Owning a historic or older home in the Chicagoland area has many benefits—timeless architecture, character-filled designs, and charming neighborhoods. However, one of the most common downsides is poor insulation. Many homes built before modern building codes often lack proper thermal protection, resulting in high energy bills, drafty rooms, and inconsistent indoor temperatures.
At Koala Insulation of North Chicagoland, we understand the unique insulation challenges that come with older homes. Whether you’re dealing with plaster walls, limited attic access, or outdated materials, our team specializes in creating custom insulation solutions to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term performance.
Why Older Chicagoland Homes Need Better Insulation
Many houses built before the 1980s in Chicagoland were not designed with energy efficiency in mind. While the region’s classic bungalows, Victorians, and Cape Cods are beautiful, they often include:
- Insufficient attic insulation
- No wall insulation or poorly installed batts
- Single-pane windows
- Unsealed air gaps and ductwork
- Poorly insulated crawl spaces or basements
These weaknesses become especially problematic in Chicagoland’s climate, where winters are cold and snowy, and summers are hot and humid. Without proper insulation, homeowners in these historic properties often pay more for heating and cooling while still feeling uncomfortable year-round.
Signs Your Older Home Needs New Insulation
Not sure if your home is under-insulated? Watch for these common signs:
- High utility bills during summer and winter
- Drafts or cold spots in certain rooms
- Hot second floors during summer
- Ice dams forming on the roof in winter
- Uneven heating or cooling throughout the house
- Pest infestations in the attic or crawl spaces
If any of these issues sound familiar, it may be time to contact Koala Insulation of North Chicagoland for an energy evaluation and insulation upgrade.
Best Insulation Types for Older Homes
Every older home has unique construction features, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, the following insulation types are particularly effective for updating older Chicagoland properties:
1. Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass insulation is one of the best choices for older homes, especially in the attic and wall cavities. It can be installed without removing existing walls, making it perfect for retrofits.
Benefits:
- Fills gaps and voids effectively
- Adds R-value without major demolition
- Eco-friendly (especially cellulose made from recycled materials)
- Ideal for closed wall cavities and attic floors
At Koala Insulation of North Chicagoland, we use high-quality blown-in products to bring older homes up to modern energy standards.
2. Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam offers superior air sealing and thermal performance. It’s ideal for hard-to-reach spaces, rim joists, crawl spaces, and even entire attics in certain cases.
Benefits:
- High R-value per inch
- Air and moisture barrier
- Helps prevent mold growth
- Excellent for irregular or hard-to-insulate areas
While spray foam is more expensive upfront, it can offer a fast return on investment through improved efficiency and comfort.
3. Batt Insulation
Batt insulation (typically fiberglass or mineral wool) can be used in open wall cavities, basements, and attics where the structure is accessible. It’s especially useful during renovations.
Benefits:
- Cost-effective for large, open spaces
- Easy to install during remodeling projects
- Available in various thicknesses and R-values
Koala Insulation of North Chicagoland will help you determine where batt insulation makes the most sense in your older home.
4. Crawl Space and Basement Insulation
Crawl spaces and basements are often overlooked in older homes, but they are significant sources of heat loss and moisture. Adding insulation and sealing air leaks in these areas can improve overall home comfort and protect structural integrity.
Recommended Solutions:
- Spray foam or rigid foam board on walls
- Vapor barriers to control moisture
- Air sealing around ducts and plumbing
5. Air Sealing Services
In older homes, insulation alone may not be enough. Tiny gaps around windows, doors, plumbing penetrations, and attic hatches can cause air leakage that undermines insulation performance. Koala Insulation offers professional air sealing services that complement your insulation system and boost its effectiveness.
The Chicagoland Climate Factor
North Chicagoland experiences long, cold winters and humid summers, making high-quality insulation a necessity—not a luxury. Poor insulation can cause extreme discomfort during temperature swings and force your HVAC system to work overtime.
With Koala Insulation of North Chicagoland, you get insulation solutions designed specifically for the local climate. We assess your home’s structure, current insulation levels, and problem areas to create a personalized plan that addresses both comfort and energy efficiency.
Why Choose Koala Insulation of North Chicagoland?
We specialize in working with older homes and understand the intricacies that come with them. When you choose Koala Insulation of North Chicagoland, you’re choosing:
- Certified, experienced insulation experts
- Customized insulation plans for each home
- Top-quality materials, including eco-friendly options
- Honest recommendations based on your goals and budget
- Respectful service that protects your home’s character
From consultation to completion, our team makes the process smooth, efficient, and worthwhile.
Conclusion
Insulating your older Chicagoland home is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for energy savings, comfort, and resale value. Whether you choose blown-in, spray foam, batt insulation, or a combination of all three, the key is working with a trusted local professional.
Call Koala Insulation of North Chicagoland at (847) 470-3177 or visit https://koalainsulation.com/north-chicagoland to schedule your free estimate today. Let us help you preserve the charm of your older home while bringing it up to modern efficiency standards.
