The Complete Guide to Roof Insulation Cost and Savings

Roof insulation is a crucial investment for any homeowner, and understanding the costs involved is essential for making an informed decision. The cost of roof insulation can vary depending on the type and quality of insulation, with prices ranging from $1 to $6 per square foot.

A well-insulated roof can lead to significant energy savings, with homeowners potentially saving up to $700 per year on their heating and cooling bills. This can result in a payback period of just a few years, depending on the insulation type and installation costs.

The type of roof you have will also impact the cost of insulation. For example, insulating a flat roof can be more expensive than insulating a pitched roof, with prices ranging from $3 to $6 per square foot.

For another approach, see: Cost of Home Renovation

The cost of roof insulation can vary widely depending on the type of insulation you choose and the size of your roof. The cost can range from $1,000 to $7,000 for a 1,000 sq.ft. attic, with most people paying between $2,000 and $3,250.

The type of insulation you use will also impact the cost. Fiberglass batts are one of the most affordable options, costing between $0.30 and $1.50 per square foot. Blown-in insulation is another option, costing between $1 and $2 per square foot.

Spray foam insulation is a more expensive option, costing between $0.50 and $2 per square foot. However, it provides excellent insulation and can be a good investment for homes in colder climates.

Radiant barriers are a type of insulation that can be installed on the underside of the roof deck. They're relatively inexpensive, costing between $0.20 and $1 per square foot. However, they don't provide any R-value, and some companies may exaggerate their benefits.

Here's a breakdown of the costs for different types of insulation:

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are another option for insulating your roof, but they're typically more expensive, costing between $10 and $12 per square foot.

Fiberglass batts are the most common type of insulation, and they're relatively inexpensive, with costs ranging from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.

They're also relatively easy to install, but they can be prone to compression over time, which reduces their effectiveness.

Fiberglass batts are typically made from recycled glass and have an R-value of around R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch.

Spray foam insulation, on the other hand, is more expensive, with costs ranging from $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot.

But it provides a tighter seal and can be more effective at reducing heat transfer, with an R-value of around R-6.0 to R-7.0 per inch.

Broaden your view: Roof Insulation R-value

Fiberglass is a popular choice for attic insulation due to its economic value and decent insulating properties. It's made from molten glass shards spun into soft fibers.

The cost of fiberglass insulation for the attic averages $300 to $1,000, and it comes in batts and loose-fill, blown-in insulation. Fiberglass is easy to install and can be installed DIY.

For more insights, see: Insulation for Roof with Attic

Fiberglass is made of thin fibers coated in glass, which trap air and provide insulating properties. This type of insulation is also easy to install, making it a great option for homeowners who want to DIY their attic insulation.

Batts and blown-in are two common types of attic insulation, and fiberglass is a key material used in both. Batts are generally the least expensive method and easiest to DIY, while blown-in insulation can let you get deeper amounts of insulation quickly.

Here's a comparison of the average costs of different types of attic insulation:

Fiberglass batt insulation has an R-value of R13 to R30 and costs $0.15 – $0.60 per sq. ft. This type of insulation is most DIY-friendly and offers improved energy efficiency.

Spray foam insulation is a popular choice for attics and walls, and for good reason. It's available in two types: open cell and closed cell, each with its own unique characteristics.

Open cell spray foam is less dense and is best suited for warmer climates, while closed cell is better for colder climates due to its higher density.

Spray foam insulation is not DIY friendly and requires professional installation for safety reasons. The price of spray foam insulation varies, but you can expect to pay more for this insulation because of the added labor costs.

Spray foam is a liquid insulation that solidifies on contact with the substrate it is installed on, expanding to many times its size. This makes it an excellent choice for insulating hard-to-reach areas around pipes and corners.

Here are some key benefits of spray foam insulation:

The average cost to install spray foam in an attic is $2,500 to $12,000, making it a significant investment. However, its superior insulating power and long-lasting performance make it a worthwhile choice for many homeowners.

Cellulose blown-in insulation is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its high R-value and eco-friendly properties. It's made from recycled materials like newspaper and cardboard, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Cellulose blown-in insulation can fill small cracks and crevices, providing a complete barrier in your attic. This is especially useful for areas with irregular shapes or hard-to-reach spaces.

The cost of cellulose blown-in insulation is around $0.45 to $0.55 per square foot, making it a good value for its high R-value. This is comparable to other types of blown-in insulation, such as rockwool.

One thing to keep in mind is that cellulose blown-in insulation may settle over time, requiring you to drill into the side of your home to fix any cracks that form. However, this is a minor drawback compared to its many benefits.

Here are some key benefits of cellulose blown-in insulation:

Batt insulation is a popular choice among homeowners, and for good reason. It's one of the most DIY-friendly insulation types, making it a great option for those who want to save on labor costs.

Batt insulation is sold in large rolls that can be cut down to fit into tight spaces. The cost of batt insulation varies depending on the material and R-value, ranging from $0.15 to $0.60 per square foot.

One of the benefits of batt insulation is its potential for high R-values, making it a great option for those who want to improve their home's energy efficiency. You can choose from a range of R-values, from R13 to R30.

Here are some key benefits of batt insulation:

It's worth noting that the average cost to install batt insulation in an attic is $500 to $1,500, depending on the size of the area being insulated and the type of insulation used.

Polyisocyanurate Sheets are a popular choice for insulation due to their high R-value of R6.5. This means they can effectively reduce heat transfer and keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Their cost is relatively affordable, ranging from $0.85 to $2.55 per square foot. This makes them a great option for homeowners looking to upgrade their insulation without breaking the bank.

Polyisocyanurate Sheets are also DIY-friendly, making them a great choice for homeowners who want to tackle a project on their own. They're resistant to mold, bacteria, and fungi, which is a big plus for any homeowner.

Here are some key benefits of Polyisocyanurate Sheets at a glance:

Perlite concrete is a great option for insulation, offering an R-value of R1.3 to R6.6.

It's also a cost-effective choice, with prices ranging from $0.30 to $1.40 per sq. ft.

Perlite concrete insulation is fire and wind resistant, making it a safe choice for built-up and single-ply roof systems.

This type of insulation is lightweight yet durable, and it won't deteriorate when exposed to water.

Perlite concrete can be used on its own, but it becomes an even better insulator when combined with polystyrene boards.

Extruded Polystyrene is a non-toxic, recyclable, and inert product that helps homeowners reduce their energy costs and minimize their carbon footprints. It's resistant to water and able to withstand the freezing-thaw cycle, making it a good choice for colder climates.

This type of insulation has a stable R-value of R5, which is a measure of its ability to resist heat flow. It's also 100% recyclable, which is a big plus for eco-conscious homeowners.

Extruded Polystyrene is flammable, so it's not the best option for sunnier climates. However, protective coatings can combat sun damage, making it a viable choice for certain areas.

Here are some key benefits of Extruded Polystyrene insulation:

As with any insulation material, it's essential to consider the specific needs of your home and climate when deciding whether Extruded Polystyrene is the right choice for you.

Insulation is critical to slow down the transfer of heat from the interior of your home to the outside and vice versa.

Proper insulation of your attic and roof can help you save money every month by making your home more energy efficient.

The materials used for roof and attic insulation have low thermal conductivity, which makes it easy to conserve energy.

This resistance to heat flow, known as the R-value, allows your home to maintain your preferred internal temperature.

Here's an interesting read: Roof and Attic Insulation

Sheep wool attic insulation is a unique and eco-friendly option. It's made from real wool, which is renewable and biodegradable.

The cost of sheep wool for attic insulation averages $1,500 to $4,200, which is a significant investment. However, it's a good choice for homeowners who want a natural and sustainable material.

Sheep wool comes in batt form and can be installed DIY. It's also used to fill spaces between joists in the floor and walls.

Here are some key characteristics of sheep wool attic insulation:

Sheep wool has a high insulating value, making it a good choice for homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills.

Cork is a premium insulating material that offers superior insulating values per inch compared to many other materials.

It's worth noting that cork insulation is quite expensive, with costs ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 for an attic installation.

Cork typically comes in rigid boards, which can be used as an additional insulating layer in interior spaces.

One of the main drawbacks of cork insulation is that it's not commonly used in unfinished areas, such as attics before they're finished.

To use cork insulation in the attic, the space must first be finished, making it a less practical option for some homeowners.