Closed cell spray foam is denser, provides a higher R-value per inch, and creates a strong moisture barrier — making it the right choice for exterior walls, crawl spaces, and areas prone to humidity. Open cell foam expands more freely and works better for interior walls and attics where flexibility matters more than density. Both types seal air leaks while insulating, which gives them an advantage over standard batt insulation in many applications. The right choice depends entirely on where it is going and what that space requires.

The answer depends on how under-insulated your home currently is and which areas are addressed. Homes with outdated or missing attic and wall insulation in the Chicago area often see noticeable reductions in heating and cooling costs after a proper installation. Air sealing combined with new insulation typically produces the largest impact because it stops conditioned air from escaping through gaps that insulation alone does not address. An assessment of your specific home gives you a realistic expectation before any work begins.

Yes — the drill and fill method allows us to inject insulation directly into the wall cavity through small holes made in the wall surface, either from the interior or exterior. The holes are patched and finished cleanly, leaving minimal visible evidence of the work. This approach is particularly common in older Chicago-area homes that were built without adequate wall insulation. It is one of the most effective ways to improve thermal performance without the cost and disruption of a full drywall removal.

Encapsulation seals the crawl space completely — walls, floor, and any penetrations — to stop ground moisture from entering the space and rising into the home above it. Left untreated, crawl space moisture leads to mold growth, wood rot, poor air quality, and cold floors throughout the house. Insulating the walls and adding a vapor barrier work together to control both temperature and moisture at the source. For homes in the Chicago area with older crawl spaces, it is one of the most impactful improvements you can make.

Most single-area projects — an attic, crawl space, or set of walls — are completed within one day. Larger projects covering multiple areas of the home may take two to three days depending on the scope and what materials are being used. We give you a clear timeline before the work starts so there are no surprises. The space is cleaned up and left in order when the job is done.

Yes — OTS Chicago Insulation works with both residential and commercial properties across the Chicago area. Commercial projects involve different scales and sometimes different material requirements, but the standard of installation remains the same. Whether it is a multi-unit residential building, an office space, or a commercial facility, we assess the property and recommend what will actually perform. Call (855) 511-5652 to discuss your specific property and get an estimate.

We serve Des Plaines, Chicago, Naperville, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Evanston, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, and Glen Ellyn. If your home or building is in the Chicago metro area and not on this list, reach out anyway — we can confirm whether your location falls within our service area. Most of our work is concentrated in the northwest and western suburbs where insulation needs are significant given the exposure to Chicago winters.