TWIN CITIES WEST Blog

In Minnesota, Every Attic Needs a Minimum of R49-Rated Insulation

Minnesota is a state known for its dynamic weather trends. Transitions between sweltering summers and frigid winters are very familiar experiences to residents. 

As a result, many Minnesota attics are outfitted with insulation of some type. This works to protect a property against fluctuating temperatures and the elements.

Having a minimal amount of insulation in Minnesota is a good way to keep a property comfortable year-round. However, there are insulation R-Value regulations linked to state-building requirements to keep top of mind at all times.

The R-Value is a measurement of how effectively insulation prevents heat from moving into and out of a home. A higher value indicates higher efficiency and often results in lower energy bills for homeowners. 

State Requirements for Minnesota Attics

The code minimum for all new buildings in The Land of 10,000 Lakes is R49. Of course, Minnesota attics can always benefit from added R-Value to a property’s overall energy efficiency.

In some cases, increasing the R-Value to R-60 provides a much-needed guard against heat loss in homes that sit further north. To determine where a property’s current insulation value stands, you can request an energy assessment.

This assessment will evaluate the height of the attic insulation to make sure it meets state requirements. A home with R49-rated insulation is considered a property that can effectively slow heat loss in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer months.

Why Is R49-Rated Insulation Important to Have in the Attic?

As heat accumulates in a home, it rises. That makes the attic a prime place for heat to escape in the winter.

Fortunately, most attics also come with relatively convenient access points. This allows insulation technicians to add insulation in these areas with ease, making attic insulation projects fairly inexpensive compared to installing insulation elsewhere in the home.

Meeting the R49 Standard

If a property is shown to be below the R49 standard after an energy assessment, there are always options for adding insulation to meet requirements. Homeowners can choose to have loose-fill, blanket, or batt insulation added to an empty attic or over existing insulation.

You can select blown-in insulation in fiberglass or cellulose varieties. Similarly, sprayed-on insulation options include polystyrene or polyurethane. This type of application requires professional installation assistance.

The benefit of blown-in insulation includes both coverage and performance. It’s a cost-effective way to reach R-Value requirements in Minnesota while simultaneously improving a property’s energy efficiency standards.

While homeowners are reducing their carbon footprint, they’re also reducing outside noise. Both are significant in making a home more comfortable overall.

Reach Out Today

When you need to equip your Minnesota home with R49-rated insulation to meet state requirements, Koala Insulation of Twin Cities West is here to help. Our team of dedicated professionals is proud to pair excellent customer service with incredible results no matter when insulation services are required. We’re also readily available to add insulation to homes aiming for improved energy efficiency.

Reach out today to schedule your free consultation and let us help you determine which insulation services would work best for your home. We look forward to hearing from you soon!