The average cost of spray foam insulation is $6,080, with costs typically ranging between $3,385 and $10,960. The price per board foot is $0.45 – $0.75 for open-cell spray foam and $1.00 – $1.60 for closed-cell spray foam insulation.
Spray foam insulation pays for itself in time because it improves energy efficiency by minimizing heat transfer throughout your home. Spray foam insulation differs from traditional fiberglass blankets, batts, and rolls in that it is applied via sprayer and expands to fill cavities, air sealing the home more completely.
In this cost guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Type
- Cost Estimator by Thickness
- Cost Estimator by Household Area
- Other Factors to Consider
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- Advantages vs. Disadvantages
- FAQ
Average Spray Foam Insulation Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $6,080 |
| Typical Price Range | $3,385 – $10,960 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $2,225 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $15,600 |
Pricing for spray foam insulation varies based on type, thickness, and R-value:
- Type: Spray foam insulation is offered in two varieties, open-cell and closed-cell. Closed-cell spray foam is denser and offers better energy savings but comes with a higher price tag.
- Thickness: As the insulation is layered, thicker applications will require additional costs. This is typically measured in board feet. A board foot is 1 square foot by 1 inch thick. The thicker your home insulation, the better your house’s temperature can be regulated. With each additional inch of thickness, you should see a corresponding increase in costs.
- R-value: R-values tell you how well an insulating material can prevent heat loss by regulating the flow of air in and out of your home. The higher the R-value, the better a material will insulate your entire home.
Spray Foam Insulation Cost Estimator by Type
There are two types of spray foam insulation, open-cell and closed-cell, with closed-cell being more dense and offering better insulation. Open-cell is the less expensive option but does not have the higher R-value of closed-cell insulation. You can purchase open-cell spray foam insulation from $0.45 to $0.75 a board foot and closed-cell at $1.00 to $1.60 a board foot.
| Type | Cost per Board Foot | Average R-value |
| Open-Cell Spray Foam | $0.45 to $0.75 | 3.6 |
| Closed-Cell Spray Foam | $1.00 to $1.60 | 6.5 |
Spray Foam Insulation Cost Estimator by Thickness
Thicker applications of spray foam typically result in improved energy efficiency and higher R-values. The tables below demonstrate how applications of increasing thickness affect R-value and cost for open-cell and closed-cell spray foam.
Cost and R-value by Thickness for Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
| Thickness (inches) | R-value Range | Cost Per Square Foot |
| 1 | 3.5 – 3.8 | $0.45 – $0.75 |
| 2 | 7.0 – 7.6 | $0.88 – $1.30 |
| 3 | 10.5 – 11.4 | $1.56 – $2.90 |
| 4 | 14 – 15.2 | $2.08 – $3.90 |
| 5 | 17.5 – 19 | $2.60 – $4.90 |
| 6 | 21 – 22.8 | $3.07 – $5.85 |
| 7 | 24.5 – 29.6 | $3.64 – $6.80 |
| 8 | 28 – 30.4 | $4.16 – $7.80 |
| 9 | 31.5 – 34.2 | $4.68 – $8.90 |
| 10 | 35 – 38 | $5.20 – $9.75 |
Cost and R-value by Thickness for Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
| Thickness (inches) | R-value Range | Cost Per Square Foot |
| 1 | 5 – 7 | $1.00 – $1.60 |
| 2 | 10 – 14 | $2.30 – $4.40 |
| 3 | 15 – 21 | $3.45 – $6.60 |
| 4 | 20 – 28 | $4.60 – $8.80 |
| 5 | 25 – 35 | $5.75 – $11.00 |
| 6 | 30 – 42 | $6.65 – $13.40 |
| 7 | 35 – 49 | $8.05 – $15.40 |
| 8 | 40 – 56 | $9.20 – $17.60 |
| 9 | 45 – 63 | $10.35 – $19.80 |
| 10 | 50 – 70 | $11.50 – $22.00 |
Spray Foam Insulation Cost Estimator by Household Area
Homeowners will often undertake home improvement insulation projects for one particular area of the home at a time. The average costs for insulating different areas of the home are given below.
Attic Insulation
Most homeowners have attic insulation to manage the temperature inside their homes. They may need to add insulation to a new home addition or replace insulation following a fire or rodent infestation. In these instances, a homeowner can expect attic spray foam insulation costs between $1,700 and $5,075.
Basement Insulation
Contractors and builders will sometimes avoid insulating the basement to save on costs. Homeowners generally expect to pay between $1,875 and $6,050 to apply spray foam insulation in a basement.
Crawl Space Insulation
Crawl spaces are another area often left uninsulated by general contractors and builders. To add spray foam insulation to a crawl space, you can expect to pay between $1,070 and $6,170.
Detached Building Insulation
Detached buildings such as pole barns, storage sheds, and workshops often require significant insulation to cover the square footage associated with these areas. A homeowner insulating a detached building with spray foam can expect to pay between $5,170 and $18,170.
Garage Insulation
Again, builders and contractors will often refrain from insulating garages as a way to increase profits. Homeowners who would like their garage walls, ceiling, and doors insulated with spray foam can expect to pay between $2,240 and $5,735.
Roof Insulation
Roof insulation is not included in estimates for the attic, as the roof is considered a separate area of the home. To apply spray foam insulation to your roof, you can expect to pay from $2,100 to $8,335.
Shipping Container Insulation
Shipping containers are becoming increasingly popular for use in small construction projects. To insulate a shipping container with spray foam, you should expect a cost range between $1,300 and $2,850.
Other Cost Factors To Consider
When considering spray foam insulation, the type of material may be important to a homeowner concerned with environmentally conscious construction. Additionally, installation in existing homes requires consideration of area accessibility, electrical installations, and pest control that may not be necessary for a new build.
Spray Foam Material
A variety of spray foam insulating materials are available. Consumers can choose based on their energy efficiency, environmental impact, and material cost goals. Certain materials may prove better suited for different projects and locations within the home.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane foam insulation is the most common spray foam type available on the market. At $0.44 to $1.50 per board foot, it is one of the most cost-effective options when it comes to spray foam insulation, but homeowners interested in environmental impact may wish to choose one of the other available options.
Soybean
Soybean-based spray foam insulation is considered a more environmentally friendly option. At $1.15 to $2.50 per board foot, you will see an increase in costs to utilize this option.
Vegetable Oil
Similar to soybean-based spray foam, vegetable oil-based spray foam insulation is considered environmentally friendly but is not readily available. Thus, there is a slight cost increase of $1.50 to $3.00 per board foot for this product.
Water-Based
A newer option, water-based spray foam insulation is the best for the environment. However, some of the durability and efficiency of oil-based insulations are negated with water-based spray foam. At $0.50 to $2.50 per board foot, homeowners will pay a slight premium for this material.
New Construction vs. Existing Installs
New construction allows installers to access areas of the home that may not be available in existing homes. Homeowners installing insulation in an existing home need to consider the removal of old insulation, accessibility to different areas of the home, working around the electrical conduit, and pest control.
Removal of Old Insulation
If your insulation is too old, has moisture issues, or if you’ve had fire damage or a pest problem, it may be necessary to replace the old insulation with new.
Homeowners should budget an additional $1 to $2.15 per square foot for the removal and disposal of old insulation. In cases where asbestos is present, there may be additional asbestos removal costs.
Accessibility
Existing homes may require the removal of drywall or siding in order to access areas for installation. Tight crawl spaces and high-pitched roofs also make existing homes difficult to insulate after the fact. If the homeowner cannot include spray foam insulation during the construction or remodeling process, there may be additional costs to access these areas.
Electrical
Homeowners should take care to avoid disturbing electrical cabling when applying spray foam insulation. If you have not yet installed electrical wiring in your home or new addition, be sure your spray foam application will not hinder future electrical cabling.
Spray Foam vs. Traditional Insulation
You should also consider that spray foam insulation might not be the best solution for your situation. You should review other types of insulation and their installation costs to determine if fiberglass insulation, batt and roll insulation, blown-in cellulose, or rigid board insulation might be better for your project.
Related Services
Looking to improve energy efficiency within your home with spray foam insulation? Consider these other home improvements that can help you reduce your carbon footprint even more.
Radiant Barrier Installation
Radiant barriers on the roof can improve your home’s energy efficiency by preventing heat from entering your home. At a cost of $0.20 to $1 per square foot to install, this highly reflective barrier is one of the ways your roof can save you energy.
Solar Panel Installation
Solar power is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, and its popularity is on the rise. The cost to install a full solar panel system will be around $20,000, with costs typically ranging between $15,000 and $26,000. Government rebates are available to help cover the high installation costs.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Upgrading your HVAC system is another simple way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. The cost of HVAC installation is typically between $5,000 and $9,000, with the national average being $7,500. That cost can vary a lot depending on what type of system or HVAC unit you’re having installed.
Weatherstripping
The average price of weatherstripping is between $150 and $500. A simple task that most homeowners can complete on their own, weatherstripping will close gaps around windows and doors, which makes the indoor temperature easier to regulate and improves the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
Mold Remediation Services
The cost of mold remediation is usually between $1,373 and $3,325, with a national average of $2,347. Upgrading insulation often reveals areas of the home where mold has taken hold. It is important to resolve these issues before completing your spray foam insulation installation so the mold doesn’t spread.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
There are DIY kits available for spray foam insulation. In most cases, it is easier to attempt these installations during new builds before electricity, drywall, and finishing are complete.
| Tools and Materials Needed | Average Cost |
| Vapor Barrier (200 sq ft) | $200 |
| Caulk | $3 |
| Caulk Gun | $6 |
| Expanding Foam | $10 |
| Gloves | $18 |
| Dust Masks/Respirator | $15 – $35 |
| Flashlight/Headlamp | $15 |
| Safety Goggles | $14 |
| Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler | $30 |
| Utility Knife | $12 |
| Tape Measure | $18 |
| Disposable Coverall Suit | $6 |
| Rigid Foam Board (4’ x 8’) | $20 |
| Drywall (4’ x 8’) | $10 – $15 |
| Spray Foam Insulation Kit (200 sq ft) | $315 – $500 |
| Disposal (If Removing Old Insulation) | $200 |
| Total DIY Cost (200 sq ft) | $900 – $1,100 |
Homeowners looking to save on DIY spray foam insulation should opt for open-cell spray foam insulation kits, as closed-cell foam insulation will have a considerable markup. Additionally, homeowners should attempt to remove and dispose of all insulation themselves in order to save on labor and disposal costs.
It should be noted that spray foam insulation needs to be applied in thin layers in order to avoid expansion beyond the studs or a sagging final product that needs to be cleaned up after the fact. If homeowners are not confident in their ability to apply foam minimally in layers, they should consult with an expert to complete the installation.
Cost of Spray Foam Insulation by Location
In extreme cold and hot climates, a home generally requires more insulation to maintain energy efficiency and effectively heat and cool your home. Expect costs to rise if average temperatures in your area tend to be hotter or colder than normal.
Advantages vs. Disadvantages of Spray Foam Insulation
Depending on your particular project, spray foam insulation may not be the best answer. Homeowners should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of spray foam insulation to determine if it is right for their home.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ✓ Conserves energy ✓ Reduces utility costs ✓ More efficient than other types of insulation ✓ Acts as sealant ✓ Acts as moisture barrier ✓ Acts as sound-proofing ✓ Longer life ✓ Mold and mildew resistant ✓ Serves as wall reinforcement ✓ Tax credits are available ✓ High R-value ✓ Increases home resale value ✓ Prevents pests ✓ Reduces allergens | ✗ More expensive ✗ Not as DIY-friendly as other options ✗ Health risk/irritant ✗ Elaborate installation ✗ Linked to respiratory issues ✗ Not as environmentally friendly as other options ✗ May recede from framing over time ✗ Requires you to leave your home until it’s cured |
FAQ
Spray foam insulation is worth the cost to most homeowners because it is more energy efficient than other insulation methods, expands to seal wall cavities and fill gaps, is moisture resistant, and can even add to the structural integrity of the home.
It is recommended you stay out of the area for 24 hours after applying spray foam insulation to allow time for the insulation to cure and for lingering chemicals to leave the space naturally.
Do not use spray foam around electrical outlets or lighting as this may create fire hazards. Avoid open flames, as chemicals in the application process, before fully cured, can be highly flammable. And finally, remember that spray foam insulation expands, so do not use it in areas where the expanding foam might interfere with the structural integrity of the home.
Polyurethane-based spray foams do not attract mold and are considered highly mold-resistant. In most cases, spray foam insulation inhibits and prevents the spread and growth of mold, drying quickly after being exposed to moisture.
Most experts say there is no need for venting a spray foam-insulated attic, as the spray foam creates a sealed environment, normalizing the temperature within the home. It is always good to confirm with a professional to ensure you are not violating any local building codes.
Typically, polyurethane-based spray foam insulation has an 80 to 100-year lifespan.
Most spray foam insulation projects take 1-4 days to complete, depending on the size of the area that needs to be insulated. Generally, a day is devoted to the removal of old insulation and prep of the site. The application generally takes another day, with cleanup taking place after the insulation has cured.
Final Thoughts
The cost of spray foam insulation in your home varies depending on the type of insulation, material, thickness, and the home area to be insulated. The average cost of spray foam insulation installation is $6,080, with costs typically ranging between $3,385 and $10,960. Contact an insulation pro near you to find out how much spray foam insulation would cost for your home improvement project.
Main Photo by: dunktanktechnician / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
