How Much Does Attic Insulation Cost in 2025?
Installing attic insulation costs an average of $2,100
On average, attic insulation costs between $1,700 and $2,500, with most homeowners spending an average of $2,100.
The per-square-foot cost of insulation ranges from $1 to $3.
Location, attic size, and insulation type can significantly affect the total project cost.
Quality insulation enhances energy efficiency, reduces utility bills, and boosts year-round home comfort.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Average attic insulation costs run between $1,700 and $2,500, or $1 to $3 per square foot. Your final price depends on how big the space is, which type of insulation you choose, and installation labor. A thoughtful budget—and a qualified pro—helps you get the best return in lower energy bills and year-round comfort.
Attic Insulation Cost Factors
How much you’ll spend on insulating your attic depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at how your total breaks down.
Attic Size
Attic insulation costs between $1 and $3 per square foot, but this can vary based on factors like how easily you can access your attic and whether you need to hire an electrician to check your wiring. Here’s what you can expect to pay based on your attic's size:
| Attic Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 300 | $300–$900 |
| 500 | $500–$1,500 |
| 800 | $800–$2,400 |
| 1,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 1,500 | $1,500–$4,500 |
Labor
Labor costs for installing attic insulation vary based on your location, the complexity of the project, and the type of insulation you choose. You can expect to pay between $1.50 and $3 per square foot for labor alone, averaging $1,000 to $3,000 for a standard attic.
Keep in mind that some insulation types, like spray foam, require special training and certification to install and can increase labor costs.
Insulation Type
The type of insulation you choose significantly impacts your total project cost. Options range from budget-friendly reflective insulation, ideal for older attics, to high-end structural insulated panels that offer excellent energy efficiency for new constructions.
| Insulation Type | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Reflective | $0.50–$2 |
| Blown-in | $1–$4 |
| Batt | $2–$4 |
| Spray foam | $2–$5 |
| Loose-fill | $2–$5 |
| Structural insulated panel | $4–$7 |
Reflective Insulation
Reflective insulation is a shiny layer of aluminum foil that can supplement other types of insulation, such as rigid foam, plastic film, or polyethylene bubbles. It costs $0.50 to $2 per square foot. Most insulation types block heat escaping out of the home, but reflective options also block heat gain, which helps lower cooling costs in the summer.
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation costs $2 to $4 per square foot and is one of the least expensive methods because the materials are inexpensive and installation takes less time. Pros use a blowing machine to fill the space with tiny chunks of cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool fiber.
Batt Insulation
Batt insulation costs $2 to $4 per square foot and consists of long fiber rolls held together with a paper or reflective foil backing. Materials include fiberglass, cellulose, or even old blue jeans. While this style works well for expansive spaces, it doesn’t fill tight spaces well.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation sticks to any surface, so your installer can apply it anywhere in the room. The cost for spray foam insulation is $2 to $5 per square foot, and this type of insulation has a couple of options:
Open-cell: Less costly, but doesn’t block moisture
Closed-cell: Denser and provides a better vapor barrier
Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill attic insulation costs $2 to $5 per square foot and is similar to blown-in insulation, except pros drop the material in place instead of blowing it. Loose-fill insulation often has a fluffy texture and is grayish-white in color.
However, if you currently have loose-fill insulation that resembles small gravel, it may contain asbestos, which can cause long-term health problems if you disturb it. Some states and municipalities require that only accredited asbestos mitigation pros near you remove the old insulation, so you’ll need to check your local laws.
Structural Insulated Panel
Structural insulated panels are the most expensive because they’re extremely strong and energy-efficient. They cost $4 to $7 per square foot and are layered pieces of rigid foam insulation attached to oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood. Since they’re much larger than other types—averaging 4-by-8-feet or bigger—they’re best for new construction.
R-Value
R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow—the higher the R-value, the better the insulation's effectiveness. Materials with higher R-values tend to cost more. For example, blown-in insulation averages $1 to $4 per square foot and has a lower R-value, while structural insulated panels average $4 to $7 per square foot and offer a higher R-value.
The recommended R-value for your attic depends on where you live and the climate in that location. Keep in mind that recommended R-values will also vary for different locations throughout your home. For example, your walls might only require R-30, while your attic requires R-60.
Additional Cost Factors
When planning your budget, consider additional factors beyond the insulation material and the size of your attic that can affect the overall cost.
Amount of Insulation Needed
If your attic is currently insulated and in good shape, a pro can simply add to it to bring the amount of insulation up to code. Batts, blown-in, or loose-fill insulation would all be good options in this case. But if your attic has little or no insulation or if insulation removal is needed, you’ll need to add significantly more.
New insulation can sometimes be added right on top of old insulation, but only if the old insulation is still in good condition. If the old insulation isn’t in great shape, then you’ll need to pay someone to remove it or remove it yourself. Hiring an insulator to remove it costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot, so you’ll want to factor that price into your project budget if needed.
Air Sealing
Air sealing is a process that involves closing any gaps in the exterior walls, which helps to block moisture and avoid drafts. It costs an average of $250 to $750. Since it requires removing all the insulation to find air leaks, pros tackle this step before installing new material. Air sealing is a great way to keep your insulation in good shape for years.
Budgeting for Attic Insulation
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your attic insulation project more budget-friendly:
Schedule your job during the off-season: Insulation pros are less busy in the spring months, which could lead to discounts and better availability.
Research rebates in your area: There are an increasing number of rebates and incentives for homeowners who are making their living spaces more energy efficient, including improving insulation. Contact your utility company and research local government incentives that could reduce your costs.
Obtain multiple quotes: Contact at least three insulation pros for detailed quotes for your project to ensure competitive pricing.
DIY vs. Hiring an Insulation Pro
For most attic insulation projects, hiring a local attic insulation company is the safest and most effective choice. While adding some insulation materials might seem straightforward, a pro can assess your existing insulation and determine the proper amount to add.
Removing old insulation often requires special training and equipment, especially for types like blown-in or loose-fill insulation. Additionally, older materials may contain hazardous substances like asbestos, which should only be handled by trained professionals.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best attic insulation depends on where you live, the project stage, and your budget. New builds often benefit from structural insulated panels for top-tier efficiency, while homes in very warm regions can see big cooling savings with reflective insulation. Blown-in, loose-fill, and spray foam all excel at filling odd spaces in finished attics. Talk with a certified local pro to match the material to your climate, space, and wallet.
You’ll only need a licensed electrician if the project calls for moving existing wiring or adding new fixtures. For straightforward insulation jobs, your insulation installer can work around current cables. That said, never start insulating until a pro has checked any questionable wiring. If you suspect damaged or outdated circuits, book an electrician first to keep the project—and your home—safe and code-compliant.
Without air sealing, even the best insulation can underperform. Gaps let heated or cooled air leak out, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and driving up energy bills. Sealing those cracks before adding insulation locks in conditioned air, keeps moisture at bay, and helps the new material hit its full R-value. Ask your insulation pro to tackle sealing first so you enjoy consistent comfort and lower monthly costs.
Among readily available options, structural insulated panels and rigid foam boards top the charts with R-values that can reach 8.0. They’re ideal for new construction or very cold climates where maximum thermal resistance matters most. If you live in a milder zone, blown-in or loose-fill insulation may deliver plenty of performance at a lower price. Weigh the upfront cost against energy savings—and lean on a local pro’s guidance—to pick the smartest fit.
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