Insulation is a big deal in keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient. The U.S. Department of Energy states that properly installed insulation can save homeowners up to 15% on heating and cooling costs. That’s huge! But when it comes to DIY attic insulation, particularly blown-in insulation, the real question is: should you do it yourself?
Blown-in insulation might look like an easy weekend project. You rent the machine, grab a few bags of insulation, and get to work. Simple, right? Not exactly. There’s much more to consider than just getting insulation in the attic. If you’re not careful, DIY blown-in insulation can cost you far more in the long run.
Insulation Code Matters
In cities like Chicago, where winters are brutal, insulation isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and compliance. Chicago’s building codes have specific requirements for attic insulation, including the R-value, which measures how well the insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. But here’s the catch: if you’re not familiar with local insulation codes, you might install too little insulation, or worse, the wrong type. This not only makes your home less efficient but can also lead to costly violations when it comes time to sell or remodel.
For example, the EPA recommends attic insulation levels ranging between R-38 and R-60 in colder climates like Chicago. If you don’t meet these standards, your DIY project may fail to protect your home from energy loss. Do you really want to risk that?
Check out Article XII of the Chicago Energy Conservation Code:
Chicago Energy Conservation Code
Blown-In Insulation Requires Precision
Unlike batt insulation, which comes in pre-cut rolls, blown-in insulation requires precise application to be effective. Professionals know how to evenly distribute the insulation to avoid gaps and underfilled areas, which can lead to air leaks and poor energy performance. An improperly insulated attic can leave your home vulnerable to drafts in the winter and stifling heat in the summer.
Moreover, professionals use advanced equipment to ensure consistent coverage at the correct depth. Without this precision, the blown-in insulation may settle unevenly over time, losing its effectiveness and requiring costly adjustments.
Attic Safety Is Important
Let’s talk safety. Attics can be dangerous places, especially if you’re not used to working in them. There are no proper floors, just beams. One misstep and you’re crashing through your ceiling.
Beyond the physical risk, there’s also the risk of damaging electrical wires, HVAC ductwork, or even compromising your roof’s ventilation system. Professionals are trained to navigate these hazards. They know exactly how to insulate an attic without disturbing critical systems, and they use safety gear that most homeowners simply don’t have lying around.
Moisture Control in Your Attic
One thing many DIYers overlook is moisture. Insulation helps regulate the temperature in your home, but it can also trap moisture if not installed correctly. And in a place like Chicago, where humidity can be an issue, this becomes a big problem. Trapped moisture can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and a whole host of other problems. Moisture barriers, ventilation, and air sealing all need to be considered when installing blown-in insulation.
When you hire an expert like our team at Perma-Seal, you’re paying for peace of mind. They know how to manage moisture and ensure your insulation does its job—without any hidden surprises down the road.
Going with Professional Attic Installation
When you bring in a professional for your attic insulation, you’re not just getting someone to handle the heavy lifting. You’re getting expertise. At Perma-Seal, we assess your attic & home before starting any work, checking for issues like air leaks, proper ventilation, and existing insulation quality. We handle not just the installation but also the preparation, which includes removing old, compacted insulation that may no longer be effective.
We also know how to insulate attics in Chicago’s extreme climate, ensuring your home stays comfortable year-round. The job gets done right the first time, saving you from future headaches, like redoing the insulation because it wasn’t installed to code.
Key Takaways: Don’t DIY Your Attic Insulation – Trust an Expert
Yes, you can rent the equipment and buy the insulation yourself, but the real question is—should you? Between the risks of improper installation, safety concerns, and the need to meet Chicago’s insulation codes, it’s often not worth the gamble. Hiring a professional guarantees that the job is done right, keeping your home energy-efficient, safe, and comfortable. Plus, you’ll sleep better knowing you didn’t just make a costly mistake that could take years to fix.
At Perma-Seal, we don’t just install attic insulation—we provide solutions that make your home comfortable, more efficient, and safer. Don’t leave it to chance. Trust the experts to get it done right.