| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Average Cost to Insulate a House: $1,600 – $8,000 |
| Cost Per Square Foot: $1.00 – $4.50 |
| Factors Affecting Cost: House size, type of insulation, installation location, and additional labor |
| Types of Insulation: Batt and roll, blown-in, spray foam, rigid foam, reflective barrier |
How Much Does Insulation Cost?
$1.00 – $4.50 Insulation Cost Per Square Foot
The cost of insulation per square foot ranges from $1.00 to $4.50. This cost can vary based on the type of insulation chosen and the specific area that needs insulation.
$1,600 – $8,000 Average Cost to Insulate a House
The average cost to insulate a house varies significantly. For a standard home, you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $8,000. The actual expense will depend on factors like house size and the type of insulation used.
Cost to Insulate a House
The cost to insulate a house largely depends on its size. Below is a table outlining the typical costs based on square footage.
| House Size (Square Feet) | Average Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 | $500 – $2,250 |
| 1,000 | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| 1,200 | $1,200 – $5,400 |
| 1,500 | $1,500 – $6,750 |
| 2,000 | $2,000 – $9,000 |
| 2,500 | $2,500 – $11,250 |
| 3,000 | $3,000 – $13,500 |
| 3,500 | $3,500 – $15,750 |
Average Insulation Cost Calculator
The national average cost for insulation is approximately $4,400. The minimum cost could be as low as $1,200, while the maximum cost can soar up to $45,000. Generally, most homeowners will spend between $1,600 and $8,000.
| National Average Cost | $4,400 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Cost | $1,200 |
| Maximum Cost | $45,000 |
| Average Range | $1,600 to $8,000 |
Home Insulation Installation Costs by Location
Different areas of a home can have varying insulation costs. Here is a breakdown of average costs by specific locations within a house.
| Home Area to Insulate | Average Cost Installed |
|---|---|
| Attic | $1,000 – $2,700 |
| Basement | $600 – $4,600 |
| Ceiling (average room) | $240 – $1,500 |
| Ceilings (whole house) | $2,400 – $7,500 |
| Crawl Space and Under Floor | $500 – $3,700 |
| Garage | $600 – $3,400 |
| HVAC / Pipes | $800 – $2,000 |
| Mobile Home | $700 – $5,000 |
| Pole Barn | $3,500 – $16,500 |
| Roof | $1,000 – $5,100 |
| Room (walls and ceiling) | $830 – $4,600 |
| Room (walls only) | $630 – $2,200 |
| Shed | $400 – $4,100 |
| Wall Cavity – Exterior | $1,400 – $8,500 |
| Wall Cavity – Interior | $5,100 – $47,400 |
Wall Insulation Cost
Insulating walls can range from straightforward installations to more complex tasks depending on whether the structure is finished or not, and the choice of insulation material.
Cost to Insulate a Garage
Garage insulation is crucial for improving energy efficiency. Costs vary depending on whether you are insulating walls, doors, or ceilings.
Attic Insulation Prices
Attics are one of the most common areas for insulation. The cost can range from $1,000 to $2,700 depending on the insulation type and attic size.
House Roof Insulation Cost
Insulating a house roof can cost between $1,000 and $5,100. This includes various insulation materials such as spray foam and rigid foam boards.
Cost to Insulate Basement
Basement insulation costs range between $600 and $4,600 depending on the size and insulation type chosen.
Crawl Space and Underfloor Insulation
Costs for insulating a crawl space or the underfloor area generally fall between $500 and $3,700.
Ceiling Insulation Cost
The cost to insulate ceilings can vary significantly, with prices ranging from $240 for an average room to $7,500 for an entire house.
Cost to Insulate a Mobile Home
Insulating a mobile home typically costs between $700 and $5,000, depending on the area’s size and insulation choice.
Pole Barn Insulation Cost
Insulating a pole barn can be more expensive, ranging from $3,500 to $16,500.
Insulation Cost Per Square Foot by Type
Different types of insulation come with varying costs per square foot. Below is a comparative table for easy reference.
| Insulation Type | Cost Per Square Foot Installed |
|---|---|
| Cavity Batt and Roll | $0.80 – $2.60 |
| Blown-in | $1.00 – $2.80 |
| Spray Foam | $1.00 – $4.50 |
| Reflective or Radiant Barrier | $0.30 – $2.00 |
| Rigid Foam Board | $1.20 – $3.70 |
Cavity Batt and Roll Insulation Prices
This is one of the most common and cost-effective types of insulation, typically ranging from $0.80 to $2.60 per square foot.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is more robust and versatile, with costs ranging from $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot.
Reflective or Radiant Barrier Insulation
This type ranges from $0.30 to $2.00 per square foot and is particularly effective in hot climates.
Blown-in Insulation
Blown-in insulation costs range from $1.00 to $2.80 per square foot and is commonly used in attics and wall cavities.
Rigid Foam Insulation Boards Cost
Rigid foam boards provide excellent thermal resistance, with costs ranging from $1.20 to $3.70 per square foot.
New Insulation Prices by Material
The material of the insulation significantly influences the cost. Here is a detailed breakdown.
| Material | Price Per Square Foot* | R-value (Per Inch) | Insulation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $0.30 – $1.30 | 2.2 – 2.9 | Batt or Blown-in |
| Cellulose | $0.30 – $1.80 | 3.1 – 3.8 | Batt or Blown-in |
| Rockwool (Mineral Wool) | $1.00 – $2.50 | 3.2 – 4.1 | Batt or Blown-in |
| Blue Jean | $1.00 – $2.00 | 3.5 – 3.7 | Batt |
| Cork | $3.00 – $6.50 | 3.6 – 4.2 | Board |
| Wood Fiber | $4.50 – $11.00 | 3.0 – 4.0 | Board |
| Open-cell Spray Polyurethane | $0.30 – $0.50 per board foot | 3.5 – 3.7 | Spray Foam |
| Closed-cell Spray Polyurethane | $0.90 – $1.00 per board foot | 5.0 – 7.0 | Spray Foam |
| Polystyrene (XPS or EPS) | $0.25 – $0.70 per board foot | 3.6 – 5.0 | Rigid Foam Board |
| Polyisocyanurate | $0.40 – $0.75 per board foot | 6.0 – 8.0 | Rigid Foam Board |
Fiberglass Insulation Cost
Typically, fiberglass insulation costs range from $0.30 to $1.30 per square foot and have an R-value of 2.2 to 2.9 per inch.
Insulation Replacement Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost of replacing insulation, including the removal of old insulation, materials, and labor.
| Factor | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Remove Old Insulation | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Insulation Material & Supplies | $0.50 – $4.30 |
| Prep and Installation Labor | $0.50 – $1.70 |
| Total Cost to Replace | $2.00 – $8.00 |
Labor Cost to Install Insulation
Labor costs can also vary depending on the type of insulation and its installation location.
| Insulation Type/Location | Labor Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Attic | $0.50 – $1.30 |
| Crawl Space | $0.50 – $1.30 |
| Batt/Roll | $0.50 – $1.30 |
| Blown-in | $0.70 – $1.70 |
| Radiant Barrier | $0.20 – $1.40 |
| Spray Foam | $0.60 – $1.10 |
Frequently Asked Home Insulation Questions
How Much Are Bulk Insulation Prices?
Bulk insulation prices can be cheaper and are often used in larger construction projects.
What Kind of Insulation and R-Value Do I Need?
Different areas of the home need different insulation types and R-values for optimal energy efficiency.
| Area | Recommended R-Value | Insulation Options |
|---|---|---|
| Attic | 30 – 60 | Blown-in, Batt, Spray Foam |
| Basement | 13 – 30 | Rigid Foam Board, Faced Batts |
| Ceiling | 30 – 60 | Blown-in, Batt, Spray Foam |
| Crawl Space or Floor | 13 – 30 | Rigid Foam Board, Spray Foam, Batt |
| Existing Walls | 13 – 21 | Blown-in, Injection Foam |
| Garage Ceiling | 30 – 60 | Blown-in, Spray Foam, Batt, Reflective |
| Garage Door | 6 – 14+ | Rigid Foam, Fiberglass Kit, Reflective |
| Garage Walls | 13 – 15 | Batt, Rigid Foam, Blown-in, Injection Foam |
| HVAC/Ductwork | 6 – 12 | Foil-faced Fiberglass, Spray Foam |
| Roof | 30 – 49 | Spray Foam, Rigid Foam Board, Cathedral Batts, SIPs |
What Is the Cheapest Type of Insulation?
Generally, fiberglass and blown-in cellulose are among the cheapest insulation options.
How Long Does Insulation Last?
Most insulation types have a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years, though some materials like spray foam can last up to 80 years if properly maintained.
Is Insulation Worth It?
Proper insulation can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, often paying for itself within a few years.
Who Installs Insulation?
Professional insulation contractors typically handle installation. It’s important to hire licensed and insured experts to ensure proper and safe installation.
Getting Home Insulation Estimates and Quotes
Questions to Ask Insulation Installers
- What types of insulation do you recommend for my home?
- How long will the installation take?
- Can you provide references or examples of previous work?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What kind of warranties or guarantees do you offer?
Proper insulation is essential for energy efficiency and comfort in any home. Understanding the costs and benefits can help make informed decisions when planning insulation projects.
