Insulation is a great investment in your home and can save energy costs. However, there are many factors that go into pricing an insulation project.
Costs vary depending on type and area of the home. The insulation cost estimator includes options for insulating your attic space, including between ceiling joists and walls, or a full attic (including roof rafters). The calculator also allows you to select between Closed or Open Cell spray foam.
Cost of Materials
Insulation is a smart investment for your home because it warms your home in the winter and cools it in the summer by slowing the transfer of heat through the walls, floor, and ceiling. It also helps reduce energy bills and is considered one of the best ROI home improvement projects you can do.
The type of insulation you choose plays a significant role in your total cost. The most budget-friendly option is fiberglass, which can be found in roll or batt form and costs $0.35 to $1.50 per square foot. Cellulose is made from recycled paper and costs slightly more but offers higher R-Value. Rigid foam board is a polystyrene-like material that is formed into rigid boards and will cost more than other types of insulation.
A top-rated local pro can help you determine what the best insulation solution is for your home. They will take into consideration the area you need insulated, the type of insulation you want to use, and your home’s location. They can also explain any possible tax credits and rebates available that could offset your installation costs.
Replacing insulation will generally cost $2 to $7 per square foot for most blown in and fiberglass options. Spray foam and rigid foam boards are the most expensive options. This is due to the equipment and materials needed for installation and removal of these types of insulation.
Cost of Installation
Insulation costs depend on the size of the area being insulated, the R-value required and the type of insulation chosen. Different materials and installation methods vary in cost, but a top-rated local insulation professional will be able to provide a detailed estimate that includes all labor, site prep, and cleanup expenses.
On average, blown-in cellulose, fiberglass batt and roll insulation, and foam board insulation cost the least. Spray foam insulation is more expensive, but it offers the highest ROI of any insulating material. R-value – The higher the R-value, the better the insulation slows down the transfer of heat, so it will be less costly to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Location – The cost of installing insulation in an attic, basement, or crawl space is usually more than insulating a wall cavity. This is due to the fact that accessing these areas of a house is more challenging and time-consuming.
The number of walls being insulated will also increase installation costs. This is because walls require more materials and labor to cover the surface. A general contractor’s overhead and markup is another cost to consider, as well as any additional work that needs to be done to the existing framing, drywall, electrical and plumbing systems to bring them up to code. Finally, a homeowner should expect to pay any necessary repairs or replacement of the existing insulation.
Cost of Removal
Insulation is measured by R-value, which represents how much it slows the transfer of heat between areas of your home. The higher the R-value, the more energy efficient your home will be. Insulation typically degrades over time, losing up to half its R-value. This can be due to age, mold growth, rodent infestation, or other damage. When this happens, you should remove the old insulation and replace it. Insulation that is compromised can lead to high energy bills, and it can also cause health issues in your family. Moldy or rodent-contaminated insulation can spread bacteria, fungus, and other harmful materials throughout your house.
The cost of removing and installing new insulation will vary depending on the type of insulation in your home, as well as the size of the attic. For example, blown-in fiberglass insulation costs $2 to $3 per square foot. Cellulose insulation, which is a type of loose fill fiberglass insulation, costs slightly more.
A professional attic insulation contractor will use a 6-inch hose to vacuum out the existing insulation and the waste material, and then they’ll push it into a large machine that shreds it up. If your insulation is in a difficult-to-access area, such as a crawl space or basement, expect the cost to be 10-30% higher.
If you decide to hire a pro, be sure to ask about rebates. Insulation professionals can often find local and federal rebates that will reduce the total cost of your project.
Cost of Replacement
If you have existing insulation that’s not performing as it should, or you notice drafts around doors and windows, it may be time to upgrade. Poorly insulating homes waste energy, forcing heating and cooling systems to work overtime. This results in higher electricity bills and disrupts indoor comfort. Insulation that’s worn down or damaged also loses its R-value, reducing its ability to slow the flow of heat.
A home’s insulation should be checked annually and replaced as needed. If it’s damaged or has lost its R-value, it’s a good idea to replace it right away to avoid more expensive damage and loss of efficiency. An insulation contractor can inspect the current insulation and determine if you need more or less. Insulation contractors can also help with other energy-efficient upgrades, such as installing a new ventilation system and checking for rebates or tax credits available in your area.
Keep in mind that you should always get a few quotes before selecting an insulation company. This will allow you to find the best price for your project. If you can, try to schedule a job during the late fall or early winter when pricing tends to be lower. In addition, ask about an energy audit to discover areas of your home that are losing energy and to determine which type of insulation will be most beneficial.