While some homeowners may choose to fixate on attic insulation costs and the prices of materials, it may be better to consider how much you would need to pay for heating and cooling without anything insulating your attic floor.
Yes, insulation material can be costly upfront, but for a house that will be lived in for decades, it is better to ensure the long-term comfort of your family, especially if you live in an extreme climate. You will save a lot more money by not having to rely so much on your AC and heating units as you would have with nothing but a roof and bare attic floor above your head.
If you are worried about your budget and choosing the right material, you can put your trust in the right construction company or contractor. They will advise you on the best materials for your needs. Simply search “attic insulation installation” online right now and take the first step in your home improvement project.
Overall Cost of Attic Insulation
The types of attic insulation materials that you may need for your home may vary, and this is the most important consideration you have to make when trying to determine the overall cost of insulating your house.
Also, the question of who will be adding insulation to your attic is very important, as installation prices vary from one construction company to the other. Expert to pay a lot more if you go further afield rather than hiring a local contractor.
Lastly, the overall cost will be determined by the size of your attic. The bigger it is, the more insulation materials and man-hours of labor will be required.
Having said that, the average cost of different home insulation materials is usually priced per square foot as follows:
- Spray foam insulation: $3–$7 per square foot
- Blown-in cellulose: $1–$1.25 per square foot if it is DIY and $2–$2.50 when done by professionals
- Fiberglass batt insulation: $0.75–$1 per square foot for a DIY job and around $1.50–$2 for a professional company
Based on this information, you can look at the spaces that need to be insulated and consider the material you want to use for the area. Finally, compare the price for DIY attic insulation vs. hiring a professional. These values should give you a good estimate of the overall attic and home insulation cost.
Another important thing to remember is whether or not you want the old insulation removed before having new insulation installed. This will likely add to the cost of installing the new materials.
The insulation costs mentioned above may seem a lot for the average homeowner, but there is a silver lining. If you insulate your attic and reduce your home’s energy consumption, you may qualify for the insulation tax credit from the Department of Energy. This will take a huge chunk out of the money you would normally expect to pay for new attic insulation.
Four Common Types of Attic Insulation
Before you install attic insulation on your attic floor, carefully consider the type of materials you want to use. If the existing insulation is working great, you can just replace it with a similar material.
The following are the different types of materials you can use when insulating your attic:
Blown-in Cellulose Insulation
Blown-in cellulose is a type of attic insulation that is made from recycled materials. When used on attic floors, it should be packed densely, so professional equipment is required. The material is excellent for air sealing and fire retardant for safety.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Spun fiberglass can be shaped into rolls or batts that are great for installing insulation. If the question, “How much does insulating the attic cost?” is worrying you, this is an affordable option to consider. It is widely available but usually requires a lot of labor to install.
These fiberglass batts can be inserted between the trusses and secured firmly to prevent sagging. While you can do this job on your own, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure a neat and long-lasting result.
Spray Foam Insulation
The great thing about spray foam insulation is that it has a very high R-value, meaning it provides great insulation. However, the downside is that it is expensive and can only be installed by professionals using specialized equipment.
If the spray foam insulation cost does not dissuade you, you will enjoy long-lasting attic insulation that will do the job perfectly. It has also been regularly used as a last resort when insulating challenging attic spaces.
Loose-fill Fiberglass
The last type of material that you can use to install new insulation in your attic is loose-fill fiberglass insulation. It is similar to cellulose but is spun into a fiberglass batt. Its price per square foot is a lot more affordable since it is not as densely packed as the other options.
However, this means you have to sacrifice some much-needed insulation because of the large air spaces it has inside.
Calculation of the Cost in Attic Insulation
The easiest way to calculate the cost per square foot for installing attic insulation is to request a quote from a professional construction company or contractor. However, if you crunch the numbers very carefully, you can get a very close approximation at home for your DIY insulation project.
Remember the following rules in your calculations:
- Check your climate zone according to the Department of Energy
- Identify which R-value you need to use for your climate
- Measure how much area you will need to install attic insulation material on
- Divide the R-value that is recommended for your area with the R-value of the type of materials you will be using
DIY or Professional Attic Insulation – Which Is Best
It is easy to look at an empty attic and think filling it with packed insulation will be a breeze. However, the reality is a lot different. You need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of hiring a professional or attempting the job on your own. Decide what is best for you, considering that this should be a long-term investment.
How Much Does Attic Insulation Cost? Call a Professional Contractor Today
If you are looking for ways to cut back on energy costs, now is the time to consider insulating your attic. Go online today and request a free quotation from reliable local contractors.