Attic insulation costs anywhere from $1,680 to $3,125, depending on the size of your attic and the material used. On average, most homeowners shell out around $2,380. These costs include the insulation materials and installation by a professional.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists. This could go further up to 20% in some climate zones.
Short on cash? Our pricing guide can help you find the most affordable options for insulating your attic, including DIY installation.
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Attic Insulation Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $2,380 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,680 – $3,125 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $800 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $7,460 |
If you’re gunning for the most inexpensive solution, going with full reflective insulation will typically range from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. Using full reflective insulation might bring you closer to the low end of the price range at around $800.
On the higher end of the cost spectrum is structural insulated panel (SIP) insulation, which ranges from $4 to $7 a square foot. While less commonly installed in the attic, structural insulated panels are generally more durable and energy-efficient. If you choose this premium material, you should expect costs closer to the high end of $7,460.
Attic Insulation Cost Estimator by Size
| Attic Size | Overall Cost Range |
| 500 sq. ft. | $530 – $3,000 |
| 750 sq. ft. | $795 – $4,500 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $1,060 – $6,000 |
| 1,200 sq. ft. | $1,375 – $7,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $1,590 – $9,000 |
The bigger your attic is, the pricier the insulation. A larger attic would, of course, entail the installation of more insulation material, which will both take longer and cost more.
National average costs for attic insulation range from $1 to $6 per square foot if you’re planning to have it installed professionally. Using these numbers, homeowners can start estimating how much they should set aside for their specific project.
Differences in price range will be more apparent as you go up and down the ladder of attic sizes and various insulation types.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Multiple elements aside from attic size come into play when it comes to the final cost, such as the type of insulation and labor costs. These costs may vary from community to community, so keep that in mind.
Insulation Type
Not all insulation materials are created equal. Some come with regional considerations due to the prevailing temperatures in a given area, while others simply do a better job at certain aspects.
On the two extreme ends when it comes to costs are reflective insulation and structural insulated panels, both with their own advantages and drawbacks.
Reflective
Reflective insulation is generally one of the most inexpensive types of insulation out there for your attic: it ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that would mean $500 to $1,500 on materials alone.
This type of insulation is usually made from aluminum foil, aluminized polyester, or other materials. As the name suggests, it mainly reflects radiant heat to keep your house from getting too hot.
You would need to combine it with another insulation type in colder climates to keep your family from freezing during the winter. It is best suited for warmer climates to cool down a house.
Blown-In
Another inexpensive type is blown-in insulation, which costs around $0.83 to $3.60 per square foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that would mean $830 to $3,600 on materials alone.
Blown-in insulation is made out of either fiberglass, cellulose, or rock/mineral wool fiber and usually only takes a day to install. Fiberglass insulation lasts around 80 to 100 years but needs checking for damage after 15 years. Rock wool roughly lasts the same, is moisture-resistant, and is the least likely to require replacement. Eco-friendly cellulose insulation lasts only from 20 to 30 years since it’s made from recycled materials. It should be checked 15 years after installation.
To install blown-in insulation, you would need a blowing machine to get the materials into your attic’s cavities or floor. Blown-in materials tend to settle down over time by a few inches, which reduces their thermal resistance (R-Value).
Batts
Alongside blown-in, batt is the most common type of insulation. Costs for batt insulation are usually pegged at around $2 to $4 per square foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that would mean $2,000 to $4,000 on materials alone.
Batts are usually made from fiberglass, cellulose, and even denim (just like the kind in your jeans). They come in pre-sized panels (“batts”) and are fitted and held by paper or metallic facing. Batts are usually reserved for large attic spaces and are sized to fit between joists on floors and ceilings. They don’t fit in tight spaces very well.
This option is relatively easy to install, especially for those who want to explore the DIY route.
Loose-Fill
Another option for people looking to insulate their attic is loose-fill insulation. It’ll generally set you back about $2 to $5 per square foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that would mean $2,000 to $5,000 on materials alone.
Loose-fill insulation is quite similar to blown-in insulation, but this one is laid into the attic floor instead of being blown into place. It can come in the form of cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral/rock wool. It’s often fluffy in texture and comes in a grayish-white color. It can conform to any space, making it a great option no matter what your attic looks like.
To people who currently have loose-fill insulation resembling gravel in their attic: Beware. It might contain hazardous asbestos, which can cause health issues when disturbed. Some jurisdictions have laws wherein asbestos mitigation professionals are needed to remove it.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation is another type that homeowners may want to try. It costs anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that would mean $2,000 to $5,000 on materials alone.
Spray foam is a liquid insulation that expands and sticks to anything it touches, and it can be applied anywhere. It comes in two forms: open-cell and closed-cell, the first being cheaper. However, open-cell can’t resist moisture as well as closed-cell. Due to this, closed-cell costs more.
This type of insulation is used by some to fill joist and rafter cavities and is great for insulating the underside of roof decks and other hard-to-reach places.
Structural Insulated Panels
If you’re willing to shell out more money for quality, structural insulated panels (SIPs) might be for you. Prepare to pay $4 to $7 per square foot for this type. For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, that would mean $4,000 to $7,000 on materials alone.
SIPs have layered pieces of rigid foam connected to two layers of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). They’re a bit pricey, but they’re noticeably stronger and more energy-efficient. They’re much larger than the other types, and they’re often best for new construction projects rather than existing attics.
While less commonly used to insulate attics, SIPs can be installed on roof decks or beneath rafters.
Labor
Unless you’re willing to go full DIY, you’ll have to pay for professional installation of your chosen insulation material. Contractors will usually charge you $0.56 to $2.75 per square foot for labor alone. This can, of course, be affected by various factors, such as the community where you reside and the insulation type the contractors have to work with.
Expect to pay around $500 to $1,500 for labor all in all.
Spray foam is a different beast when it comes to pricing since its application requires special training and certification, hence you will be paying by the hour (around $50 to $100 per hour). Excluding materials, having someone install spray foam in your attic can cost you around $300 to $800.
Related Services
Now that you have your attic insulation costs down, you might want to check out these other services. You may consider the following before or after having your attic insulated, from preparation to taking care of old insulation.
Replacement and Removal
Many homeowners already have previous insulation installed in their attics. If you’re looking to install new insulation, you’re either going to supplement the old or completely remove it. Removing old attic insulation will cost extra.
Insulation removal costs range from $1 to $2 per square foot. That comes out to around $1,000 to $2,000 if your attic is 1,000 sq. ft.
The total cost for having old insulation removed and new insulation installed in your attic is about $2 to $8.50 per square foot.
Should you need an electrician during the process to ensure that no damage has been done to junction boxes or cables, they will most likely charge around $45 to $100 per hour.
Cleaning and Preparation
Before you insulate your attic, it’s better to have the space cleaned up. Professional cleaning usually costs around $100 to $300.
This includes services like vacuuming sawdust or other materials left behind from previous construction. If you need to dispose of some items lying around the attic or need to move large items before installing insulation, you’ll have to pay more.
Air Sealing
Before installing new insulation, plenty of professionals air seal attics to find and resolve any air leaks to block moisture and avoid drafts. This would also entail removing all of your attic’s existing insulation.
The costs for air sealing typically range from $200 to $750. It’s worth the extra cost as it can prolong the lifespan of your insulation.
Whole-Home Insulation
If it’s time to replace the insulation in your attic, it might be time to replace the insulation in the rest of your home, as well. Updating your insulation can reduce your home’s energy usage and lower your utility bills. Generally, home insulation costs between $2,130 and $6,700 in total.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
You’re probably thinking, “Is there a way to keep costs down other than cheaping out on insulation types?” The answer is YES, and it’s the DIY route.
Here are some things you would need to install your own blown-in insulation in your attic.
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Blower machine (rent per day) | $70 – $200 |
| Caulk gun | $6 |
| Dust mask | $12 |
| Flashlight | $15 |
| Hose | $38 |
| Leather gloves | $18 |
| Safety glasses | $1 per piece |
| Shop vacuum | $76 |
| Staple gun | $19 |
| Trouble light | $41 |
| Utility knife | $12 |
| Caulk | $3 |
| Cellulose insulation | $16 per bag (x 21 for a 1,000 sq. ft. attic) |
| Duct tape | $7 per roll |
| Expanding foam | $10 |
| Vent chutes | $40 per carton (10 pieces) |
| Total costs | $704 – $834 |
As you can see, the total cost for this DIY blown-in insulation project ($704 – $834) is way below the $2,380 average cost of professional installation.
Installing attic insulation yourself removes additional costs, such as labor, which could go from $500 to $1,500. Renting a blower machine per day is also more cost-effective compared to buying one.
Cost of Attic Insulation Installation by Location
Since we’re talking about insulation and controlling home temperature, regional factors such as climate are largely at play when it comes to costs. Local temperatures narrow down the ideal types of insulation that would work best for a certain area.
For example, while reflective insulation is definitely the cheapest option, it’s most suitable for warmer climates since it reflects radiant heat in order to keep homes cooler during really hot days (rather than keeping the home warm on cold days).
Because of that, homeowners in colder climates should either opt for more expensive insulation types or complement their reflective insulation with other types to stay cozy and comfortable. Due to this, homeowners in colder regions will usually end up spending more than the national average for attic insulation.
Labor costs can also be driven up or driven down depending on the location of your home.
FAQ
According to The Department of Energy, an “insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value.” A material with a higher R-Value is more effective at insulating.
Blown-in insulation — which is relatively cheap — has lower R-values, while SIPs have higher values. Other than insulation type, the numbers also depend on the specific insulation’s thickness and density. Take note that recommended R-values vary in different locations in your home (ex. walls, attic, etc).
Check out this map from Energy Star for the recommended home insulation R-Values depending on your location in the US.
Each type of insulation has its own pros and cons, so there’s no clear-cut answer to this. What’s best is what works for your region’s climate, your budget, and the specific needs of your attic (or whatever area of the home you’re insulating).
However, blown-in, loose-fill, and spray foam are all great options when it comes to affordability. They also work great for all seasons and fit easily in almost all spaces.
It’s possible. But besides the already mentioned training and certifications needed by professionals to install it, only a few types of DIY spray foam kits are available on the market for non-pros.
Safety precautions and protective gear are needed to keep your skin and lungs safe when working with polyurethane spray foam insulation.
It can take anywhere from five hours to two days, depending on the insulation type you plan to use. Some allow one day for attic preparation alone before the actual insulation installation.
Yes, but under-insulating is a more common problem. Too much insulation could lead to inadequate ventilation, poor air circulation, etc. You could either trap heat or accumulate mold in the process.
Final Thoughts
Insulating your attic can go a long way to improve the comfort of your home and save your hard-earned money when it comes to your utility bills. Interested? Find an insulation pro near you to get the job done.
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: Jason Dale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
