Up the Corridor in Linn County
Spray Foam Insulation in Cedar Rapids, IA
Sealing older homes in a city rebuilt after the 2008 flood and 2020 derecho.
- Free on-site estimates
- Written quotes that list R-value and depth for each area
- Air leaks sealed before new insulation covers them
A City With Every Decade of Housing
Spray foam insulation in Cedar Rapids covers a long range of house ages. The median home was built in 1974. About 14.3% of homes date to before 1940, and the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s each make up roughly 12% to 15% of the stock. That is a lot of houses with original or thin insulation.
Postwar ranches and split-levels
Homes from the 1950s through the 1970s usually have some attic insulation, often settled and thin, and bare rim joists in the basement. Sealing the attic floor, adding blown-in to a useful depth and foaming the rim joist is a common package. Walls in these houses may have a thin batt or nothing at all.
After the flood
The Cedar River crested at 31.12 feet on June 13, 2008. 561 blocks were severely damaged and at least 1,300 properties were demolished. Many homes that stayed were gutted and rebuilt at the lower levels. If your basement or first floor was redone in a hurry, it is worth checking what went back into the rim joists and walls.
After the derecho
The August 2020 derecho brought estimated gusts of 130 to 140 mph to parts of Linn County. Cedar Rapids lost about 65% of its tree canopy. Lots of roofs were replaced afterward. A new roof is a good time to check attic ventilation and insulation, and fewer shade trees mean attics run hotter in summer than they used to.
Climate zone
Linn County is in Climate Zone 5A, with the same R-49 ceiling requirement for new homes as Johnson County. Get a free estimate
Cedar Rapids Background
- Housing from every decade. The median Cedar Rapids home was built in 1974; 14.3% predate 1940 and the 1950s through 1970s each account for roughly 12% to 15% (2019 to 2023 ACS).
- 2008 flood. The Cedar River crested at 31.12 feet on June 13, 2008; 561 blocks were severely damaged and at least 1,300 properties were demolished.
- 2020 derecho. The National Weather Service estimated gusts of 130 to 140 mph over parts of Linn County, and the city lost about 65% of its tree canopy.
- Climate zone. Linn County is listed in Climate Zone 5A, where Iowa's adopted code sets R-49 ceilings for new homes.
Cedar Rapids Questions
We replaced our roof after the derecho. Should we look at the attic?
Yes. A roof replacement can change ventilation, and roofers sometimes disturb insulation. We check baffles, vents, sealing and depth.
Our basement was redone after 2008. Is the insulation okay?
Maybe. Some rebuilds were rushed. We look at the rim joist and walls for gaps, old damp batts or missing insulation.
Do you work in Cedar Rapids or only Iowa City?
Both. We cover the Corridor from Iowa City up to Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion.
Free Estimates in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids homeowners: request a free estimate.
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