Attic insulation prices anyplace from $1,680 to $3,125, relying on the dimensions of your attic and the fabric used. On common, most owners shell out round $2,380. These prices embody the insulation supplies and set up by knowledgeable.
The U.S. Environmental Safety Company estimates that householders can save a mean of 15% on heating and cooling prices (or a mean of 11% on whole vitality prices) by including insulation in attics, flooring over crawl areas, and accessible basement rim joists. This might go additional as much as 20% in some local weather zones.
Quick on money? Our pricing information might help you discover probably the most inexpensive choices for insulating your attic, together with DIY set up.
Common Attic Insulation Prices in 2023
| Nationwide Common Value | $2,380 |
| Typical Worth Vary | $1,680 – $3,125 |
| Excessive Low-Finish Value | $800 |
| Excessive Excessive-Finish Value | $7,460 |
When you’re gunning for probably the most cheap resolution, going with full reflective insulation will sometimes vary from $0.50 to $1.50 per sq. foot. Utilizing full reflective insulation would possibly carry you nearer to the low finish of the worth vary at round $800.
On the upper finish of the associated fee spectrum is structural insulated panel (SIP) insulation, which ranges from $4 to $7 a sq. foot. Whereas much less generally put in within the attic, structural insulated panels are usually extra sturdy and energy-efficient. When you select this premium materials, it’s best to count on prices nearer to the excessive finish of $7,460.
Attic Insulation Value Estimator by Measurement
| Attic Measurement | Total Value Vary |
| 500 sq. ft. | $530 – $3,000 |
| 750 sq. ft. | $795 – $4,500 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $1,060 – $6,000 |
| 1,200 sq. ft. | $1,375 – $7,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $1,590 – $9,000 |
The larger your attic is, the pricier the insulation. A bigger attic would, in fact, entail the set up of extra insulation materials, which is able to each take longer and price extra.
Nationwide common prices for attic insulation vary from $1 to $6 per sq. foot if you happen to’re planning to have it put in professionally. Utilizing these numbers, householders can begin estimating how a lot they need to put aside for his or her particular mission.
Variations in value vary will probably be extra obvious as you go up and down the ladder of attic sizes and varied insulation sorts.
Different Components That Have an effect on Value
A number of parts other than attic dimension come into play relating to the ultimate value, similar to the kind of insulation and labor prices. These prices might differ from neighborhood to neighborhood, so hold that in thoughts.
Insulation Sort
Not all insulation supplies are created equal. Some include regional issues because of the prevailing temperatures in a given space, whereas others merely do a greater job at sure points.
On the 2 excessive ends relating to prices are reflective insulation and structural insulated panels, each with their very own benefits and downsides.
Reflective
Reflective insulation is usually probably the most cheap kinds of insulation on the market in your attic: it ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per sq. foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that may imply $500 to $1,500 on supplies alone.
This sort of insulation is normally constituted of aluminum foil, aluminized polyester, or different supplies. Because the title suggests, it primarily displays radiant warmth to maintain your home from getting too scorching.
You would want to mix it with one other insulation kind in colder climates to maintain your loved ones from freezing through the winter. It’s best suited to hotter climates to chill down a home.
Blown-In
One other cheap kind is blown-in insulation, which prices round $0.83 to $3.60 per sq. foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that may imply $830 to $3,600 on supplies alone.
Blown-in insulation is made out of both fiberglass, cellulose, or rock/mineral wool fiber and normally solely takes a day to put in. Fiberglass insulation lasts round 80 to 100 years however wants checking for injury after 15 years. Rock wool roughly lasts the identical, is moisture-resistant, and is the least prone to require substitute. Eco-friendly cellulose insulation lasts solely from 20 to 30 years because it’s constituted of recycled supplies. It ought to be checked 15 years after set up.
To put in blown-in insulation, you would want a blowing machine to get the supplies into your attic’s cavities or ground. Blown-in supplies are likely to cool down over time by just a few inches, which reduces their thermal resistance (R-Worth).
Batts
Alongside blown-in, batt is the most typical kind of insulation. Prices for batt insulation are normally pegged at round $2 to $4 per sq. foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that may imply $2,000 to $4,000 on supplies alone.
Batts are normally constituted of fiberglass, cellulose, and even denim (identical to the type in your denims). They arrive in pre-sized panels (“batts”) and are fitted and held by paper or metallic dealing with. Batts are normally reserved for giant attic areas and are sized to suit between joists on flooring and ceilings. They don’t slot in tight areas very properly.
This feature is comparatively simple to put in, particularly for many who wish to discover the DIY route.
Free-Fill
An alternative choice for folks trying to insulate their attic is loose-fill insulation. It’ll usually set you again about $2 to $5 per sq. foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that may imply $2,000 to $5,000 on supplies alone.
Free-fill insulation is kind of just like blown-in insulation, however this one is laid into the attic ground as a substitute of being blown into place. It will possibly come within the type of cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral/rock wool. It’s usually fluffy in texture and is available in a grayish-white coloration. It will possibly conform to any area, making it an awesome possibility it doesn’t matter what your attic seems like.
To individuals who at present have loose-fill insulation resembling gravel of their attic: Beware. It would comprise hazardous asbestos, which might trigger well being points when disturbed. Some jurisdictions have legal guidelines whereby asbestos mitigation professionals are wanted to take away it.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation is one other kind that householders might wish to strive. It prices anyplace from $2 to $5 per sq. foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that may imply $2,000 to $5,000 on supplies alone.
Spray foam is a liquid insulation that expands and sticks to something it touches, and it may be utilized anyplace. It is available in two kinds: open-cell and closed-cell, the primary being cheaper. Nevertheless, open-cell can’t resist moisture in addition to closed-cell. Attributable to this, closed-cell prices extra.
This sort of insulation is utilized by some to fill joist and rafter cavities and is nice for insulating the underside of roof decks and different hard-to-reach locations.
Structural Insulated Panels
When you’re prepared to shell out more cash for high quality, structural insulated panels (SIPs) is perhaps for you. Put together to pay $4 to $7 per sq. foot for this sort. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that may imply $4,000 to $7,000 on supplies alone.
SIPs have layered items of inflexible foam related to 2 layers of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). They’re a bit dear, however they’re noticeably stronger and extra energy-efficient. They’re a lot bigger than the opposite sorts, and so they’re usually greatest for brand spanking new building tasks somewhat than current attics.
Whereas much less generally used to insulate attics, SIPs may be put in on roof decks or beneath rafters.
Labor
Except you’re prepared to go full DIY, you’ll need to pay for skilled set up of your chosen insulation materials. Contractors will normally cost you $0.56 to $2.75 per sq. foot for labor alone. This may, in fact, be affected by varied elements, such because the neighborhood the place you reside and the insulation kind the contractors need to work with.
Count on to pay round $500 to $1,500 for labor all in all.
Spray foam is a distinct beast relating to pricing since its utility requires particular coaching and certification, therefore you can be paying by the hour (round $50 to $100 per hour). Excluding supplies, having somebody set up spray foam in your attic can value you round $300 to $800.
Associated Companies
Now that you’ve got your attic insulation prices down, you would possibly wish to try these different companies. It’s possible you’ll take into account the next earlier than or after having your attic insulated, from preparation to taking good care of previous insulation.
Substitute and Elimination
Many owners have already got earlier insulation put in of their attics. When you’re trying to set up new insulation, you’re both going to complement the previous or fully take away it. Eradicating previous attic insulation will value further.
Insulation elimination prices vary from $1 to $2 per sq. foot. That comes out to round $1,000 to $2,000 in case your attic is 1,000 sq. ft.
The full value for having previous insulation eliminated and new insulation put in in your attic is about $2 to $8.50 per sq. foot.
Do you have to want an electrician through the course of to make sure that no injury has been finished to junction packing containers or cables, they’ll most definitely cost round $45 to $100 per hour.
Cleansing and Preparation
Earlier than you insulate your attic, it’s higher to have the area cleaned up. Skilled cleansing normally prices round $100 to $300.
This contains companies like vacuuming sawdust or different supplies left behind from earlier building. If that you must get rid of some gadgets mendacity across the attic or want to maneuver giant gadgets earlier than putting in insulation, you’ll need to pay extra.
Air Sealing
Earlier than putting in new insulation, loads of professionals air seal attics to search out and resolve any air leaks to dam moisture and keep away from drafts. This may additionally entail eradicating your whole attic’s current insulation.
The prices for air sealing sometimes vary from $200 to $750. It’s price the additional value as it could possibly lengthen the lifespan of your insulation.
Complete-House Insulation
If it’s time to switch the insulation in your attic, it is perhaps time to switch the insulation in the remainder of your house, as properly. Updating your insulation can scale back your house’s vitality utilization and decrease your utility payments. Usually, dwelling insulation prices between $2,130 and $6,700 in whole.
Professional Value vs. DIY Value
You’re most likely pondering, “Is there a technique to hold prices down aside from cheaping out on insulation sorts?” The reply is YES, and it’s the DIY route.
Listed below are some belongings you would want to put in your individual blown-in insulation in your attic.
| DIY Gear | Common Value |
| Blower machine (hire per day) | $70 – $200 |
| Caulk gun | $6 |
| Mud masks | $12 |
| Flashlight | $15 |
| Hose | $38 |
| Leather-based gloves | $18 |
| Security glasses | $1 per piece |
| Store vacuum | $76 |
| Staple gun | $19 |
| Hassle gentle | $41 |
| Utility knife | $12 |
| Caulk | $3 |
| Cellulose insulation | $16 per bag (x 21 for a 1,000 sq. ft. attic) |
| Duct tape | $7 per roll |
| Increasing foam | $10 |
| Vent chutes | $40 per carton (10 items) |
| Complete prices | $704 – $834 |
As you’ll be able to see, the entire value for this DIY blown-in insulation mission ($704 – $834) is means under the $2,380 common value {of professional} set up.
Putting in attic insulation your self removes further prices, similar to labor, which may go from $500 to $1,500. Renting a blower machine per day can also be cheaper in comparison with shopping for one.
Value of Attic Insulation Set up by Location
Since we’re speaking about insulation and controlling dwelling temperature, regional elements similar to local weather are largely at play relating to prices. Native temperatures slim down the perfect kinds of insulation that may work greatest for a sure space.
For instance, whereas reflective insulation is certainly the most cost effective possibility, it’s best suited for hotter climates because it displays radiant warmth with a purpose to hold houses cooler throughout actually scorching days (somewhat than preserving the house heat on chilly days).
Due to that, householders in colder climates ought to both go for dearer insulation sorts or complement their reflective insulation with different sorts to remain cozy and comfy. Attributable to this, householders in colder areas will normally find yourself spending greater than the nationwide common for attic insulation.
Labor prices may also be pushed up or pushed down relying on the situation of your house.
FAQ
In response to The Division of Power, an “insulating materials’s resistance to conductive warmth move is measured or rated by way of its thermal resistance or R-value.” A cloth with the next R-Worth is more practical at insulating.
Blown-in insulation — which is comparatively low-cost — has decrease R-values, whereas SIPs have greater values. Aside from insulation kind, the numbers additionally depend upon the particular insulation’s thickness and density. Take word that beneficial R-values differ in several places in your house (ex. partitions, attic, and so forth).
Take a look at this map from Power Star for the beneficial dwelling insulation R-Values relying in your location within the US.
Every kind of insulation has its personal professionals and cons, so there’s no clear-cut reply to this. What’s greatest is what works in your area’s local weather, your funds, and the particular wants of your attic (or no matter space of the house you’re insulating).
Nevertheless, blown-in, loose-fill, and spray foam are all nice choices relating to affordability. Additionally they work nice for all seasons and match simply in nearly all areas.
It’s attainable. However moreover the already talked about coaching and certifications wanted by professionals to put in it, just a few kinds of DIY spray foam kits can be found available on the market for non-pros.
Security precautions and protecting gear are wanted to maintain your pores and skin and lungs protected when working with polyurethane spray foam insulation.
It will possibly take anyplace from 5 hours to 2 days, relying on the insulation kind you propose to make use of. Some enable sooner or later for attic preparation alone earlier than the precise insulation set up.
Sure, however under-insulating is a extra frequent downside. An excessive amount of insulation may result in insufficient air flow, poor air circulation, and so forth. You might both entice warmth or accumulate mould within the course of.
Closing Ideas
Insulating your attic can go a great distance to enhance the consolation of your house and save your hard-earned cash relating to your utility payments. ? Discover an insulation professional close to you to get the job finished.
Be aware: LawnStarter might get a referral price for matching you with contractors in your space.
Important Picture Credit score: Jason Dale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
James Relativo
James Relativo is a contract author, information reporter, and musician primarily based in Marikina Metropolis. He earned his B.A. in Journalism from the College of the Philippines and enjoys spending his idle hours watching professional wrestling and enjoying video video games.