On This Page:
- Types of Insulation & Costs
- What to Know about Home Insulation Costs
- Attic Insulation Cost Considerations
- Definition of R-Value
- Rebates & Savings
Insulation costs between $1,400 and $2,300. Blown-in insulation is a little cheaper than batting, fiberglass and radiant barrier insulation, which cost $1,600 on average. Spray foam insulation is the most expensive option with the highest ROI.
National Average | $1,489 |
Typical Range | $927 - $2,077 |
Low End - High End | $480 - $3,500 |
National Average | $1,662 |
Typical Range | $1,030 - $2,376 |
Low End - High End | $477 - $3,685 |
National Average | $4,472 |
Typical Range | $2,141 - $6,803 |
Low End - High End | $600 - $12,000 |
Insulation is broken into four categories. The choice of insulation you make largely depends on the area you need to insulate, your home’s climate location, the current R-value of your home, and your budget.
Spray foam insulation seals leaks and gaps inside existing walls and is the perfect solution for those who are looking for a relatively inexpensive way to fix a larger problem, while increasing their home's R-value.
To calculate the board footage of the space you want to spray, multiply the area you want to insulate by the depth in inches. The formulas looks like this: sq. ft. x depth in inches = board feet. To calculate the price of your job, take the cost of the type of spray foam you choose:
Then apply it to your measurements. For example, 2,000 bd. ft. of space at 0.50 = $1,000.
Blown-in insulation has been used for many decades in homes all over the United States. It is usually made from a paper-like material known as white cellulose, which is usually processed from reclaimed and recycled newspapers, cardboard and so on. It works very well and has a higher than average R-value, depending on the depth blown.
Fiberglass batts are among the most inexpensive ways to insulate your home, especially when the walls are already open, like in an attic area. The important part about installing fiberglass batts is to pay close attention to how they are installed. One loose corner or tear reduces any hard-earned R-value (which is displayed on each roll) you accrued from the installation.
Usually installed in attics to reduce sweltering summer heat and insulate against winter cold, radiant barriers are perfect for reducing heating and cooling bills, while increasing your home's R-value. Reflective barriers, though different in design, exact a similar principle in function.
The average American home, according to statistics, measures around 2500 square feet and tends to be a two-story structure. For anyone researching estimates associated with insulating their home, it's important to make the distinction between the separate costs associated with each part of the home. That's because the costs vary depending on what you're insulating – walls, roofs, garages, etc.
Since most homeowners are seeking to insulate previously built structures with drywall, blown-in insulation works best in the interior. A simple hole is cut, insulation is blown in, and the hole is sealed, leaving the room warmer and more efficient, at about $1.00 per square foot. You can also insulate when finishing a wall's rooms as well -- particularly with basements and garages. This is when batt insulation is particularly useful.
Roofs need to be sealed prior to insulation, which means seeking out and filling gaps, closing soffit vents, and so on. Water, after time, degrades insulation, rendering it useless. An insulated and sealed roof leads to a warmer attic in winter, and a cooler attic in summer. Look to spend about $1,500 to pay for a professional job, or a bit more for radiant or reflective barriers.
If you have an attached garage or simply want to make your garage warmer, insulating the door with foam kits is simple and only takes a few hours to complete. Depending on if you opt for batts, foam boards, or reflective insulation, you'll pay about $200 for a 9' door.
A crawl space is insulated differently depending on if it is ventilated or not. It should also be noted that in order for the insulation to be effective, moisture needs to be removed. If your crawlspace is well-ventilated, insulating it with batting is ideal and often works best. Cost estimates vary greatly depending on the size of your crawl space, from a $3 for one roll to a $300 for larger spaces.
Keeping an attic warm in the winter is costly. But when the alternative is to turn off the heat or simply wear warmer clothes, insulation is the wiser choice. Though not always considered a DIY job because of the dusty and cramped environment, insulating your attic brings hefty benefits in terms of savings and increasing your home's R-value. For those who would rather pay for a professional insulation job, the good news is that there are many qualified contractors available who do good work for a relatively low price. Estimates vary depending on the insulation type you choose and the area in which you live. For the most part, however, you'll be looking at paying about $1,300 to $2,000 total for the entire job.
R-value is a calculative method referring to thermal resistance. It is also a thermal measurement unit for particular materials in relation to how they insulate. Theoretically, a higher R-value means more heat resistance, which also means greater insulative qualities. All insulation products have an R-value associated with them, and display it prominently on their packaging. The R-value is a somewhat complicated calculation, but all you need to know is what R-value you need, based on where you live and what type of space you are insulating, and choose a type of insulation accordingly. In general, those who live in colder climates need products with a higher R-value, while those in warmer climates need less R-value. To get a better idea of what your R-value should be, the Department of Energy recommends the following R-values for unfinished attics:
Weatherizing your home comes with some government tax credits and rebates, though many federally-mandated versions expired several years ago. However, some states still offer weatherization rebates and discounts and other incentives for insulating your home. For more details on whether your state offers these types of perks, a directory can be found here.