This project can cost anywhere from $498 to $4,500, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
On average, installing batt and roll insulation costs $1,852, with most homeowners spending between $1,066 and $2,639.
Your costs may 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.
Remember to consider additional expenses for labor, materials, and potential repairs or site preparation.
Insulating your home can increase your home's 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.
Are you looking to keep your home comfortable year-round while reducing your energy bills? Batt and roll insulation can help you achieve just that. Batt and roll insulation are essentially the same, with the main difference being that batts are cut to specific lengths, while rolls are continuous. Batt insulation typically comes in 15- and 23-inch widths and is cut to standard wall heights, fitting snugly into most cavities in walls, floors, and ceilings between framing.
On average, installing batt and roll insulation costs homeowners around $1,852, with most spending between $1,066 and $2,639. Your total cost will depend on factors like the R-value you choose, your project's location, and the complexity of the installation. By investing in proper insulation, you can enhance your home's comfort and save money on heating and cooling costs.
For a typical insulation project covering about 1,000 square feet, you can expect to spend between $1,050 and $2,800. That's roughly $0.30 to $1.80 per square foot for batt or roll insulation, including both materials and labor. The overall cost depends on several factors, such as the type of insulation you choose (batt or roll), the material it's made from, its thickness, and its R-value. Higher R-values mean better insulation but can also increase the price. Knowing these factors can help you plan your budget effectively.
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.
Here's a breakdown of installation costs by square footage:
Square Feet | Average Installation Cost |
---|---|
100 | $40 – $200 |
500 | $200 – $1,000 |
1,000 | $400 – $2,000 |
2,000 | $800 – $4,000 |
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. You can expect to spend between $0.45 and $1.80 per square foot, depending on the R-value. A higher R-value means slower heat transfer (or loss), leading to better insulation. If you live in a colder climate, you'll generally need higher R-values to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home, and these typically 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 wall—up to R-15. However, using 2-by-6 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.
Here's a breakdown of pricing by R-value:
R-Value | Insulation Thickness in Inches | Average Price Range per Square Foot |
---|---|---|
R-11 | 3.5 | $0.45 – $0.60 |
R-13 – R-15 | 3.5 | $0.60 – $1 |
R-19 – R-21 | 5.5 – 6.25 | $0.90 – $1.25 |
R-30 | 10 – 15 | $1.10 – $1.40 |
R-38 | 12.5 – 15.5 | $1.55 – $1.80 |
Labor costs for installing batt or roll insulation typically range from $575 to $750, with installers charging between $40 and $80 per hour. However, it's important to note that labor costs can vary depending on the complexity of your project. 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 you with the best possible energy savings.
There are a few additional cost factors you should consider when choosing between roll and batt insulation:
Faced or unfaced insulation: If you choose faced insulation, which comes with a paper or foil cover that attaches to the wooden studs or joists and acts as a vapor barrier, expect to add $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot.
Insulation thickness: Most insulation is cut to fill a 3.5-inch depth (standard 2-by-4), a 5.5-inch depth (standard 2-by-6) stud, or up to 10 inches for attics. The thickness you choose will affect the cost.
Installation complexity: You'll pay more for projects that are complex or hard to access, especially if you need to remove drywall to reach certain spaces.
The main difference between batt and roll insulation is that batts are cut to specific widths, heights, and depths to fit between wall studs, matching the common wall heights in homes. Rolls, on the other hand, are one continuous piece that comes in various lengths—typically from 20 to 40 feet—and are best suited for floors, attics, or walls with custom heights. You can choose either type with or without facing.
As a homeowner, it's crucial to know where insulation can make the biggest impact on your home's comfort and energy efficiency. While heat loss often occurs through windows and air gaps, it also travels upward through your floors and ceilings. Properly insulating these areas can significantly reduce energy loss and lower your heating and cooling bills. Here are some key areas in your home where adding insulation can lead to substantial energy savings:
Cathedral ceilings: Insulating these can prevent heat from escaping upwards.
Walls: Proper wall insulation keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Crawl spaces: Insulating crawl spaces can reduce drafts and improve overall comfort.
Around ductwork: Insulating around ducts prevents heat loss as air moves through your HVAC system.
Basements: Insulating basements can make them more comfortable and reduce heat loss.
Floors above cold spaces: Insulating floors above unheated areas helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home.
Did you know that up to 70% of your home's energy use comes from heating and cooling? By properly installing insulation, you can lower your energy costs and enjoy a more comfortable living space. Here are some effective steps you can take to improve your home's insulation:
Assess your existing insulation to determine its quality and whether it needs an upgrade.
Ensure your attic has a minimum R-value of 30 (aim for R-38 or R-40+ if you live in northern states) to maximize energy efficiency.
Make sure your walls have at least an R-value of 15 to keep your home well-insulated.
Seal and insulate your air ducts before covering them with insulation. Repairing any leaks can make your HVAC system more efficient, saving you money on energy bills.
By taking these steps, you'll not only reduce your energy expenses but also enhance the comfort of your home. Remember to consider potential additional costs for site preparation and repairs. You might spend up to $900 on drywall repairs after insulation installation if walls or ceilings need to be accessed.
Batt and roll insulation cost significantly less than spray foam insulation and are about the same price as blown-in insulation. In most homes, you'll use a combination of two or three different types of insulation.
Batt and roll insulation are sized to fit between studs spaced 16 or 24 inches on center. Blown-in insulation is often used in attics and spaces that are otherwise inaccessible. Spray foam, although more expensive, provides superior insulation, seals all cracks, and adds a structural element to your walls.
Here's a quick comparison of insulation costs:
Spray foam insulation costs: $1,300–$4,000 total
Blown-in insulation costs: $900–$2,200 total
Rigid foam insulation costs: $0.25–$1 per board foot
Radiant barrier costs: $700–$3,000 on average
Attic insulation costs: $1,700–$2,000
Installing insulation yourself can save you $575 to $750 in labor fees, and many insulation projects are DIY-friendly. If you're considering tackling batt and roll insulation on your own, it can be a rewarding project. However, keep in mind these important considerations:
Make sure not to compress the insulation, as it relies on the air space to function effectively.
Avoid leaving any air gaps. Insulation works best when heat has to pass through it, not around it.
Always wear protective gear, including long sleeves, gloves, and a respirator or dust mask, when installing insulation materials.
You’ll also need some time to get it done right. Don’t rush insulation. If you don’t have the time or want to avoid the hassle, hire a local insulation installer.
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.
When it comes to vertical installations, batt insulation might be the better choice for your home because it won't settle over time, ensuring consistent insulation levels. On the other hand, blown-in insulation is great for spaces like attics, as it can efficiently fill gaps and cover irregular areas. By using a combination of batt and blown-in insulation, you can address the specific needs of different areas in your home, optimizing energy efficiency throughout.
If you're looking to install R-30 insulation in a 1,000-square-foot open and accessible area, you can expect to pay between $1,100 and $2,300. This price varies depending on the insulation material and labor costs. R-30 insulation offers excellent thermal resistance, enhancing your home's energy efficiency. To get an accurate estimate tailored to your project, consider consulting with a professional insulation installer who can assess your specific needs.
A single roll of insulation typically covers between 40 and 75 square feet, depending on the manufacturer and the type of blanket insulation. Factors like insulation thickness, width, and material can affect the coverage area. Before making a purchase, be sure to check the product specifications to determine how many rolls you'll need for your project. Accurate measurements will ensure you buy the correct amount to effectively insulate your space.
To estimate the amount of insulation you need, start by calculating the total square footage of the area you plan to insulate. Then, consider the insulation thickness required to reach your target R-value. Don't forget to factor in potential waste and any irregular spaces that may require extra material. For a precise assessment and to ensure optimal energy efficiency, you might want to consult an insulation contractor.
If your existing insulation is dry, undamaged, and free of mold, you don't need to remove it before adding new insulation. Adding new insulation over old can enhance thermal performance and improve energy efficiency. However, if the old insulation is wet, moldy, or deteriorated, you should remove it to prevent health issues and ensure the new insulation works effectively. A professional insulation contractor can assess your current insulation and recommend the best course of action.
For batts or boards in an average-sized home, installing insulation generally takes between five and 12 hours. If you're using spray foam or blown-in insulation, the process may take about two to five hours. The exact duration depends on factors like the size of the area, how accessible it is, and whether you need to remove old insulation. Complex projects or hard-to-reach spaces may require additional time. Hiring an experienced insulation professional can ensure the installation is done efficiently and correctly.