Every year, dozens of Chicago businesses face disruptive, expensive office water damage.
If you’re dealing with water damage in your Chicago office right now, you’ve got to act fast – the longer water sits, the greater the risk of structural damage, mold growth, and more.
Don’t worry, though, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do when water damage strikes and what steps you can take to protect your commercial building.
Key Takeaways
- Water damage worsens quickly and can shut down your business operations.
- Indications like stains, musty smells, and rising water bills could mean you have a water leak somewhere in your building.
- Contact a commercial restoration company like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore to fix the damage and get back to business as quickly as possible:(312) 707-8597.
Common Causes of Water Damage in Chicago Offices
Here in Chicago, where we experience harsh winters, spring rainstorms, and aging infrastructure, water damage can occur in various ways.
Here are a few of the most common:
1. Burst pipes during winter freezes
Frigid temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and crack, especially in poorly insulated areas like basements, utility closets, or near exterior walls.
2. Leaky roofs or windows
Heavy rain or melting snow can seep through damaged flashing, clogged gutters, or improperly sealed window frames and damage walls, ceilings, and more.
3. HVAC leaks
When drip pans overflow, condensation lines clog, or rooftop units fail, water can come trickling down into your ceilings and walls.
4. Flooding from street-level drainage or nearby buildings
During major storms, the city’s storm drains can back up, especially in older parts of Chicago like River North or the Loop.
5. Faulty appliances
Breakroom dishwashers, ice makers, coffee machines, or even water coolers can spring leaks that go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Sometimes, water damage doesn’t hit all at once. It starts small and then snowballs into major repairs.
Here are the early warning signs to be aware of:
- Water stains on ceilings, walls, or around windows
- Warped, buckled, or spongy flooring (carpet or hardwood)
- Musty odors—a telltale sign of hidden moisture or mold
- Visible mold or mildew near vents or baseboards
- Unusual increases in your water bill, which could signal a hidden leak
What to Do Immediately After Water Damage
If your office space already has water damage, you know you need to act quickly.
These actions you take now can protect your team and minimize the damage.
With that in mind, here’s what to do:
1. Shut off the water source
If you can locate it and it’s safe to do so, shut off the building’s main water source. This will stop the leak and prevent the water damage from getting worse.
2. Turn off the electricity
If it’s safe to do so, turn off all electricity to the affected areas to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
3. Evacuate staff
Until you can get a sense of the damage in the impacted area, get your staff out, especially if there are hazards like standing water or ceiling leaks.
4. Call ServiceMaster of Lake Shore
As your local commercial restoration specialists, we’re dedicated to providing fast, efficient, and professional water damage restoration services.
We respond 24/7 to commercial water damage emergencies across Chicago and will help you navigate each step of the damage response and repair process.
What to Expect During Water Damage Restoration
At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we’ve been providing commercial water damage restoration services for more than 20 years.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with our team:
1. Emergency Response & Inspection
When you call us, we’ll arrive as quickly as possible to assess the situation.
As soon as we get there, we’ll conduct an inspection to identify the source of the water, stop the leak, and assess the extent of the damage.
2. Insurance Coordination
Next, we’ll work directly with you and your insurance company to streamline your claim.
Our team handles all necessary documentation, estimates, and communication to shorten your to-do list and make the experience as streamlined for you as possible.
3. Water Extraction
Next, we’ll use high-powered pumps and vacuums to remove standing water from floors, carpets, and upholstery.
4. Drying & Dehumidification
We use industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry the area, preventing mold and secondary damage.
5. Salvage & Content Restoration
Our team will assess affected office furniture, electronics, and paperwork. When possible, we clean, sanitize, and restore salvageable items.
6. Mold Remediation
If mold is present in the damaged area, we’ll perform full remediation using EPA-approved products and techniques.
7. Repairs & Rebuild
Finally, we’ll repair and rebuild the space.
From ceiling tile replacement to drywall repair and flooring installation, our licensed contractors restore your office to pre-loss condition.
Don’t Let Commercial Water Damage Get You Down – We Can Help!
Water damage in your Chicago office isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a risk to your business, your staff, and your bottom line.
Fortunately, the right response can help you prevent long-term issues and get back to work faster.
If your office is dealing with water damage, don’t wait – contact ServiceMaster of Lake Shore today: (312) 707-8597.
How can office managers prevent water damage?
The best way to prevent water damage is to maintain your building well.
Conducting regular inspections of pipes, HVAC systems, and rooflines can help catch issues early, while keeping gutters clean, ensuring appliances are well-maintained, and knowing where your water shutoff valves are located is just smart business.
Can employees work during water damage restoration?
It depends on the extent of the damage.
In some cases, a restoration team can section off areas and work around your schedule to minimize disruption, but it’s important to remember that safety always comes first.
How long does the commercial water damage restoration process take?
It varies based on the severity of the damage.
Minor commercial water damage restoration may take a few days, while situations involving mold or structural damage could take a week or more.
