Restoring Historic Properties: Preserving the Integrity of Vintage Homes During the Disaster Recovery Process

Chicagoland’s many historic homes are a treasure trove of architectural beauty, cultural significance, and timeless charm. From the grandeur of Gilded Age mansions to the sturdy craftsmanship of the region’s beloved graystones and bungalows, these fascinating properties stand sentinel to our city’s evolution. 

However, when disaster strikes — whether it’s a flood, fire, or other traumatic event — restoration requires a delicate balance between utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and preserving the unique character of the property.

For homeowners, understanding how to navigate this complex and sometimes confusing journey is essential. At PuroClean of Evanston, we prioritize returning your beloved classic residence to its pre-disaster condition as carefully as possible. 

Let’s explore some key considerations regarding the process of repairing historic properties after a disaster while maintaining their integrity and atmosphere.

Owning a Piece of History

Chicago has been known as the birthplace and world capital of modern architecture for over 100 years and is considered “a virtual open textbook on the history of 20th-century design” by the Chicago Athenaeum.

Known for its Great Fire of 1871 followed by the Great Rebuilding, the Windy City was actually constructed on top of swampy marshland only 4 feet above Lake Michigan. In the mid-19th century, the entire town was raised several feet using jackscrews and hydraulic lifts to build a modern sewer and stormwater system.

From world-famous skyscrapers to the iconic homes and public buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright (including Robie House and Unity Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage sites), properly preserving these structures has many benefits for the entire community, not just the current owner. 

Restored historic buildings often attract businesses and contribute to local economic development. Well-maintained vintage homes in good condition can hold their value better than newer properties and may come with certain tax advantages.

Older houses are popular with younger buyers and those who dream of bringing these dwellings back to their former glory, as rehabilitating existing structures reduces the need for new construction, lowering carbon emissions and energy consumption. But they also come with unique challenges when it comes to repairing destruction from a flood, fire, or severe storms.

Assessing and Planning

Different types of disasters require tailored approaches to restoration. Flood damage can be particularly devastating to historic properties, affecting everything from foundations to delicate plasterwork, while fire damage can destroy irreplaceable elements of the home and compromise structural integrity. 

Mold infestation presents both health hazards and risks to organic building materials. While less common, trauma, crime scene, or biohazard events require specialized cleaning and restoration techniques as well as sensitivity and compassion. 

Our historic property restoration process is highly collaborative and tailored to your specific needs. The first step is conducting a thorough property assessment, documenting the extent of the damage while identifying and prioritizing the preservation of cherished details. 

Research is key. It’s crucial to study all available records to learn as much as possible about the property’s construction, distinguishing characteristics, and relationship to the other dwellings in the district. This also helps our team source the most appropriate building materials for your project and develop a comprehensive restoration plan.

We partner with homeowners to prepare needed reports for insurance purposes, FEMA, the National Register of Historic Places, and other NGO and government entities. PuroClean of Evanston also works closely with preservation experts to salvage as many original materials as possible. Our skilled restoration specialists can breathe new life into damaged elements, from hardwood and plaster to intricate architectural features.

If decontamination and deep cleaning are necessary, we utilize EPA-approved disinfectants and specialized cleaning techniques to safeguard surfaces and ensure proper disposal of hazardous materials in compliance with local regulations.

Be Prepared

Owning a historic property is a joy, but it also comes with the responsibility of safeguarding its legacy. Here are some proactive steps you can take to prepare for potential disasters and protect your home:

• Conduct a vulnerability assessment: Work with qualified professionals to identify potential vulnerabilities of your property to specific disasters like fire, flood, or mold growth.
• Develop a disaster plan: Create a comprehensive plan outlining steps to take in case of a disaster, including communication protocols, evacuation procedures, and a designated contact person for authorities.
• Thoroughly document your property: Take detailed photos and videos of your property’s exterior and interior, including close-up shots of unique architectural features, to create a full home inventory. This documentation will be invaluable in the event of a restoration project.
• Invest in preventative measures: Consider proactive measures like installing smoke detectors, a water shut-off valve, and a sump pump to minimize potential flooding damage. Regularly have your home inspected for mold and radon, and take steps to mitigate damage to your home as much as possible.
• Get the right coverage: Ensure you have the right amount of homeowner’s insurance to cover the costs of expert historic preservation and restoration.

Restoring a vintage home after a fire, flood, or other disaster is a complex but rewarding process. At PuroClean of Evanston, we balance cutting-edge restoration techniques with the careful preservation of your property’s historical integrity — reach out to our 24/7 team today!