Spray foam is a type of insulation specifically created to prevent heat movement between a house’s exterior and interior. It’s an excellent insulation material, thanks to its sturdy covering block.
Besides heat, this material is also excellent at blocking noise, while some of its distinct types are designed to stop the condensation of water vapor. Besides having numerous types, the spray foam insulation cost varies per square foot.
Spray Foam Insulation Cost Per Square Foot
Thanks to technological advancements, spray foam has been the best insulation available. Insulating a house with this material will help you save electricity bills by nearly 50%. So, if you are wondering, is spray foam insulation worth it? You already know the answer.
If you are considering installing spray foam insulation in your existing home, it’s important to understand the budget required.
The average cost of spray foam insulation per square foot ranges from $0.44 to $1.50, depending on factors like the type of foam and labor costs. However, spray foam is available in two types: closed-cell and open-cell.
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When choosing spray foam insulation, homeowners typically weigh the options between open-cell and closed-cell types. Open-cell spray foam is flexible and cost-effective and ideal for air-sealing gaps and crevices. Conversely, closed-cell spray foam offers a higher R-value per inch, making it superb for insulating against heat and cold and perfect for moisture-prone areas like crawl spaces.
Considering the depth of insulation needed, homeowners often evaluate the costs based on the inches of open-cell or closed-cell foam required. This measurement helps assess the effectiveness of insulation per area and adjust the budget accordingly for comprehensive home improvement.
1. Open-cell
Open-cell spray foam, a popular choice for home insulation, is priced at about $0.35 to $0.55 per square foot. This type of insulation is less dense than closed-cell foam and is often compared to traditional fiberglass insulation in terms of material costs.
The main difference between closed- and open-cell insulation is that the latter has higher versatility and tends to be more ‘soft’.
2. Closed-cell
Closed-cell spray foam insulation, known for its higher R-value per inch, will cost approximately $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot. This type of polyurethane foam is denser and more effective at blocking moisture than open-cell foam or traditional fiberglass insulation.
However, if the square footage is larger, the cost per square foot decreases, offering economies of scale. For example, insulating a 1,500-square-foot area with closed-cell spray foam will cost approximately $1,500 to $2,250. This cost-efficiency makes spray foam insulation a smart choice for extensive areas and major home improvement projects.
The budget you must prepare is slightly different if you want to insulate a metal building. To cover a metal area of 1,500 square feet, you will spend around $1,600 to $2,400.
That’s only the initial price of the material. Remember that the area you would like to be insulated also affects the cost of spray foam. So, how much does spray foam insulation cost per square foot based on the area?
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Here is the breakdown:
- Basement Spray Foam Insulation Cost
Walls in a cellar normally need larger foam with water resistance ability since the space is beneath the ground and is prone to moisture. To insulate this area, you will need about $2,140.
- Attic Spray Foam Insulation Cost
Batts and foam rolls are the two forms of insulations that are usually used to insulate attics. Even so, you can still complement it with spray foam. You may expect to spend about $2,200 to insulate a standard-sized attic.
- Roof Spray Foam Insulation Cost
Most insulation is installed on the roof due to the rising heat. Apart from covering the attic, you can also add protection by insulating the roof. This form of insulation is usually installed between the beams. Generally, the spray foam insulation cost per square foot for a roofing system is around $1,650 to $2,200.
Regardless of the type of spray foam insulation you choose, labor costs can significantly impact the overall price. These costs can vary based on the complexity of the installation, especially in areas like attics or roof valleys where accessibility may be challenging.
