Cost of insulating loft: How Much Does It Cost To Insulate an Attic?

How Much Does It Cost To Insulate an Attic?

It varies with the size of the attic, the material you use and several other factors. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan.

Icicles hanging from your gutters during a snowy winter can be scary. If you’re having this problem, the reason might seem counterintuitive: You probably don’t have enough attic insulation.

As we learned in science, warm air rises. Insulating the attic floor traps most of that heated air in our living spaces. Otherwise, it wafts into the attic, warming the roof and melting the snow, which then drips down to the roof edge to form icicles.

So how much is that insulation going to cost? The national average is around $2,500. But if your attic already has some insulation, you’ll pay a lot less — perhaps as little as $500. On the other hand, if you have a large attic and need to remove existing insulation that’s wet and moldy, you could pay $4,000 or more.

One caveat: Some houses built before the 1980s have asbestos insulation in the attic, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends leaving that undisturbed. If it must be removed, the EPA says you should hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Some state or county health authorities may require it. Depending on attic size and other variables, the total bill with asbestos removal ranges from $2,500 to $8,000.

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Signs You Need Attic Insulation

The best way to determine if you need attic insulation is to go up there and look around. Don’t worry about the underside of the roof. Check the floor. The existing insulation should rise to the tops of the floor joists. If it doesn’t, or you see significant clumping or signs of mold, you need to re-insulate.

Here are some more signs you need more attic insulation:

• A higher-than-expected energy bill in winter: This indicates you’re losing heat through the attic. You might also feel drafts coming through the ceiling.
• Uneven heating between rooms:  This indicates an uneven distribution of attic insulation.
• Insects in the ceiling: They’re probably there because the attic is humid, and possibly wet, due to inadequate insulation.

Cost of Attic Insulation Factors

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If you call an insulation contractor, they’ll evaluate several factors before giving you a quote. The main one, of course, is the size of the attic. Insulation materials vary in price from less than $1 to $7 per square foot.

Other factors include:

• Insulation material: Fiberglass and cellulose loose-fill insulation tend to be the least expensive options, with structural insulation panels the most expensive.
• Recommended R-value: A measure of thermal resistance, this varies by climate. You can find recommendations for your area on this chart published by Energy Star. To achieve a higher R-value, you usually need more insulation.
• Labor: Installation costs vary from region to region and from contractor to contractor. At a minimum, expect to pay $1.50 per square foot, but it can be as high as $3.50 per square foot in some places.
• Removal of existing insulation: If your current insulation is clumped or moldy, it’s no good and will have to be removed. This will cost an extra $1 to $2 per square foot, assuming no asbestos.

Types of Attic Insulation

The most common types come as batts, rolls or loose-fill material that can be blown in or manually deposited between the floor joists. Your choices:

• Fiberglass: About $1 per square foot, possibly less.
• Cellulose: About $1 per square foot, possibly less.
• Mineral wool: $2 to $3 per square foot.

All three are relatively lightweight. If you’re only insulating the attic floor, any of these materials will work. If you have moisture problems in the attic, go with mineral wool because it’s waterproof.

Homeowners seeking to insulate the entire attic, including the underside of the roof deck and the walls, can use batts or rolls ($1 to $3 per square foot). But they may find structural insulating panels ($4 to $7 per square foot), which are rigid sheets of styrofoam sandwiched between sheets of reflective foil, easier to install.

Spray foam ($3 to $5 per square foot)  is also a good choice but must be professionally installed.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Labor for installing insulation in a 1,000-square-foot attic runs from $1,500 to $3,500. That’s a lot of money you could save by DIYing the job. And in most cases, that’s a realistic proposition.

You don’t need any special skills to cut batt insulation and lay it between the attic floor joists. If you opt for loose fill, it doesn’t cost much to rent a blower for a day or two. Structural panels are also relatively easy to cut and install.

But don’t try to DIY spray foam; there’s too much potential for making a mess with the ultra-sticky material. The price of spray foam usually includes installation.

You should also consider hiring a pro to remove old insulation. Carting it away is a hassle you probably don’t need. And if it contains asbestos, it could be dangerous and illegal to do it yourself.

How Much Does It Cost to Insulate Your Attic?

Attic Insulation Costs at a Glance

• Professional installation: $2,500 (CAD 3,200), average; $1,500-$3,500 (CAD 1,900-CAD 4,500), range
• DIY installation: $1,250 (CAD 1,600)
• Remove insulation: $1-$2 (CAD 1.25-CAD 2.50) per square foot
• Electrical assessment: $80 (CAD 100) per hour

Cold drafts and air leaks make it difficult for your house to stay warm. When there’s a deep freeze, these problems are worth fixing. Doing so can keep you cozy and warm in the winter, and it can help you save on your energy bills.

This May Also Interest You: How to Insulate Your Attic in 7 Steps

Improving your attic’s insulation is one way to hold in the heat. Here’s how much installation costs — whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor.

Attic Insulation Costs

There are several factors to consider when planning to insulate your attic. Attic insulation costs are dependent on the type of insulation you use, the ease of removing the existing insulation and any labor costs involved in the project.

According to Forbes, if you’re having the pros do the job, you can expect to pay $1,500 to $3,500 (CAD 1,900 to CAD 4,500), with an average of $2,500 (CAD 3,200). Also, small attics can cost as little as $500 to insulate, while attic insulation costs for larger spaces can be upwards of $4,000 (CAD 5,100).

The average cost to do it yourself is about $1,250 (CAD 1,600) because you save on labor costs.

The overall cost is greatly affected by which type of insulation you use, and you’ll have to pay a bit more to have the pros remove your old insulation. However, energy efficiency gained from adding insulation reduces energy bills, making the costs worthwhile.

As with any DIY project, keep safety in mind. Be careful when climbing into attics, watch out for nails in the ceiling and avoid touching electrical equipment. Consider turning off the power in your attic while you’re working.

Types of Insulation

Material prices are a major factor in your overall attic insulation costs. Some materials will require more labor hours to install. Some also require special equipment, so those jobs are best left to the professionals. Forbes lists the prices as follows:

Loose-Fill or Blown-In Insulation

Fiberglass insulation costs 35 cents (CAD 0.45) per square foot, or about $175 (CAD 225) for a 500-square-foot attic.

Cellulose insulation runs about 33 cents (CAD 0.42) per square foot, so about $160 (CAD 200) for 500 square feet.

Rock wool is more expensive — $2.40 per square foot — and costs about $1,200 (CAD 1,530) for 500 square feet.

Spray Foam

Material costs run about $3 to $5 (CAD 3.80 to CAD 6. 40) per square foot. This material takes special equipment to install, so labor costs are higher.

Batt or Roll Insulation

Batt or roll insulation is an excellent choice for DIY installation. It’s easy to install and works well for attics. It will cost $2 to $4 (CAD 2.50 to CAD 5) per square foot to have it installed.

More Related Articles:

• Here’s How to Apply Plastic Film to Insulate Your Windows
• How Much Does an Insulated Garage Door Cost?
• How to Insulate Your Garage Door
• How to Insulate Windows
• Is It Safe to Put Things on or Near Your Radiator?

What Other Factors Impact the Price of Attic Insulation?

• R-value: The R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow. The U.S. Department of Energy’s map of the country’s climate regions can give you an idea of what R-value you’ll need for your area. Higher R-value insulation is generally more expensive.
• Climate: Depending on your typical winter weather patterns, you’ll need more or less insulation. In northern states, using more expensive but warmer insulation is best.
• Size: A bigger attic will cost more to insulate while a smaller one limits costs.
• Accessibility: Labor costs increase if your attic is constricted or difficult for the workers to access. In the case of DIY projects, this isn’t a factor.
• Airflow and venting: Some airflow is necessary in an attic to prevent moisture buildup. Adding air vents could increase costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Existing Insulation?

If you’re working with a company to remove the existing insulation, it will run you $1 to $2 (CAD 1.25 to CAD 2.50) per square foot_._ If you do it yourself, you can avoid these costs.

Turnkey roof insulation from Vector LLC

Turnkey roof insulation from Vector LLC

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PPU attic insulation from 950 r/m2

PPU attic insulation from 950 r/m2

Maximum thermal insulation without joints and gaps by monolithic spraying with a service life of 50 years

100% Eco-friendly

Used in the food industry

Non-flammable

G2-G3 material is self-extinguishing

Parasite resistant

Does not attract pests, rodents and insects

Read more
Free consultation

Our works

Find out the cost of insulation right now

27) 08-04-660. It is not a public offer.

Insulation method:

Spraying

Pouring

Type of surface to be insulated:

• Facades or walls

  • Facades or walls
  • Attic or attic
  • Basement and foundation

• Facade and walls

  • Facade and walls

Insulation thickness:

–

25 mm

+

Insulation density:

–

20-25 kg/m³

+

Insulated surface area:

Insulated space volume:

More details

Spray method

The spray method is used to insulate all external or internal structural elements, except for inter-wall voids.

Filling with polyurethane foam

The pouring method is used when insulating inter-wall voids.

Recommendations for the thickness of the insulation

• Concrete – it includes Cinder block, Expanded clay block, Arbolite block, Foam concrete, Aerated concrete. Such a surface is insulated with a thickness of 2.5 cm if the wall thickness exceeds more than 60 cm, 3 cm if the wall thickness is 40 cm or more, 5 cm if the wall thickness is less than 40 cm All this is recommended
• Wood — Beam or log insulated with a thickness of 2.5-5 cm at the discretion of the client
• Frame walls – insulated 7cm

Attic

• Wooden floors – insulated with a thickness of 5-6 cm at the discretion of the client
• Concrete floors – insulated with a thickness of 4-6 cm

Attic

• Recommended insulation thickness 7 cm

Basement

• Wood – insulated 3-5 cm thick
• Concrete – insulated 3-5 cm thick

Foundation

• Recommended insulation thickness 3-5 cm

Facade and walls

What is included in the price

What is included in the price

Preparatory work (closing windows, sills, paving stones with film), drilling holes, pouring polyurethane foam, overwriting holes and cleaning the facade, removing debris.

Total: 199,000

Free consultation

Total: 199,000

No additional costs required, everything is included in the price.

Free consultation

Free delivery

More quantity – less cost

Free measurement

PPU is the most effective insulation in the world

Polyurethane foam is the champion among insulation.

Its record thermal conductivity varies in the range of 0.019–0.022 W / m ° C, while unlike other materials PPU has 100% adhesion, that is, penetration into the insulated surface. PPU can be sprayed on any surface, thanks to its unique properties it is also used in the space industry.

In addition to the best thermal insulation properties, today, polyurethane foam is the most environmentally friendly (used in the food industry) and safe material. PPU – fireproof material , when ignited, it self-extinguishes and does not contribute to the spread of fire.

Polyurethane foam is an extremely resistant material that contains carbon dioxide in its cells. Unlike soft insulation, PPU does not attract rodents and insects. Soft, weak and low-performance insulation for rodents is what you need.

Read more

Reduces fixed costs

Allows an average reduction of up to 35% on heating and air conditioning

Improves the microclimate

Helps maintain a more comfortable temperature in the house

Increases the life of the building

Increases the life of the building. Protects against corrosion and increases the resource

Order PPU attic insulation and get a free check-out

By clicking “waiting for a call” I give my consent to the processing of personal data. It is not a public offer.

Compare the thermal insulation properties of PU with other materials

Minimum layer – maximum energy efficiency. Polyurethane foam 5 cm thick, equivalent in terms of thermal insulation to a 1. 5 m brick wall

Polyurethane foam 50 mm

2 Ecowool loose 100 mm

Thermal conductivity
0.032–0.041 W/m°C

Thermal insulation
almost 2 times lower than

Styrofoam 130 mm

Thermal conductivity
0.031–0.050 W/m°C

Thermal insulation
almost 2.5 times lower than

Mineral wool 150 mm

Heat conductivity
0.048-0.070 W/m°C

Thermal insulation
almost 3 times lower

Wood 300 mm

Thermal conductivity
0.15 W/m°C

Thermal insulation
6 times lower

Foam concrete 360 ​​mm

Thermal conductivity
0.15 W/m°C

Thermal insulation
6.5 times lower than

Expanded clay concrete 940 mm

Thermal conductivity
0.47 W/m°C

Thermal insulation
19 times lower than

Brick 1520 mm

90 002 Thermal conductivity
0.76 W/m°C

Thermal insulation
30 times lower than

One-piece, no seams or joints

No gaps, no joints, no shrinkage prevents any heat leakage

Nothing extra

No scraps or scraps to go with your money

Complex configuration is not a problem

Spraying allows you to insulate the most inaccessible places in the structure

Cheaper does not mean more profitable . ..

Polyurethane foam is often called an expensive material, we have prepared a comparison table to find out if it is so

Insulation

Characteristics

Price costs

Service life

Total cost

Characteristics

Afraid of water

Afraid of rodents

Joints and cracks

Non-flammable

Breathable

Composition

Rock, basalt, resin s with phenol

Price

335 /m²

Mounting

150 /m²

Add. costs

Adhesive/foam – 70 /m²

Fixings – 20 /m² 02 10-50 years old

Total cost

605 /m²

View characteristics

Characteristics

Lights up

Rodent resistant

Joints and gaps 9000 3

Moisture resistant

Lightweight

Composition

Polystyrene carcinogen, hydrocarbon, dye , plasticizer

Price

250 /m²

Installation

150 /m²

Add. expenses

Glue/foam – 70 /m²

Fixings – 20 /m² :(fungi screws)

Service life

15-60 years

Total cost

490 /m²

9000 2 See specifications

Specifications

Water resistant

Shrinks

Contains boron

Noise insulation

Non-flammable

Composition

Cellulose, boric acid, flame retardant

Price

504 /m²

9 0002 Assembly

– /m²

Add. costs

Insulation – 30 /m²

Service life

20-50 years

Total cost

534 /m²

View specifications

Characteristics

Water resistant

Rodent resistant

Quick assembly

Non-flammable

UV resistant

Composition

Polyester similar to glycerin, flame retardant group

Price

570 /m²

Mounting

– /m²

Add. expenses

No

Service life

30-50 years

Total cost

570 /m²

View specifications

Chemical and bio-resistant

Any adhesive or paint can be applied.