Attic Insulation Installation & Removal Cost Calculator

1. Cost of Batt and Roll Attic Insulation

   1. $0.85 – $2.70/ sq. ft
   2. $1,150 – $3,950 average cost of batt and roll insulation for 1,100 to 1,500 sq. ft. 
   3. When should you use batt and roll attic insulation? Use this insulation if your attic is super accessible and has few obstructions. You may need to use multiple layers of this to achieve the recommended R-value in Washington, depending on your material of choice. You can think of roll insulation as a big blanket that you can roll along your attic walls and floor (if need be). It’s DIY friendly, and you can cut it to the desired length, so it’s a great option for nearly all homes.   

2. Cost of Blown-in Attic Insulation

   1. $0.95 – $2.50/ sq. ft
   2. $950 – $3,700 average cost of blown-in insulation for 1,100 to 1,500 sq. ft.
   3. When should you use blown-in attic insulation? If your attic has various small spaces or hard-to-access spots, then blown-in attic insulation is a great choice. It’s cheaper but offers excellent insulation and lasts for a long time (2-3 decades). Blown-in insulation is eco-friendly because it’s made of recycled materials. Plus, you can reuse it by moving it from one place to another. For example, if you plan to renovate the attic, you should select blown-in insulation.

3. Cost of Loose-fill Attic Insulation

   1. $1.15 – $2.60/ sq. ft
   2. $1,200 – $3,900 average cost of loose-fill insulation for 1,100 to 1,500 sq. ft.
   3. When should you use loose-fill attic insulation? This insulation is suitable for compact attics with irregular spaces and existing insulation. It’s similar to blown-in insulation but costs more to install. These are made out of recycled materials and have small visible particles. It’s a great environmentally-friendly option. There are no seams in this insulation once it’s installed, so you can enjoy superior insulation compared to roll insulation. Installation of loose-fill insulation is easy and quick, so it’s cheaper to install as well. 

4. Cost of Spray Foam Attic Insulation 

   1. $1.15 – $4.70/ sq. ft
   2. $1,250 – $9,200 average cost of spray foam insulation for 1,100 to 1,500 sq. ft.
   3. When should you use spray foam attic insulation? The open-cell spray foam attic insulation is ideal for filling in small gaps and crevices, so use this type if you have many of those. Closed-cell spray foam works well to insulate roof decks. It is also an air and vapor barrier because it’s much thicker (approximately 2’’) than open-cell foam. Spray foam insulation is excellent for regulating your home temperature and reducing your power bill. It requires expertise to install and is one of the more expensive options. 

5. Cost of Structural Panels Attic Insulation 

   1. $4.00 – $12.50/ sq. ft
   2. $4,400 – $12,200+ average cost of structural panel insulation for 1,100 to 1,500 sq. ft.
   3. When should you use structural panels in attic insulation? Since these panels have insulation sandwiched between two pieces of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), they can be difficult to bend to fit into existing spaces. Hence it’s best to use these while building your home or remodeling your attic floor and roof. This insulation offers benefits such as soundproofing and waterproofing on top of attic insulation, so you can use them while turning your attic into a living space. These panels are much more robust (can bear 10 pounds/ sq. ft.) than wood framing and have less shift once installed. You don’t need trusses in your framing when you use structural panels for insulation. Thus, you get more living space in your attic.  

6. Cost of Reflective Attic Insulation 

   1. $0.50 – $2.20/ sq. ft. 
   2. $550 – $3,300+ average cost of reflective attic insulation for 1,100 to 1,500 sq. ft.
   3. When should you use reflective material for attic insulation? Reflective attic insulation is excellent for temperature control and is a green option. You should use it in unventilated cavity walls and pitched roofs. It’s better to use in warmer climate zones because it helps keep your home cool. A significant benefit of reflective attic insulation is that it doesn’t deteriorate like other insulations. You just have to keep it clean of dust. It’s easy to install, cheaper, unaffected by moisture, and non-toxic. All of these features make it an excellent option for nearly all buildings

Cost To Install Fiberglass batts insulation in attic

Here’s a chart that simplifies the costs you can expect for different sizes of attics if you install Fiberglass batts attic insulation. 

Disclaimer: The values in this chart are based on the calculator above with Fiberglass batts attic insulation & single/Multi-Family setup. 

Attic insulations are made of different materials. Each has a specific R-value and a unique method of installation. Generally, you’ll need the R-value between 30 and 60, as specified by the Department of Energy, for your climate zone. 

The overall cost of your project will change significantly depending on which material you choose, so you have to select wisely. Here are some of the options for attic insulation materials and their prices: 

Pro tip: Don’t just go for the cheapest option because it might not be suitable for your home and climate conditions and have less long-term durability. Find a balance between your budget and the quality of the materials. 

Average Cost of Air Sealing or Encapsulating the Attic 

It’s difficult to give an average cost of air sealing/ encapsulating an attic because the price can range from $350 – $3000+ per project. The cost depends on ductwork, surface area, penetrations, number of trusses, damaged spaces, and gaps. It’s best to get an in-person estimate from an attic insulation professional. Some professionals include air sealing in the quote for attic insulation, while others don’t. 

Average Cost of Adding Insulation on Top of Existing Attic Insulation 

Adding new insulation on top of the old one costs $1 to $4/ sq. ft., which is nearly the same per square foot as adding insulation for the first time. It may be cost-effective overall to keep the old layer because you can use thinner insulation or avoid installing more than one layer if there’s already some existing insulation. 

P.S.: Your new insulation doesn’t have to be the same type as your old one. 

Average Cost of Removing Existing Attic Insulation 

The price of removing old insulation is around $1-$2/ sq. ft. The overall price changes depending on the job’s complexity, location, presence of trusses, and tight spaces. You should always remove the existing insulation before installing a new one if the old one is damaged due to fire, water, moisture, pests, or mold. You might also have to install a new vapor barrier/ air barrier before installing the new insulation.