How Much Does Attic Insulation Cost?
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Attic insulation costs between $1,500 and $3,500, with a national average of about $2,500. While it seems costly for a space that is rarely seen, the expenditure is an investment in energy savings and comfort.
Highlights
- The typical cost of attic insulation is between $1,500 and $3,500, with a national average of $2,500.
- Cost factors for attic insulation installation include attic size, insulation type, insulation amount, insulation material, R-value, and labor.
- Increased utility bills, icicles on the roof, uneven temperatures, drafts, and worn attic insulation are some of the signs that a home is in need of new attic insulation.
- While some kinds of attic insulation can be installed as a DIY project, a professional will typically be able to deliver the best results.
Local building codes require builders to install a minimum amount of insulation in new homes and during remodeling projects, but many older homes are underinsulated. Inadequate attic insulation leads to higher than necessary heating and cooling bills and can negatively impact a home’s sales appeal. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500, with a national average cost of $2,500. Attic insulation costs vary depending on the size of the attic, the ease of access, and the amount of insulation required.
Factors in Calculating Attic Insulation Cost
How much does attic insulation cost? While $2,500 is the average cost to add insulation to an attic, the final price will vary depending on several factors, including the type of insulation and the going rate of labor. Still, in the long run, adding insulation to an existing attic improves not only the comfort level of the residents but also reduces utility costs. An insulating contractor will consider several main factors when estimating the cost of insulating an attic.
Attic Size
The size of the attic is one of the most significant factors in determining how much insulation installation will cost. The larger the attic, the more time and materials will be required to insulate it. Insulation costs per square foot typically fall between $1 and $7. Therefore, a small attic that is only 500 square feet will cost between $500 and $3,500 to insulate. By contrast, large attics that are 1,500 square feet can cost as much as $10,500 to insulate.
| Attic Size in Square Feet | Insulation Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| 500 | $500 to $3,500 |
| 700 | $700 to $4,900 |
| 1,000 | $1,000 to $7,000 |
| 1,500 | $1,500 to $10,500 |
Insulation Type
There are several different types of attic insulation, and the one that is used will significantly affect the overall cost of the project. The most common type of insulation—fiberglass batts—will run an average of $2 to $4 per square foot to install. In comparison, blown-in insulation costs $1 to $4 per square foot to have professionally installed. If comparing blown-in vs. sprayed insulation, homeowners will notice that spray foam insulation is pricier, running an average of $2 to $5 per square foot.
In addition to different types of insulation varying in cost, if the attic is being converted to a living space, not all types of insulation are suitable. An empty attic will need to be insulated between its floor joists, and blown-in, batt, or spray foam insulation can be used. Additionally, one of the costs to finish an attic to convert it to a bedroom is insulation installation in the overhead rafter spaces. In this area, it’s common to use structural insulated panels at the cost of $4 to $7 per square foot or batt insulation.
Insulation Amount
The cost of attic insulation will greatly depend on how much insulation is needed. If the attic already has some insulation—and it’s in good shape—the installer can simply add more (either batts, blown-in insulation, or drop fill) and bring the amount of insulation up to code. If the attic has little or no insulation or the existing insulation is damaged and must be removed, the installer will have to add significantly more new insulation, which will result in a higher cost.
Need new insulation in your attic?
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from attic insulation installers near you.
Insulation Material
Not all insulation types are made of the same material. The most common materials for insulation are cellulose, cork, fiberglass, polystyrene, mineral wool, and sheep wool. Some materials like sheep wool come in the form of batting, whereas others like fiberglass can be blown in. Cork is generally the most expensive insulation material, and fiberglass and cellulose have the lowest cost.
R-Value
The extent to which insulation blocks heat transfer is known as its thermal reduction value or R-value. In colder climates, building codes require attic insulation to have a higher R-value than in warmer climates. R-value is determined by insulation type and thickness. For example, cellulose insulation has an R-value of approximately 3.2 per inch, while the R-value for fiberglass is about 2.5 per inch. If local codes require a minimum of R-30 insulation in the attic, the homeowner would need to install 9.4 inches of blown-in cellulose or 12 inches of fiberglass batt insulation.
Labor
The labor costs to install attic insulation vary from community to community and are also dependent on the type of insulation being installed. Contractors who install spray foam insulation are required to undergo special training and certification to install it, and the labor to install this type can run as much as $800, not counting the cost of the foam product. Homeowners will want to consider whether spray foam insulation is worth it when compared with other options. In general, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $1.50 to $3 per square foot just for the labor of an insulation professional.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Insulating an attic is a relatively straightforward home improvement project, and finding a suitable contractor is usually not difficult since many general construction and remodeling companies offer insulating services. However, homeowners may need extra services to get the attic ready or address existing problems that must be repaired before insulation can be installed. The need for these services will add to the overall cost.
Attic Cleaning and Preparation
The cost to clean an attic and prep it for insulation ranges from about $100 to $300. This includes basic cleanup, such as vacuuming sawdust or other construction materials the original builder may have left behind. In an attic where items are stored, it will cost more to have those items removed before installing insulation.
Need new insulation in your attic?
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from attic insulation installers near you.
New vs. Replacement Installation
The cost to remove and replace attic insulation is different from the cost to install insulation for the first time. Attic insulation removal costs are typically an additional $1 to $1.50 per square foot. If the installer suggests removing the existing insulation before adding new insulation, the entire project—both the removal and the attic insulation replacement cost—will run about $2 to $8.50 per square foot.
Faced vs. Unfaced Insulation
“Faced” and “unfaced” are terms used to describe the structure of the insulation material. Insulation that is faced is held together with a kind of backing made from vinyl, paper, or foil and typically costs about $500 to $7,500 installed. Foam board and batts are the most common kinds of faced insulation. Loose fill and spray foam insulation fall into the unfaced category and typically cost between $1,750 and $12,000 to install.
Attic Inspection
Attic inspections may be required prior to insulation installation, and these typically cost between $100 and $300. Some insulation companies offer the inspection for free or include this service as part of the installation cost. Ultimately, inspection costs can depend on a few factors including the size of the attic, accessibility, and geographic location.
Energy Audit
Energy audits may not be required, but they can help provide valuable information about where energy is being lost in the attic currently. This can help determine the location and amount of new insulation that needs to be installed. Homeowners can expect to pay $145 to $420 for an attic energy audit.
Whole-Home Insulation
It may be worth replacing insulation in the rest of the home at the same time as replacing the insulation in the attic. Not only is all of the home’s insulation likely to be the same age and therefore due for replacement, but scheduling these projects at the same time can help homeowners save on installation costs. On average, the cost to insulate an entire home is between $2,130 and $6,700.
Roof Vent Installation
Roof vents can help to regulate the airflow in an attic and further regulate temperatures, increasing energy efficiency. They can also assist with preventing moisture buildup. If new roof vents need to be installed, this will need to be done prior to the insulation and will cost about $200 to $700 per vent.
Roof-Leak Repairs
If the initial attic inspection reveals that the roof is leaking, these repairs will need to be done before the insulation can be installed. Leaking roof repairs can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200. If leaking has gone unaddressed for a significant period, there may be additional costs for mold remediation or water damage repairs.
Air Sealing
Air sealing can help insulation contractors identify where air leaks are happening and seal them before replacing the insulation. This can greatly increase the effectiveness of the insulation and prevent energy loss. Air sealing costs about $250 to $750.
Soundproofing
While installing insulation already provides some soundproofing effects, additional materials can be added to further absorb sound. Installing soundproofing materials can cost $1,000 to $2,500 per room.
Mold, Pest, or Asbestos Inspection and Removal
Reasons for removing existing insulation include water damage, mold, insect or rodent infestation, or the presence of asbestos insulation. If the home was constructed before the 1980s, there’s a chance the insulation in the attic contains asbestos. The look of asbestos insulation can vary, so its presence will need to be confirmed by a professional. Depending on state or municipal laws, an asbestos mitigation professional may be required to test and remove the old insulation, which will add to the cost. If mold removal is needed, it can add $1,500 to $3,500 to the price. Pest inspections are also recommended, as insects or small animals commonly nest in old insulation. Having larger animals like a raccoon in the attic will require the help of a wildlife removal specialist from a company like Critter Control.
| Attic Hazard | Average Cost |
| Asbestos | $250 to $750 for testing; $20 to $65 per square foot for removal |
| Mold | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Pests | $40 to $150 for inspection |
Humidity Repairs
Excess humidity that goes unaddressed can lead to mold growth, pest activity, and moisture damage. It’s important to have humidity issues dealt with before new insulation is installed. The most common solution for attics is to install a dehumidifier, which costs about $100 to $1,000.
Attic Insulation Cost by Type of Insulation
Not all types of insulation are suitable for all attic situations, and different types can significantly affect the project’s final cost.
| Insulation Type | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials and Labor) |
| Batt | $2 to $4 |
| Blown-in | $1 to $4 |
| Loose fill | $2 to $5 |
| Reflective | $0.50 to $1.50 |
| Spray foam | $2 to $5 |
| Structural insulation panels | $4 to $7 |
Batt
The most common type of insulation, batt, is made from various materials, but many contain fiberglass, which is resistant to mold, water damage, and insect infestation. The cost of the batts themselves varies depending on thickness, and having them installed runs about $2 to $4 per square foot.
Blown-In
Blown-in insulation is among the least expensive methods, and installing it involves using a blower that distributes shredded paper, cellulose, or rock wool fibers in a uniform layer between the attic’s floor joists or over existing blown-in or batt insulation. Blown-in attic insulation costs $1 to $4 per square foot to have installed.
Loose Fill
This is the same product used in blowers, but it’s a more straightforward process to drop the product by hand in some situations. If it isn’t possible to bring a blowing machine near enough to the attic for a hose to reach, dropping in the product is the next best thing. However, it requires a bit more hands-on work and runs slightly more than the blown-in insulation cost. Homeowners can expect to pay $2 to $5 per square foot for loose-fill installation.
Need new insulation in your attic?
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from attic insulation installers near you.
Reflective
In some cases, the addition of a reflective radiant barrier can help reduce thermal transfer. Reflective insulation, sometimes called foil insulation, is simply a shiny sheet that often comes preinstalled on batts or rigid foam panels. It’s also available as just the sheet itself to be installed over other types of insulation. Reflective insulation is more common in hot climates than it is in cooler regions. Adding it to the project runs an average of $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
Spray Foam
Attic spray foam insulation—not the stuff that comes in aerosol cans—is pricey because it requires training to apply the foam that comes out of the sprayer as a liquid but quickly expands to fill joist and rafter cavities. Most spray foam insulation companies have their own certified installers, and the cost to install spray foam insulation ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot. It’s worth homeowners noting that when comparing spray foam insulation costs vs. fiberglass and other types of insulation, spray foam has one of the highest environmental costs.
Structural Insulated Panels
Structural insulated panels feature a layer of rigid foam sandwiched between two layers of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). They’re less commonly used to insulate an attic, but they may be suitable for installation on an existing roof deck or beneath roof rafters if the homeowners want to finish a living space in the attic. The cost to have the panels installed ranges from about $4 to $7 per square foot.
