Monticello, Wright County, on the Mississippi

Spray Foam Insulation in Monticello, MN

A river city where open water draws thousands of swans every winter, even when the rest of the region is locked in ice.

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

Open Water, Frozen Houses

Spray Foam Insulation in Monticello is easier to explain with a bit of local scenery. Each winter, from December to March, as many as 2,700 trumpeter swans gather at Swan Park near Mississippi Drive, drawn by water kept open by warm discharge from the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant, which began operating in 1971. The river stays open; the rest of town freezes. Houses here face the same long, hard winter as anywhere in central Minnesota.

Mixed housing, one climate

Monticello was settled in 1852 and incorporated as a city in 1906, and a 2006 interchange gave Wright County Road 18 full access to I-94. The 2020 census counted 5,664 housing units. Older homes near the river and newer ones near the interstate need different work, but both suffer from the same leaks: top plates, rim joists and the attic hatch.

Basements by the river

Homes near the Mississippi can sit on damper soils. Before insulating a basement, we check the walls for moisture. Where they are dry, closed-cell foam on the rim joist and upper foundation adds insulation and seals air in one step. Wright County is in Minnesota's Zone II for frost, with footings at least 3-1/2 feet down, so the soil against the top of those walls freezes deep.

Bonus rooms and kneewalls

Many of Monticello's newer two-story homes have rooms over garages or in the roof line. Those spaces are surrounded by cold attic and garage air. Closed-cell foam in the kneewalls and the floor over the garage is often the fix for a room that never warms up.

Plenty of reasons to stay home in winter

The city has 28 parks and part of the 1,200-acre Bertram Chain of Lakes open space it acquired with Wright County. Even so, most winter evenings are spent indoors, and a well-sealed house is what makes them comfortable.

We measure, check and write down a plan area by area. Get a free estimate or call (320) 433-6603.

Monticello Facts

Trumpeter swans. As many as 2,700 trumpeter swans gather at Swan Park near Mississippi Drive each winter, from December to March, drawn by warm water from the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant.
Nuclear plant. The Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant began operation in 1971 and its discharge keeps part of the Mississippi open in winter.
Housing. In 2020 the census found 5,664 housing units in Monticello. Vacancy was 3.2% overall and 0.8% among homeowner units.
Frost zone. Wright County is in Zone II under Minnesota rule 1303.1600, with a minimum 3-1/2 foot frost footing depth.

Our Services in Monticello, MN

Monticello Questions

Do newer Monticello homes need air sealing?

Usually. Even homes from the 2000s often have gaps at top plates, recessed lights and the attic hatch. Sealing those is the first step before adding depth.

How do you fix a cold room over my garage?

We typically spray closed-cell foam on the garage ceiling side and in the kneewall attics to stop cold air from moving around the room.

Can my basement near the river be foamed?

If the walls are dry, yes. We check for moisture first. Below grade, closed-cell foam is what we install.

Do you give written estimates?

Yes, every estimate is written, with each area, material and depth listed.

Free Estimates in Monticello, MN

On either side of I-94, Monticello owners can book a no-charge estimate.

Call (320) 433-6603 Free Estimate