs.

Our team handled the entire cleanup and worked directly with the insurance provider to simplify the claim.

The homeowner returned to a clean, dry, and fully restored living space.

If You’re Dealing With an Upstairs Water Leak in Streeterville, Chicago

Living in a high-rise or mid-rise building means water can travel fast and far. If you’re facing a similar situation:

• Shut off your own water supply and call building management right away.
• Document everything before cleanup starts. Take photos of ceilings, walls, floors, and your belongings. This protects you during the insurance and HOA claim process.
• Don’t assume the damage is just on the surface. Water often hides behind ceilings, inside walls, and under flooring. Call Chicago-based restoration professionals like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba to assess the full extent of the damage.
• Don’t try to dry your condo yourself with household fans. You need professional drying equipment with moisture monitoring to prevent mold in shared walls and ceilings.
• Monitor the affected areas after cleanup. Musty smells, bubbling paint, or stains that appear weeks later can mean there’s hidden moisture trapped in your walls or ceiling.

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