Who doesn’t want to save their hard-earned dollar bills?
Who doesn’t try to avoid mass expenses?
Who doesn’t want to not have to compromise for one?
Twin cities, like Minneapolis-Saint Paul, endure extended and severe weather conditions in summers and winters. The lowest temperature recorded in the winter was -30°F, while the highest temperature recorded in the summers was 108°F.
Regions that suffer from harsh and extreme climates require the residents to show unearthly levels of tolerance and have overloaded pockets, such as that of a regal. However, we aren’t royals and definitely do not have overloaded pockets. Therefore, we need insulation.
Insulation protects your property from the external thermal or non-thermal energy penetration and sustains the inner temperature by blocking passages that may allow air leakage.
What is Board Feet?
The total area requiring insulation is known as board feet. It is important to measure your board feet before installing insulation to understand the cost that will fall on you.
The Method
Total square feet x depth in inches = Board feet.
Let’s take a look at the types of insulation and their costs to help you decide on installing insulation in your property located in the twin cities.
Blown-in or Cellulose Insulation?
Created from recycled material and byproducts such as refined glass and paper, blown-in insulation is an environmentally-friendly type of insulation.
Like the name suggests, blown-in insulation, with the help of a spraying nozzle, is blown into the cavities of a dry wall, filling in any nooks and crannies present. Blown-in insulation has an R-value of 3.6 per inch which works just fine to prevent air leakages. This type of insulation is best for walls and ceilings which have already been constructed.
The total cost of this DIY task should fall around at least $500.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam is a thick polyurethane mixture which is lathered onto the wall in order to seal any prominent openings. The R-Value differs based on the type of spray foam insulation you choose. This insulation is budget-friendly when insulating large areas.
Open Cell Insulation
The prevailing cost of open cell insulation ranges from 35-55 cents per board feet depending on the R-Value required. Usually, the resistance to air is strong, but it lacks moisture-resistant capabilities.
Closed Cell Insulation
The prevailing cost of closed cell insulation ranges from $1-2 per board feet. The air, noise and moisture resistance is strong as the R-Value is about 6.5 per inch.
Reflective Insulation
The average cost of radiant and/or reflective barriers is estimated to range from $1.5-3. Your attic or roof is typically 500 square feet in area and the total amount you will be spending on your insulation product, assuming you are buying insulation at $3 per board feet, will be about $150.
Fiberglass Batts
Fiberglass is a conventional and the cheapest method of insulation. With an R-Value of 3 per inch, this is best to use when your property is still under-construction.
The cost of this insulation product ranges from $0.64-1.19 per board feet. So, in total, if you have a 500 sq. ft. area, the cost will range from $145-200.
Make sure you look up the local costs of insulations prevailing in the Twin Cities and choose your insulation according to your property type, climate and the most important factor, your budget!