Oak Park, IL Insulation

Welcome to
oak park insulation

With increasing energy prices, you’ll want to make sure that your home is properly insulated. Although insulation is only part of the thermal envelope that keeps your house warm or cool, it plays a vital role. Residential properties constructed before 1990 are at even more risk as these were typically not built with sufficient insulation that can properly withstand the elements, most simply have no insulation at all. Even if your current residence has insulation, it might be time for an upgrade. Common feedback that we get from homeowners is that they enjoy their reduced energy bills, quieter interior, and more comfortable temperature regulation of their living spaces.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU UPDATE YOUR INSULATION?

To maintain proper temperature and noise regulation, insulation should be replaced every 15-20 years given average wear and tear on a property. Insulation may need to be changed sooner depending on the R-value of the current insulation, the form of insulation, and whether the property has sustained any type of damages, especially from weather. Call our professionals today for an estimate of your property to see all the potential benefits of upgraded insulation.

what is an r-value?

R-values measure insulation materials thermal resistance to heat flow, so the higher the r-value, the greater the thickness and greater resistance of heat transmission. Different areas in your home require different r-values for optimal insulation efficiency, below is a list of recommended areas to insulate and their r-values for Illinois:

Attic: 43
Existing wall: 13
New Wall: 21
Basement wall: 10
Crawlspace wall: 10

wHY IS INSULATION IMPORTANT?

Properly installed insulation helps save money on your utility bills and increase the energy efficiency of your property.
Adequate insulation controls and maintains a stable temperature throughout the interior of your home or building, making winters and summers more comfortable by keeping the heat in during winter, and out during summer.
By regulating optimal temperatures, proper insulation reduces the burden on your HVAC system and can actually help improve the system’s performance. Replacing heating and air conditioning systems is costly and more likely to occur if it is constantly on and having to run longer to moderate room temperatures.
Most kinds of insulation curtail noise levels between the rooms and levels of your home, as well as from outside.
All of these combined contribute to an improved environment and property value.

how much insulation does my home neeD?

Great question! Every home is different and every client has different goals with their insulation. Our professionals can answer any question you have and discuss our plethora of options, whether you're looking to soundproof some areas, maintain a controlled temperature, wanting the cheapest or most environmentally-conscious insulation material, our team at 708-866-0155 can help!

common TYPES OF INSULATION

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION

Spray foam insulation is made from polyurethane that expands to fill crevices and cracks, making it a great option for odd or hard-to-reach areas. It can be used in both existing properties and new construction to prevent heat flow in ceilings, floors, and walls. Spray foam insulation is particularly useful for window insulation as well as insulating areas around doors, and light fixtures and wall sockets since it seals air leakage that escapes through tiny slits and openings. When temperatures differ drastically between outside and the inside of your home, condensation can occur on walls but this can be mitigated with spray foam insulation.

FIBERGLASS INSULATION

As you might guess, fiberglass insulation is made of glass fibers that are efficient in resisting heat flow by trapping air pockets to slow the heat flow. Fiberglass insulation is typically installed as a batt (panel or blanket) or blown-in insulation, which we explain further below. Although it looks fluffy, do not touch the fiberglass panels or rolls with your bare hands as the tiny glass particles can easily cause a rash and irritation if ingested, this is why it is always best to hire a professional for installation.

BLOWN-IN INSULATION

Typically made of fiberglass or cellulose, blown-in insulation is inserted in wall cavities and great for attics for filling in those irregular shapes and angles. Since fiberglass can lose some of its r-value in extremely cold conditions, we typically recommend cellulose for those Illinois winters. Blown-in insulation can be more economical and environmentally-conscious than spray foam insulation since it is made of recycled materials, unless you choose fiberglass blown-in insulation. The Blow-In Blanket System (BIBS) is recommended for fiberglass blown-in insulation to contain loose-fill fiberglass particles with its netting system that also contribute to an increased r-value.