THE ATTIC GENIUS
Blog
Knee Wall Air Leaks: Where They Hide and How to Seal Them
Knee wall air leaks drain comfort from bonus rooms and finished attics. Learn where the air gets in, how to seal it, and when to call a pro.
Attic Smell After Rodents: Causes, Cleanup and Fixes
Attic smells like urine or something dead after rodents? Learn what the odor means, how long it lasts, safe cleanup steps and when to replace insulation.
Federal Insulation Tax Credit 2026: It Ended, Here’s What to Use
The federal insulation tax credit ended after 2025. See what that means for your 2026 attic project and which Illinois rebates and programs can still help.
Air Sealing vs. Insulation: Which Comes First?
Air sealing and insulation do different jobs. Learn what each does, why sealing comes first in a Chicagoland attic, and how to tell what your home needs.
Cold Bedroom Over the Garage: Causes and Fixes
Why the bedroom over your garage stays cold in a Chicagoland winter, and how air sealing, floor insulation and ductwork fixes make it comfortable again.
Winter Attic Ventilation: Seal, Insulate, Check Two Inches of Clearance
Seal attic air leaks before insulating, then verify soffit to ridge airflow and keep a clear gap of 2 inches. Learn when winter problems need a pro.
Attic Insulation Lifespan: Homeowners, Check Condition, Not Age
Learn how long attic insulation lasts, spot wet, compressed, or contaminated material, and decide when to inspect, seal, remediate, or replace it.
Top Plate Sealing for Homeowners: Waiting Costs More Time
Seal attic top plates while the space is open to cut drafts and energy loss. Learn which materials fit, what to check for safety, and when to call a pro.
Attic Mold in Winter: Seal Leaks, Dry Wet Materials Within 48 Hours
Winter attic mold often starts with condensation, not a roof leak. Seal air leaks, dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours, then insulate and ventilate.
Stop Air Leaks from Recessed Lights with Retrofit LED Kits
Stop air leaks from recessed lights with safe DIY fixes: retrofit LED kits, gaskets and caulk. Reserve 3 inch attic enclosures for non IC fixtures; call a…
Stop Stack Effect, Mold and Bills: 15 Minute Attic Check for Homeowners
See how stack effect drives heat loss and mold, why seal the attic before adding insulation, and easy attic checks homeowners can run in 15 minutes.
Homeowners: Bathroom Fans Shouldn’t Vent to Attic, Mold Starts in Days
A code-backed homeowner guide showing why bathroom fans must exhaust outdoors, how to check the attic, and permanent fixes to stop mold and insulation damage.