How Much Does It Cost to Insulate an Attic in 2025?
The average cost for attic insulation is $2,100, with prices ranging between $1,700 and $2,500.
Insulation costs $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on material and attic size.
Key cost factors include location, attic size, insulation type, and R-value.
Proper insulation improves energy efficiency and reduces energy bills.
Hiring a pro for attic insulation ensures correct installation, safe handling of materials, and potential asbestos removal.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Insulating your attic costs an average of $2,100, with most homeowners paying between $1,700 and $2,500, or $1 to $3 per square foot. Factors like your location, attic size, and the insulation type you choose will affect the total cost. Proper attic insulation can improve your home's energy efficiency, reduce your utility bills, and enhance indoor comfort—making it a smart investment.
Attic Insulation per Square Foot
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 near you to check your wiring. Here’s what you can expect to pay based on your attic's size:
| Attic by Square Foot | Average Price Range for Insulation |
|---|---|
| 500 | $500 – $1,500 |
| 700 | $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. Keep in mind that some insulation types, like spray foam, require special training and certification to install and can increase labor costs—sometimes up to $800 or more, excluding materials.
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.
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 Price Range per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| 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 about $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 around $1 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 around $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 around $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 around $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 to 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 around $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. Generally, materials with higher R-values 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. Choosing the right R-value for your attic depends on your climate and energy efficiency goals.
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.
Amount of Insulation
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 the insulation removal is needed, you’ll need to add significantly more.
Attic Cleaning and Prep
Attic cleaning costs around $100 to $300 on top of the insulation price. This service includes a basic cleanup of the space to prepare for installation. If you want junk removal or organization, you’ll pay more.
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 approximately $250 to $750. Since it requires removing all the insulation to find air leaks, pros usually do it before installing new material. Air sealing is a great way to keep your insulation in good shape for years.
DIY vs. Hiring a 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 type of insulation for your attic depends on your climate, budget, and whether your attic is new construction or an existing space. For example, structural insulated panels are ideal for new builds and offer excellent energy efficiency. In warmer climates, reflective insulation can reduce cooling costs, while blown-in, loose-fill, and spray foam insulation are great options for filling irregular spaces in existing attics. It's important to consult with a local attic insulation prol to determine which insulation type best suits your specific needs.
Absolutely. Insulating your attic reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, leading to lower energy bills and a more comfortable home year-round. It can also increase your home's resale value, as energy efficiency is a desirable feature for buyers. Investing in attic insulation is a smart way to improve your home's efficiency and comfort.
Yes, you can usually add more insulation to your attic over the existing material to improve its effectiveness. If your current insulation is dry and in good condition, adding layers can enhance thermal resistance. However, if the existing insulation is wet, moldy, or damaged, it should be removed and replaced to prevent health issues and ensure proper insulation performance. It's important to have a professional assess your attic insulation to determine the best course of action.
Insulating an attic can take anywhere from five hours to two days. The project length depends on the insulation material you choose, for example, spray foam insulation takes about one to two days to install. Another factor is if you need to remove old insulation before adding in new insulation.
Yes, you can over-insulate an attic, although this isn’t as common as under-insulating your home. Too much insulation can lead to inadequate ventilation, blocked vents, and poor air circulation, resulting in mold or trapping in heat. To avoid these issues, contact your local insulation professional about finding the right R-value for your home.
You typically do not need to hire an electrician for standard attic insulation projects if you're simply adding or replacing insulation. However, if your insulation work involves moving electrical wiring, installing new fixtures, or addressing any electrical issues, you will need to hire a licensed electrician. It's important to ensure that all wiring is properly handled to prevent safety hazards and comply with building codes. If you suspect any problems with your attic's electrical system, consult a local electrician before proceeding with insulation.
