How Much Does It Cost to Clean Attic Insulation After a Raccoon Infestation in Chicago?

Cleaning Attic Insulation After Raccoon Infestation Cost in Chicago

Full attic restoration after a raccoon infestation typically runs $3,500–$8,500 for an average 1,500 sq ft Chicago-area home. That figure covers three things: trapping and exclusion, biohazard decontamination, and new code-compliant insulation. Here’s exactly where that money goes, and how to tell if you’re being overcharged — or underquoted. Chicago’s labor rates and contaminated-waste disposal … Read more

Attic Smells Like Cat Urine But You Don’t Have a Cat? Here’s What’s Actually Happening

Attic insulation smells like cat urine but no cats

If your home suddenly smells like a dirty litter box and you don’t own a cat, you’re not imagining it — and you’re not alone. We get this call regularly from homeowners across the Chicago area. The short answer: it’s almost always either a chemical reaction happening inside your attic insulation, or a pest that’s … Read more

Should You Let People Insulate Your Attic With Cellulose? The Truth about the “Recycled Paper” Trap

A conceptual visualization of recycled paper cellulose insulation and its weight impact on attic joists.

If you are standing in your driveway and a contractor is trying to sell you a “green” attic upgrade, they are probably pitching cellulose. It sounds like a win. You use recycled newsprint to keep your house warm and save the planet. Most homeowners wonder, “Should I let people insulate my attic with cellulose?” before … Read more

R20 vs R30 Insulation: Is the Extra Cost Actually Saving You Money?

R20 vs R30 Insulation

If you’ve ever walked into a hardware store and felt like the insulation aisle was judging your bank account, you’re not alone. Most homeowners look at the price tag of R30 and then at the R20 roll, wondering, “Is that extra thickness actually doing anything, or am I just buying expensive fluff?” In the world … Read more

How to Insulate Knee Walls: A Surprisingly Simple Fix for a Warmer Home

How to Insulate Knee Walls

Knee walls are those short, often-neglected vertical walls in attic spaces— they might seem like minor architectural details, but they can be major culprits behind energy loss, chilly drafts, and skyrocketing heating bills. If your home feels drafty no matter how high you crank the thermostat, poorly insulated knee walls could be the hidden isue. Fortunately, insulating … Read more

faced vs unfaced insulation

faced vs unfaced insulation

Insulation plays a vital role in keeping your home comfortable, energy-efficient, and protected from moisture. It helps regulate indoor temperatures, reduce noise, and prevent mold growth. When choosing insulation, you’ll come across two common options: faced and unfaced insulation. Understanding the differences between them will help you select the right solution for your needs. Insulation … Read more

Is R32 Attic Insulation Acceptable In Denver?

Is R32 Attic Insulation Acceptable In Denver?

Proper rest is essential after a long day, and having a comfortable home in Denver is key. With its hot summers and freezing winters, In Denver’s climate makes proper Attic insulation crucial for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. Although R32 insulation might seems you cost-effective. But, it is insufficient for this region. Because, the recommended … Read more

R-Value for Attic

Understanding Attic Insulation R Value

When I first started improving my home, I was overwhelmed by how much energy costs can fluctuate, especially with the changing climate. In cold months, the heating bills would skyrocket, and during perpetually warm seasons, the air conditioning expenses felt like a small fortune. That’s when I learned about the magic of insulation and its … Read more

knee wall insulation tips

Attic Kneewall

Knee walls can be a tricky part of home design, especially in older homes with Bungalow or Cape Cod styles. These short walls are often found in attic spaces with sloping ceilings. If not properly addressed, they can lead to heat loss in winter and cooling challenges in summer. From personal experience, adding proper insulation … Read more

is garage attic insulation worth it?

is garage attic insulation worth it

At CATUS Insulation, we’ve seen firsthand how insulating your garage attic can be a true game-changer for homeowners. If you live in places like Illinois, you know how cold winters and hot summer months can impact your home’s comfort and energy costs. An uninsulated garage can be the hidden culprit behind fluctuating temperatures, making your … Read more