Are you dealing with mold? We can help.

Mold can cause significant damage to your property and pose serious health risks. Chicago property owners rely on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba for expert removal of toxic black mold from homes and businesses throughout the city and nearby suburbs. Discover our full range of services below:

mold inspection

Mold Inspection

mold remediation

Targeted Mold Removal

complete restoration after mold spread

Complete Restoration Services

Signs of Mold in Your Home or Business

Mold spores are a natural part of our environment, but when they find the right conditions indoors, they can quickly turn into a serious problem. For homeowners and business owners in Chicago, understanding the warning signs of mold growth is crucial.

Here are some key signs to look out for.

Our 5-Step Mold Removal Process for Chicago, IL & Suburbs

With extensive experience in mold remediation across Chicago and its suburbs, we’ve honed our process to deliver precise and effective results. 

What Causes Mold Growth?

In Chicago, the unique climate and building conditions can contribute to mold issues. Here are common factors that lead to mold growth:

mold growing in bathroom

What Customers Say

servicemaster by zaba team

About us

ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, a locally owned and nationally recognized leader, offers expert mold removal and remediation services throughout Chicago, IL, and the suburbs.

We provide comprehensive solutions for both residential and commercial properties. Trust us to restore your property to its original condition and provide exceptional service you can rely on.

WHY CHOOSE SERVICEMASTER BY ZABA

85+ Years of combined experience

Emergency response
within 60-90 minutes

Insurance preferred

24/7 Live answering

1-Year warranty
on construction

Licensed, bonded, insured, IICRC certified

FAQs

How much does mold remediation in Chicago typically cost?

The work in Chicago usually runs between $1200 and $4500. While that seems like a wide spread, no two jobs are the same. However, these figures cover the majority of our mold remediation projects.

Are there other factors that affect the final mold remediation cost?

Our mold remediation process follows industry-established protocols, but expenses depend on many variables including the location and extent of mold contamination. The sooner you take action to address mold on your property, the lower your costs will be.

Can I get an estimate over the phone?

We don’t quote mold removal jobs over the phone. It’s impossible to give you an honest estimate without an on-site inspection. Always be cautious of any restoration company that offers phone quotes for this type of work.

Does my homeowners insurance cover mold removal?

Typically, homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover mold damage. If you’re not sure about your policy, ask your agent for details. He or she may have options available that can cover you in case of future damages.

What exactly is black mold?

Toxic black mold is also known as Stachybotrys mold. Stachybotrys mold is one of thousands of mold species that grow inside and outside all types of properties. It reproduces and spreads through airborne spores that can survive harsh conditions and extreme temperatures. The spores can also travel in water, on animals and on clothing and personal belongings.
This type of fungal growth is commonly found in properties after extensive water damage. The mold thrives in humid environments and wet conditions. It’s very hard to remove from cellulose materials such as drywall, wood and particleboard. If you suspect black mold is growing in your home or business, consider these important facts.

  • Toxic black mold can grow on exterior and interior surfaces.
  • Airborne spores invade a property through windows, doors and HVAC systems.
  • Black mold spores can also attach to pets and clothing.
  • The fungal growth gives off an unhealthy, musty smell that quickly spreads. 
  • A critical part of the remediation process involves eliminating moisture sources that allow mold to thrive. 

What causes black mold to form?

Any damp environment can result in an outbreak of toxic black mold. It might be the result of water damage after a flood, plumbing failure, frozen burst pipes or a hidden leak. High humidity can also lead to black mold growth, and it only needs oxygen as a food source.

How can I tell if I have black mold instead of mildew?

Homeowners often ask us about the differences between mold and mildew. Both are common even in the cleanest house, and they can resemble each other. Unless it spreads over large areas, mildew doesn’t usually pose the same health risks as mold. Try this simple test to determine if you have a mold or mildew problem.

  1. Using a cotton swab, dab a little bleach on the affected area.
  2. Wait a few minutes, and then check for a change in color.
  3. If the area turns lighter, you’re looking at mildew cleanup.
  4. If the treated surface remains dark, that’s a sure sign that it’s mold.


Mildew is easily removed with a bleach solution or household cleaners, but always be very cautious about attempting mold cleanup until you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
In addition, black mold does have distinctive characteristics:

  • It grows in areas that stay wet like crawl spaces with leaky pipes.
  • The mold is especially prevalent after a home or business suffers water damage.
  • Its growth pattern spreads through materials underneath the surface mold.
  • Toxic mold is often slimy with a dark, greenish-black coloration.
  • The mycotoxins in black mold give off a strong, unpleasant musty odor.

Is black mold really dangerous?

Every breath you take that’s contaminated with mold spores exposes you to a potential silent killer.
All molds reproduce by releasing microscopic particles into the air. These spores settle on surfaces where they take hold and spread the mold’s growth. Because spores are microorganisms, they’re very easily inhaled. They can also enter the body through the eyes and settle on skin and clothing. While you can see mold growing on walls or floors, it’s impossible to detect airborne spores without taking samples.
Black mold is considered toxic because its spores contain high concentrations of microbial volatile organic compounds and dangerous mold mycotoxins. The spores often affect people who have allergies or weak immune systems. Children and older adults and are especially vulnerable to airborne microorganisms, but a high concentration of black mold spores can impact people who normally enjoy good health.
We handle the dirty, risky job of mold cleanup in Chicago so that you can enjoy a healthy home or business environment again.

What are symptoms of mold exposure?

The CDC reports that studies by the Institute of Medicine clearly link mold exposure to a number of health problems. Most common molds around the house aren’t cause for concern, but exposure to toxic black mold can produce serious reactions in healthy people. Headaches, runny noses and itchy eyes are noted most often, but black mold exposure can also lead to:

• Sever irritation in mucous membranes
• Trouble breathing and serious respiratory distress
• Uncontrollable coughing that sometimes produces blood
• Upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting
• Bladder and kidney problems
• Extreme fatigue and tiredness
• A loss of concentration and memory
• Compromised immune system responses
• Internal organ damage and failure

How do you ensure mold doesn’t come back?

Mold can have many sources, so we don’t leave your property until we’ve completely taken care of all growth. We address water leaks that form the root of the problem, and we follow through with the steps necessary to make sure you don’t have to deal with another mold outbreak.

Can you restore mold-damaged furnishings and personal items?

While no two restoration projects are alike, we generally bag and remove items like bedding and clothing for off-site cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing.
As we work through the process to carefully remove mold from your belongings, you can rest assured that your things are in highly trained hands.
Our IICRC-certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment, industry-approved products and the latest techniques to gently clean your personal items.
We take care of mold removal from clothing, curtains, bedding and more:

  • All types of carpet and padding
  • Natural and synthetic upholstery
  • Chairs, recliners, and leather sofas
  • Personal papers, books and photographs

How much time does it take to finish a mold cleanup project?

It depends on the size of the mold cleanup job and the need for repairs and reconstruction. To be fair, we can only estimate the scale of a project after we’ve done a thorough property assessment.

Do you use special equipment for mold remediation?

Our mold remediation teams are certified technicians who combine years of experience with specialized training. They use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest mold removal products to handle any job effectively. We stay ahead of industry innovations to deliver the best results for your project.

Our equipment includes:

  • Infrared Cameras: These allow us to detect hidden moisture areas using thermal imaging, helping to locate mold behind walls, under floors, and in ceilings.
  • Containment Systems: We secure the project area with sealed barriers to prevent airborne spores from spreading, which also helps reduce remediation costs.
  • Air Scrubbers: Industrial air scrubbers with HEPA filtration systems remove mold spores from the air, eliminating a wide range of airborne contaminants.
  • Dehumidifying Equipment: Heavy-duty dehumidifiers speed up the drying process using refrigerant, desiccant, or LGR technologies, depending on the project's needs.
  • Mold Remediation Products: Our supplies include commercial-grade disinfectants, antimicrobial solutions, and antifungal applications to clean all types of surfaces.
  • Air Movers: Large-scale air movers are used to speed up structural drying and remove any remaining moisture after remediation.
  • Industry-Approved Safety Gear: Our crews wear gloves, coveralls, headgear, goggles, masks, and respirators that meet industry standards to ensure safety during the mold removal process, which involves high-risk exposure to health hazards.

By using this specialized equipment and adhering to safety protocols, we maintain our strong standing in the field and deliver reliable mold remediation services.

Serving The Chicago Area For More Than 85 Years

With three strategically located offices, we are equipped to deliver a swift 24-hour response to disasters, as well as specialty cleaning needs. Our service area includes all of Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs such as Evanston, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, and beyond.

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