Installing proper attic insulation will provide energy-saving benefits, besides the primary function of preventing heat from escaping the house during winter or for the heat to come in during summer.
Improper insulation systems will cause your ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems to work harder than they are supposed to. If you want to set one, read about the attic insulation cost per square foot below.
Attic Insulation Cost Per Square Foot
There are a few options when it comes to attic insulation installment. You may learn about the cost of insulation per square foot in the attic depending on the types and their R-value, which is the rating system to measure certain material performance to resist health flow conduction in the following.
Note that the higher the R-value is, the more effective the attic insulation type works.
1. Batt insulation
This suits best if your attic has standard joist spacing. The batt attic insulation per square foot costs about $0.6 to $0.14.
The system is comprised of lengthy insulation fibers that are combined by using reflective foil or paper support. These fibers can be made from cellulose, fiberglass, cotton, or mineral wool materials.
Batt insulation is ideal to use in a spacious room, but it may not suit as well for awkward-shaped and tight spaces, no matter what the material is. The insulation needs to be tailored perfectly to fit the frame and the electrical junction box to avoid any void.
R-value/inch:
- Cellulose: 3.7-3.8
- Cotton: 3.7-3.8
- Mineral wool: 3.0-3.3
- Fiberglass: 2.9-4.3
2. Loose-fill insulation
Also known as blown-in insulation, this system is best used in spaces with irregular joists’ obstruction or framing and aged attics that are already insulated. The cost of blown-in attic insulation per square foot is $1 to $1.5.
You may purchase the loose-fill material sold in large bags, which is comprised of small pieces of fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool. These materials need to be installed using a blowing machine. Similar to batt insulation, the R-values of blown-in attic insulation also vary depending on the material and installation thickness.
Read also: Rigid Foam Insulation under Metal Roof
R-value/inch:
- Mineral wool: 3.0-3.3
- Cellulose: 3.2-3.8
- Fiberglass: 2.2-2.7
3. Spray Foam
Spray foam attic insulation is an ideal option if you want to redeem noise and use it in outdoor spaces or in new building construction. It sticks well to various surfaces as the material is sprayed on, making it the easiest to install.
Amongst the three types listed, this is the priciest one. However, there are two open and closed cells, and the earlier option is more affordable than the latter, even though open cells cannot offer a vapor barrier. The closed cell has a dense quality and can provide a great barrier to water and air.
R-value/inch: 5.0-6.0
Before hiring a professional, it’s important to learn about the different types and costs of attic insulation. Depending on the size of your space and the materials chosen, the attic insulation cost per square foot can range from $0.6 to $3.0, with total labor costs potentially ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. If removal and replacement of existing insulation is required, this can affect the overall costs significantly.
For those looking for more precise estimates, using a cost estimator tool that factors in square feet, material choices, and attic floor conditions can be highly beneficial.
