How Much Does a Roll of Insulation Cost to Install in 2025?
Batt and roll insulation costs an average of $1,853
On average, installing a roll of insulation costs $1,853, with most projects averaging $1,067 to $2,639.
Your costs will vary based on factors like R-value, insulation thickness, project size, and installation complexity.
Properly installed insulation enhances your home's energy efficiency and comfort while lowering heating and cooling costs.
Insulating your home can increase its value, reduce energy bills, and improve environmental sustainability.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing a roll of insulation costs an average of $1,853, with average projects falling between $1,067 and $2,639. This works out to $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot. Set aside funds for labor, materials, and the insulation’s R-value.
Higher R-values mean better insulation, but can also increase the price. Knowing these factors can help you plan your budget effectively. A qualified pro will install the insulation correctly, cut energy costs, and make your home more comfortable.
Roll of Insulation Cost Factors
How much you’ll spend on installing batt and roll insulation depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at what impacts your total.
Faced or unfaced insulation: If you choose faced insulation, a paper or foil cover attaches to the studs and acts as a vapor barrier.
Insulation thickness: Most insulation is cut to fill a 3.5-inch depth, a 5.5-inch depth, or up to 10 inches for attics. Thickness affects cost.
Installation complexity: You’ll pay more for projects that are complex or hard to access, especially if drywall must be removed to reach certain spaces.
Insulation Format
The main difference between batts and rolls is that batts are precut to fit between standard studs, while rolls are continuous and come in standard lengths of 20 to 40 feet. Rolls are best for floors, attics, or custom-height walls. Both can be faced or unfaced.
Labor
Labor costs for installing batt or roll insulation range from $575 to $750, with installers charging between $40 and $80 per hour. Labor rates rise as projects get larger or harder to access.
Larger or more intricate installations might cost $1,500 or more because they require more time and expertise. Hiring a professional ensures that your insulation is installed correctly, maximizing its effectiveness and providing the best possible energy savings.
Material
Blanket insulation, available as batts or rolls, consists of flexible fibers like fiberglass, which is the most common insulation material. Fiberglass is made from long strands of flexible glass fibers and comes in low-, medium-, and high-density options. You can also find blanket insulation made from wool, plastic, and organic fibers like cotton.
Square Footage
The size of the area you’re insulating plays a part in determining your total cost.
| Square Footage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $40–$200 |
| 500 | $200–$1,000 |
| 1,000 | $400–$2,000 |
| 2,000 | $800–$4,000 |
R-Value
The price of insulation also changes depending on the R-value, which measures how long it takes for heat to flow from one side of the insulation to the other. A higher R-value means slower heat transfer (or loss), leading to better insulation. If you live in a colder climate, you'll need higher R-values to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home, and these often cost more.
The most common R-value for batt and roll insulation ranges between R-3 and R-4 per inch of thickness. Depending on the insulation’s thickness, the R-value can go up to 60. Batt and roll insulation is thicker, which limits how much can fit into a standard 2-by-4-foot wall, up to R-15. However, using 2-by-6-foot framed construction methods is becoming more popular, as it spaces studs further apart and provides more depth for insulation, allowing for up to R-21.
Batt and Roll Insulation vs. Other Options
Batt and roll insulation costs less than spray foam and is about the same price as blown-in insulation. Most homes use a combination of insulation types:
Spray foam insulation: $1–$2 per square foot
Blown‑in insulation: $975–$2,200 total
Rigid foam insulation: $0.25–$2 per board foot
Radiant barrier: $0.10–$0.95 per square foot ($1,700 on average)
Attic insulation: $1,500–$6,000
Where to Use Insulation
Heat doesn’t just slip out windows—it also rises through ceilings and floors. Proper insulation can reduce energy loss and lower your utility bills. Key areas to insulate:
Cathedral ceilings: Prevent heat from escaping upwards.
Walls: Keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Crawl spaces: Reduce drafts and improve comfort.
Around ductwork: Prevent heat loss as air moves through your HVAC system.
Basements: Make them more comfortable and reduce heat loss.
Floors above cold spaces: Maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home.
Additional Insulation Considerations
Good insulation slashes energy bills and boosts comfort. Keep these tips in mind:
Assess existing insulation quality and upgrade if needed.
Ensure your attic has at least R-30 (aim for R-38+ in northern climates).
Make sure walls have at least R-15.
Seal and insulate air ducts before covering them. Repair any leaks to improve HVAC efficiency.
Consider potential drywall repair costs—up to $900—if walls or ceilings need to be reopened.
Budgeting for Batt and Roll Installation
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your insulation project more wallet-friendly:
Ask your insulation pro if you can add new insulation on top of existing insulation. While this isn’t always possible, depending on the type and your specific situation, it can lead to savings.
Insulate your basement walls. This is the most affordable area to install insulation.
Get detailed quotes from at least three local insulation installers to ensure competitive pricing.
DIY vs. Hiring a Batt and Roll Installer
DIY installation can shave $575 to $750 off your total, but keep these points in mind:
Don’t compress the insulation; it relies on trapped air to insulate effectively.
Avoid air gaps; insulation works best when heat passes through it, not around it.
Wear protective gear: long sleeves, gloves, and a respirator or dust mask.
While a DIY insulation project may seem like an affordable option, incorrect installation can lead to costly mistakes and repairs in the future. Hire a local pro to ensure your insulation is installed correctly.
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. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project 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
Batt insulation excels in vertical installations because it remains firmly in place and delivers consistent thermal performance. Blown-in insulation performs exceptionally in spaces such as attics, efficiently filling gaps in irregular areas.
Employing both insulation types according to their strengths enhances your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort by providing a tailored solution for every space.
Start by measuring the square footage of the space, then match that area with the insulation thickness you need to hit your target R-value. Add a buffer for waste and odd-shaped spots so every cavity is covered.
Once you have a rough count, run it past a local insulation pro—their on-site advice will fine-tune the numbers and help you avoid costly miscalculations.
Old insulation that is dry, intact, and mold-free does not require removal before adding new insulation; stacking new insulation over it maintains effective thermal performance and boosts energy efficiency.
If the insulation is damp, moldy, or deteriorated, removal is necessary to eliminate health risks and ensure maximum effectiveness of the new layer. A professional insulation contractor will assess your situation and recommend the most effective solution.
Installing insulation in an average-sized home using batts or boards requires five to 12 hours. Using spray foam or blown-in insulation requires two to five hours. These timeframes are determined by the area’s size, accessibility, and whether old insulation must be removed.
Complex projects and hard-to-reach spaces demand extra time. Hiring an experienced insulation professional ensures that the installation is completed efficiently and correctly.
Insulation is measured by R-value, which defines how effectively it resists heat flow. A higher R-value provides superior thermal resistance, ensuring your home remains warm in winter and cool in summer.
Choosing the correct R-value is essential for maximizing energy efficiency and comfort, and it directly impacts long-term utility savings. Professional guidance determines the optimal R-value for your specific climate.
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