You may have heard about the R-value of insulation before but are unsure what it means. R-value is a measurement level used to check the insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R value is, the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

Essentially, the US Department of Energy has split up America into 8 different zones depending on their R-value needs. For those in colder climates, such as the state of Alaska, a higher R-value is needed in regards to insulation and thus they are classified as Zone 8. In warmer, less drastic climates, such as Hawaii, homes will need less insulation and thus they are classified as Zone 1. The state of Minnesota is located in both Zone 6 and Zone 7 which is considered quite high. However, as we all know, the cold winters and the hot summers most certainly explain why we need this high R-value for our St. Paul insulation needs.

Understanding the Recommended R-Value for Your Attic Insulation in Twin Cities

There are nearly 300,000 homes in Minnesota that are considered under insulated or not insulated at all. For those who live in one of these homes, you most likely experience a draft or breeze in the winter unless you constantly have the heater going, or you experience stuffy hot air in the summer unless the air conditioner is running all the time. This is because the hot or cold air that is circulating from the heater or air conditioner is rising into the attic. Because the attic is under insulated, the hot or cold air is remaining up there, causing your home to either become too cold or too hot. The proper Twin Cities’ insulation will put a stop to this.
For those who have a completed un-insulated attic or for those who are looking into building their own home, make sure you add R49-R60 insulation to your home. This is adequate for the needs of those in Zones 5-8.

For those with some insulation in your attic, such as 3-4 inches, you will need to add R38 to your attic to make it completely insulated. This amount of insulation will help keep the hot or cold air circulating in the rooms you want without hiding up in the attic. With blown insulation, a Minnesota insulation contractor will be able to blow a blanket of fiberglass insulation into your attic at whatever the required R-value is.

Additional R-Value Figures for your St. Paul Insulation Needs

The US Department of Energy also suggests having the following R-value insulation levels for Minneapolis insulation of new homes:

- For insulation sheathing: R5- R6
- For wall cavities: R13-R21
- For a cathedral ceiling: R30-R60
- For insulation flooring: R25-R30

We can help you determine how much insulation you will need based on your existing insulations and your attic measurements and how much the insulation process will cost. We are the leading contractors in Minneapolis insulation. To request a free quote, call us today at 952-767-1151 in the West Metro area or 651-481-1466 in the East Metro area.