Blown-In Insulation Cost Per Square Foot

Blown-in insulation (also called loose fill) runs from $1 to $1.50 per square foot. Expect to pay more for projects that require a higher R-value or thicker insulation. Keep in mind that installing insulation around electrical wiring or outlets will likely require the help of a pro.

Labor Cost of Blowing Insulation

Installation costs run from $40 to $70 per hour. It is more expensive to install insulation in an older home than a new one. Thicker insulation is costlier since it takes longer to install.

Blown-In Attic Insulation Costs

The cost to insulate an attic with blown-in insulation runs from $600 to $1,200, assuming it is 1,000 square feet in size. If you choose to hire a professional, expect to pay from $40 to $70 an hour for labor in addition to the cost of materials. The average U.S. household should shoot for a minimum R-value of 30 for this project, or about 10 to 14 inches.

Blown-In Wall Insulation Pricing

It costs from $1,000 to $1,500 to insulate 1,000 square feet of wall space. This job is complex and requires the installer to work around drywall, wiring, outlets and other structures. It can take several days to complete. Most experts recommend getting professional help for this project.

Here is a sample breakdown of pricing for blown-in wall insulation based on one manufacturer's specifications:

Wool vs. Fiberglass vs. Cellulose Blown-In Insulation Cost

Rock Wool Fiber

Rock wool fiber is slightly more expensive than cellulose. It is made of rock and slag fibers.  Also called “mineral wool,” it costs $1.40 to $2.10 per square foot. Here are a few benefits of mineral wool. Advantages of Rock Wool Fiber:

• Incredible acoustic control
• Naturally repels pests
• Noncombustible
• Highly heat insulative
• Moisture repellent
• Easy DIY project
• Sustainable and recyclable

Cellulose Insulation Cost

Blown-in cellulose is often more expensive than fiberglass and costs about $1.20 per square foot. The cellulose insulation cost per bag is typically around $30 to $40. It is made with recycled materials like newspaper and cardboard. The higher the R-value, the more you’ll pay for each project. Cellulose insulation comes in damp-spray and dense-pack.

Wet Blown-In Cellulose Insulation Price

Damp-spray insulation runs from $0.60 to $1.80 per square foot to install. Wet installations work best for new constructions.

Benefits:

• Treated with fire retardants
• Less expensive than dense pack

Drawbacks:

• Takes extra time to dry
• Can settle and leave gaps
• Usually requires professional installation

Dense Pack Cellulose Cost

Dense pack cellulose is more expensive at $2.00 to $2.30 per square foot, installed. It works best in older homes. The installation process is less disruptive to surrounding structures than wet-spray.

Benefits:

• Treated with fire retardants
• Does not need to dry
• DIY installation is possible

Drawbacks:

• Pricier than wet-spray

Average Cost of Blown-In Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation runs from $500 to $1,060 to cover 1,000 square feet. The price per job varies based on the R-value of the insulation and the size of the project. Blown-in insulation increases your home’s energy efficiency and can help save money over time.

For an average weight bag of 28.5 lbs., at an average cost of $33 a bag, a breakdown of amounts, costs, and labor combined are as follows:

Hire a pro to install insulation quickly and safely. If you attempt to DIY, prepare for a learning curve and allow yourself some extra time.

Advantages of Fiberglass:

• Less expensive
• Increased design flexibility
• Inert, therefore does not settle
• Is not affected by moisture
• Naturally noncombustible
• Reduces sound pollution considerably

Loose Fill Insulation Costs by Brand

Loose fill insulation manufacturers vary in specialty and cost. And some brands, like BIBs Blown-In-Blanket Insulation, can only be installed by a certified contractor. Keep in mind that cost can vary based on the R-value of the material. Here are a few top brands and their prices.

R-Value and Insulating Capacity

The R-value of blown insulation is dependent on the density and insulating factors of the material. The higher the R-value, the better insulating ability the material has. The Department of Energy recommends the following levels of insulation:

• Floors and Crawl Spaces: R-13 to R-30
• Walls: R-13 to R-23
• Ceilings and Attics: R-30 to R-60

About one-quarter of a home’s heat escapes through the attic. As a result, the densest form of blown-in insulation should be in this part of the house. Extra blown-in insulation in the walls improves insulation and can act as a fire retardant in older buildings.

How Much Blown-In Insulation Do I Need?

Follow a few simple steps to calculate the number of bags of insulation needed for a project.

• Measure the square footage of your project area.
• Decide which R-value will work for the area(s) of the home you are insulating.
• Find the square footage covered by a bag of your chosen insulation.
• Find the R-value of your chosen insulation.
• If the R-value requirement of your home matches the R-value of chosen insulation, then simply purchase enough insulation to cover the correct square footage (with some overage).
• If the R-value of your insulation is less than what your home needs, add additional bags to get the correct R-value. Most manufacturers include a handy chart right on the packaging to help you calculate the number of bags to buy.

DIY Blown-In Insulation vs. Hiring a Professional

If the project takes up a large surface area, involves electrical wiring or outlets, or is beyond your skill level, it’s best to hire a pro. For smaller projects or less complicated spaces, DIY installation is possible.  

Blown-In Insulation Machine Rental Prices

The cost to rent a blow-in insulation machine varies. On average, you can expect to spend around $100 to $200 dollars for a 24-hour rental period. Some insulation manufacturers offer machine rental for free with the purchase of their product.

FAQ

What are the advantages of blow-in insulation?

Blown-in insulation is faster to install and less expensive to buy than batt and roll forms. It adds longevity to roofs and shingles, decreases energy bills and helps eliminate cold and hot spots in your house.

How much does it cost to install blown-in insulation to a 1,500 square foot house?

It costs between $1,500 and $2,250 to cover 1,500 square feet with blown-in insulation. If you hire a pro, be sure to factor in labor costs.

How much does it cost to insulate a 1,200 square foot attic with blown in fiberglass?

You’ll pay about $950 for materials to cover 1,200 square feet with blown-in fiberglass. A pro will typically charge from $40 to $70 per hour for this job.

What’s the cost of spray foam insulation vs. blown-in cellulose?

Spray foam insulation costs from $0.45 to $1.50 per board foot. Blown-in cellulose is more expensive and costs from $0.60 to $2.30 per square foot.

Is blown-in insulation cheaper than batts?

Batts are typically more expensive to install than blown-in insulation.

What’s the best blown-in insulation R-value to get?

The best R-value for blown-in insulation depends on your home’s needs. An average U.S. home attic should have a minimum R-value of 30.