How much does attic insulation cost?
How much does attic insulation cost?
$1 – $4 cost per square foot installed
$1,000 – $2,700 average total cost to install
Attic insulation cost
Attic insulation costs $1 to $4 per square foot installed, depending on the type, R-value, job size, and complexity. The average cost to insulate an attic is $1,000 to $2,700. Small attic insulation costs start at $500, while insulating large attics costs up to $6,000.
| Attic size (square feet) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| 500 | $500 – $2,000 |
| 700 | $700 – $2,800 |
| 1,000 | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| 1,200 | $1,200 – $4,800 |
| 1,500 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| 2,000 | $2,000 – $8,000 |
Some insulation companies have a $1,500 to $2,000 minimum project requirement.
Average cost to insulate an attic
The following table shows the average cost to insulate an attic, including labor and materials.
| National average cost | $1,800 |
| Minimum cost | $500 |
| Maximum cost | $6,000 |
| Average cost range | $1,000 to $2,700 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Attic insulation cost calculator by type
Attic insulation costs range from $1,000 to $6,800+ installed, depending on the type and job size:
| Type | Average cost (per square foot) | Average installed cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Batt and roll insulation | $0.80 – $2.60 | $1,100 – $3,900 |
| Blown-in insulation | $0.90 – $2.40 | $900 – $3,600 |
| Loose-fill insulation | $1.00 – $2.50 | $1,100 – $3,800 |
| Spray foam insulation | $1.00 – $4.50 | $1,100 – $9,000 |
| Reflective insulation | $0.50 – $2.20 | $550 – $3,300 |
| Structural insulation panels | $4.00 – $12.00 | $4,400 – $12,000+ |
*Based on an 1,100- to 1,500-square-foot attic floor.
Blown-in attic insulation cost
Blown-in insulation costs $0.90 to $2.40 per square foot or $900 to $3,600 total, depending on the attic size, R-value, and the amount of fixture damming and air sealing needed. Blown-in attic insulation is ideal for most attics because it effectively fills gaps and irregularly shaped areas.
Attic spray foam insulation cost
Attic spray foam insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot or $0.60 to $2.90 per board foot, depending on the type, R-value, and job size. Attic spray foam insulation costs $1,100 to $6,800 on average for the floor and $1,500 to $9,000 for the rafters and roof deck.
| Location | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Attic floor | $1,100 – $6,800 |
| Attic rafters / roof deck | $1,500 – $9,000 |
Open-cell foam works well in vented attics to fill nooks and crannies on the attic floor. Open-cell foam provides an air barrier, but some applications may require a vapor barrier.
Closed-cell foam works best for roof decks in unvented attics. Closed-cell foam provides an air, moisture, and vapor barrier.
Batt and rolled attic insulation cost
Batt and rolled attic insulation costs $0.80 to $2.60 per square foot installed or $1,100 to $3,900 on average. Complete replacement of attic batts may cost up to $4.70 per square foot to achieve the recommended R-value.
Batt and roll insulation works best with standard framing and minimal obstructions.
Structural insulated panels prices (SIPs)
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) cost $4 to $12 per square foot for the material alone, depending on the thickness. SIPs are large panels – 4' x 8' up to 8' x 24' – primarily used in new construction but sometimes installed at the rafters when converting an attic to a conditioned space.
An SIP consists of a rigid foam insulation center with a layer of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) on each side.
SIPs have excellent R-value, soundproofing, and waterproofing properties.
Loose-fill attic insulation cost
Loose-fill attic insulation costs $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot installed. Loose-fill insulation is the same material as blown-in, but the labor cost is slightly higher to install.
Loose-fill works best for:
Obstructed or complex spaces
Attics with irregular joist spacing
Topping over existing insulation or filling gaps
Reflective insulation prices
Reflective insulation costs $0.50 to $2.20 per square foot installed. Reflective insulation is a radiant barrier attached to a thin thermal layer that provides an R-value of R-3 to R-21 when combined with dead air space during installation.
Reflective insulation is best when paired with other insulation types to increase the R-value and block all forms of heat transfer.
Cost factors to install or replace attic insulation
Replacing attic insulation costs $2 to $6 per square foot, including $1 to $2 per square foot to remove the old insulation. Cost factors include:
Labor – Insulation labor costs $0.50 to $1.30 per square foot, depending on the material, R-value, conditions, and sealing and venting requirements.
Home age – Older homes typically require more insulation and sealing.
Size – Larger attics require more material and labor. The cost per square foot may decrease on large-scale projects.
Accessibility – High-pitched roofs or irregularly-shaped, hard-to-reach spaces require more labor.
R-value – Homes in colder regions require a higher R-value, which increases the required thickness and cost.
Existing insulation – The current insulation condition impacts the insulation amount needed. Damaged insulation may require removal and replacement.
Vented vs. unvented space – Most homeowners insulate at the roof deck in an unvented attic. The roof's larger surface area requires more labor and material than the attic floor.
Roof vent installation costs $200 to $700. Vents exhausting into the attic must be vented outside before installing new insulation.
Installing baffles at the soffit vents costs $2 to $3 per baffle and is essential to prevent the insulation from blocking airflow.
Faced vs. unfaced – Faced insulation costs slightly more and is typically used for first-time applications. Use unfaced material when increasing the attic insulation.
Roof leak repairs cost $150 to $1,000 on average for minor repairs. Major structural roof repairs cost up to $6,000.
Cleaning & hazard removal:
Attic cleaning costs $100 to $500+. Costs increase when removing old insulation, relocating items, or addressing mold or pest issues.
A pest inspection costs $40 to $150 and is recommended before insulating an attic.
Attic mold removal costs $1,500 to $15,000.
Asbestos removal costs $10 to $25 per square foot. Asbestos testing costs $250 to $850.
Attic insulation removal cost
Attic insulation removal costs $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on the amount and type. Remove old insulation if it has fire, water, or pest damage or if the material is hazardous. Removing insulation also exposes the area to seal all penetrations.
Attic insulation material prices
Attic insulation material prices are $0.30 to $12.00 per square foot. The Department of Energy recommends R-30 to R-60, depending on the climate zone. Combining a thin spray foam layer with blown-in or batt insulation reduces the cost to air seal and achieve the desired R-value.
| Material | R-value per inch | Material cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Cellulose | 3.1 – 3.8 | $1.20 – $2.50 |
| Fiberglass | 2.2 – 2.9 | $0.30 – $1.30 |
| Rockwool / mineral wool | 3.2 – 4.1 | $0.30 – $1.80 |
| Reflective insulation | 1.3 – 1.6 | $0.30 – $0.80 |
| Structural insulated panels (SIPs) | 4.0 – 5.0 | $4.00 – $12.00 |
| Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam | 5.0 – 7.0 | $0.90 – $1.00 per board foot |
| Open-cell spray polyurethane foam | 3.5 – 3.7 | $0.30 – $0.50 per board foot |
A board foot is one square foot with 1" thickness.
Fiberglass, cellulose, and Rockwool may be blown-in, loose-fill, or batt and roll.
Cost to air seal or encapsulate an attic
Air sealing an attic costs $350 to $3,000, depending on the ductwork, gaps, and ceiling fixture penetrations. Air sealing the floor in a vented attic is essential for effective insulation. Some contractors include air sealing in an attic insulation estimate.
Attic encapsulation insulates the underside of the roof deck and seals all attic vents, making the attic a conditioned part of the home. Consider encapsulation if the attic contains HVAC equipment, ductwork, or stored items or when sealing the attic floor is too labor-intensive.
Cost to add more insulation to an attic
Adding more insulation to an attic costs $1 to $4 per square foot with professional installation, depending on the existing insulation, type, and desired R-value. Adding 5 inches of loose-fill insulation yourself costs $200 to $650 to cover 1,000 square feet.
The new insulation does not need to be the same type as the existing insulation.
Do not compress the insulation batts when adding or installing insulation. Compression reduces the air pockets and lowers the material's R-value.
Attic insulation FAQs
Can I install attic insulation DIY?
Installing attic insulation is DIY-friendly when adding batts, blown-in, or loose-fill insulation. Hire a certified professional to install spray foam insulation because it requires mixing dangerous chemicals.
Before installing attic insulation DIY:
Seal all air leaks and penetrations.
Add a vapor barrier if your region requires it.
Add ventilation if needed. Add baffles to prevent soffit vent blockage.
How much will I save by adding attic insulation?
Adding attic insulation saves 10% to 20% on heating and cooling costs, depending on the climate and existing insulation. By improving the home's energy efficiency, attic insulation typically pays for itself in 3 to 5 years with lower energy bills.
A home energy audit helps determine the most beneficial sealing and insulation updates.
How long does attic insulation last?
Attic insulation lasts 20 to 100 years, depending on the type and the attic conditions:
Fiberglass insulation lasts 80 to 100 years in perfect conditions. Check the insulation after 15 to 20 years to confirm the R-value is still up to code.
Cellulose insulation lasts 20 to 30 years and starts degrading around the 15-year mark.
Spray foam insulation lasts 80 years or more on the attic floor if properly installed and undisturbed, and up to 30 years on the roof deck underside.
What is the best type of insulation for an attic?
Spray foam insulation is the best for attics in terms of performance, but it is the most expensive. Fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose are the most common in attics but are less effective.
How many inches thick of insulation in an attic?
Energy Star recommends insulating to R-38 or 10 to 14 inches thick in most attics. Colder climates require R-49 to R-60.
Under-insulating leads to higher energy costs and reduced indoor comfort. Over-insulating results in a poor return on investment and may impact the attic ventilation, increasing moisture and mold potential.
Getting attic insulation estimates and quotes
Before hiring an insulation company:
Get at least three quotes to compare.
Ask for a firm, itemized bid.
Look for professionals experienced in attic insulation.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select insured and bonded companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for references.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask attic insulation companies
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been in business?
What experience do you have with attic insulation?
What type of insulation do you recommend for my attic, and why?
Is air sealing included in the estimate?
Is removing damaged or old insulation included in the quote?
What additional costs should I expect?
How much can I expect to save on utilities after installation?
How long will the project take?
Can I be in the house during the insulation process?
How long should the insulation last?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
Do you offer financing options?
Are there rebates available, and do you apply for them?