Restoration Services
Water Damage Restoration
Water Damage Restoration by Michaelson & Messinger Insurance Specialists, LLC
Water does its worst damage in the first two days. Drywall wicks it up the wall, subfloor swells, insulation holds it, and mold begins within 48 hours. Michaelson & Messinger sends drying crews the same day you call, then rebuilds what the water destroyed. We handle water losses from burst pipes, sump pump failure, sewer backup, appliance failures, roof leaks, and firefighting across Chicago and the northern, western and southwest suburbs.
Emergency Water Removal
- Extraction of standing water from basements and living areas
- Removal of saturated carpet, pad, laminate, and drywall
- Commercial air movers and dehumidifiers with daily moisture readings
- Antimicrobial treatment of framing and subfloor
- Contents pack out and drying of salvageable items
- Sewer backup cleanup and sanitizing to health standards
Finding All the Water
We map the wet area with moisture meters and thermal imaging, not by eye. Water under a floor or inside a wall that is left in place becomes a mold problem and a second claim that the carrier will fight. We document every wet surface before demolition, which also gives our adjusting team the proof it needs to negotiate the full scope.
Rebuild
Once the structure is dry, our crews rebuild: framing repair, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, trim, doors, and paint. In finished basements this often means a complete refinish. We pull permits where required and pass inspections. If you want to rebuild differently, with a sump backup system, a check valve, or a better layout, we price those changes separately.
Sewer Backup and Sump Failure
These are the most common water losses we see in Chicago and the suburbs, and the most disputed, because sewer backup coverage is usually a separate endorsement with a small limit. Our adjusting team reads the policy before we start so you know what is covered, and we document the source so the carrier cannot reassign the loss to an excluded cause.
Written Warranty
All water restoration work is performed under an item by item contract with a written warranty.
Call Now, Then Turn Off the Water
Shut the main, then call 630.654.2600. Do not tear out wet material before it is documented. Crews answer around the clock.
Frequently Asked Questions: Water Damage Restoration
How long does it take to dry a flooded basement?
Three to five days with commercial dehumidifiers and air movers, longer if walls and subfloor were saturated. We take moisture readings daily and do not close walls until the numbers are right.
Do you remove the drywall or just dry it?
Drywall that was wet more than a day, or wet with sewer water, is removed to a foot above the water line or higher. Drywall that was damp briefly can sometimes be dried in place. We test and document each wall.
Is sewer backup cleanup different from clean water?
Yes. Sewer water is a health hazard. Everything porous it touched is removed and disposed of, surfaces are disinfected, and the space is cleared before rebuild. We follow industry standards for category three water.
Can carpet be saved after a flood?
Clean water carpet can sometimes be dried and cleaned if we reach it within a day. Pad is usually replaced. Carpet touched by sewer water is always replaced.
Will you check for mold?
Yes. We inspect and test where water sat, remove affected material, and treat framing. If mold is found beyond the water damage we tell you and price it separately.
What can I do to keep it from happening again?
Add a battery or water powered backup sump pump, a check valve on the sewer line, and a water alarm. We install these during the rebuild and price them separately from the insurance scope.
Do you handle the insurance claim for water damage too?
Yes. Our licensed public adjusters read the policy, document the water source, and negotiate the claim while our crews dry and rebuild. One contract, one contact.
