Alexandria, Douglas County seat, the Runestone City

Spray Foam Insulation in Alexandria, MN

A resort town on a chain of lakes, in a county where the state requires footings 5 feet deep.

Free on-site estimates
Written quote showing the material, thickness and target R-value area by area
Foundation walls checked for moisture before any foam goes on

Resort Country Insulation

Spray Foam Insulation in Alexandria is tied closely to its lakes. The city sits on a chain that includes Lake Darling, Lake Le Homme Dieu, Lake Geneva and many others, and it has long been a resort destination. Cabins, lake homes and in-town houses all share one hard winter, and the insulation choices for each depend on how the building is used.

Deep frost in Douglas County

Unlike the St. Cloud area counties, Douglas County is in Minnesota's Zone I for frost, where footings must go at least 5 feet down. That is a signal of colder ground and longer, harder freezes. Foundation walls and the rim joist above them lose a lot of heat. Closed-cell spray foam on the rim and upper walls is one of the most effective upgrades for an Alexandria basement.

Seasonal homes

The 2020 census counted 7,321 housing units in Alexandria, 10.3% vacant, compared with a homeowner vacancy rate of just 1.6%. A gap like that is typical of a lake town with seasonal places. Cabins used in summer and then shut down need different work from a full-time home. If you are converting a seasonal place to year-round use, the floor, crawl space and roof are usually where to start. Closed-cell foam is well suited to all three.

Cold records

Alexandria's 1991-2020 normals show a record low of -38 F, recorded in January, December and for the year overall, and a mean January daily high of 19.0 F. At those temperatures, air leaks drive heat loss hard and carry moisture into attics, where it frosts on the roof deck. The DOE lists R60 for an uninsulated attic in its coldest zones.

Lakefront basements

Walkouts facing the lakes catch wind off the ice. Closed-cell foam on lake-facing rim joists and exposed foundation walls makes a big difference. The DOE advises against open-cell foam below grade.

We look at the whole property and write up each building. Get a free estimate or call (320) 433-6603.

Alexandria and Douglas County

Chain of lakes. Alexandria sits on a chain of lakes that includes Lake Darling, Lake Le Homme Dieu and Lake Geneva, and is a resort destination with cabin B&Bs and hotels.
Frost depth. Douglas County is in Zone I under Minnesota rule 1303.1600, requiring a 5-foot minimum frost footing depth.
Climate. Alexandria's record low is -38 F, set in January and December, with a mean January daily high of 19.0 F (1991-2020 normals, municipal airport).
Seasonal vacancy. The 2020 census counted 7,321 housing units in Alexandria, 10.3% vacant, against a homeowner vacancy rate of 1.6%.

Our Services in Alexandria, MN

Alexandria Questions

Why is the frost line deeper in Alexandria than in St. Cloud?

Minnesota's rules place Douglas County in Zone I, with a 5-foot footing depth, while Stearns is in Zone II at 3-1/2 feet. The ground freezes deeper here.

Should I insulate a lake cabin I close up for winter?

If it will stay unheated, the priority is protecting plumbing and keeping moisture out. If you plan winter use, insulating the floor, crawl space and roof is the first step.

My Lake Le Homme Dieu walkout is cold. What helps?

Closed-cell foam on the lake-facing rim joist and exposed foundation wall usually helps the most.

Do you work on in-town Alexandria homes too?

Yes, homes in town and on the lakes.

Free Estimates in Alexandria, MN

Alexandria houses and lake places: schedule your free on-site estimate.

Call (320) 433-6603 Free Estimate