How much does attic insulation cost?
Gus Koedding • January 23, 2025
The cost of attic insulation can vary depending on the type of insulation, the size of the attic, and the labor involved. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs:
1. Cost by Insulation Type
Type of Insulation Cost Per Square Foot (Material + Installation)
Blown-in Fiberglass $1.00 - $2.50 Affordable, quick to install, good for most climates.
Blown-in Cellulose $1.20 - $2.80 Denser than fiberglass, better air sealing, eco-friendly.
Fiberglass Batt/Roll Insulation $0.80 - $2.50Easy for DIY, less effective in irregular spaces.
Spray Foam (Open-Cell) $1.50 - $4.90 Best air sealing, higher R-value, more expensive.
Spray Foam (Closed-Cell) $2.90 - $7.50 Highest R-value, moisture resistance, very costly.
Radiant Barrier $0.50 - $2.00 Reflects heat; often combined with other insulation.
Blown-in Fiberglass 1,000 sq. ft. $1,000 - $2,500
Blown-in Cellulose 1,000 sq. ft. $1,200 - $2,800
Spray Foam (Open-Cell) 1,000 sq ft $1,800 - $4,200
Costs include materials and professional installation.
3. Cost for DIY vs. Professional Installation
- DIY Installation (for batts/rolls or rented blowers):
- Materials: $0.50 - $1.50 per sq. ft.
- Equipment rental (blower for cellulose/fiberglass): $50 - $100 per day.
- Professional Installation: Includes labor and expertise, with costs typically 50-100% higher than DIY, but ensures proper coverage and quality and Avista and Inland Power rebate eligibility requires a contractor installation.
4. Factors Affecting Cost
- R-Value Required: Higher R-values (e.g., R-49) require thicker insulation, increasing material costs.
- Attic Accessibility: Difficult-to-reach attics or those with obstructions may increase labor costs.
- Existing Insulation: Adding insulation over old material costs less than removing and replacing it.
- Climate Zone: Colder climates often require more insulation, driving up costs.
5. Regional and National Averages
- National Average: $1,500 - $3,500 for a 1,000 sq. ft. attic.
- Low End: $800 for small attics with fiberglass batts.
- High End: $7,500+ for large attics with closed-cell spray foam.
6. Incentives and Rebates
Check for local rebates or federal tax credits for insulation upgrades. Programs like the Inflation Reduction Act may provide tax credits of up to 30% of costs for energy-efficient upgrades, including insulation.
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Attic mold foggers might sound like a quick-fix miracle in a can—but the truth is, they’re often more smoke than solution. Here’s a straight-up breakdown of the shortcomings of mold foggers when it comes to attic mold : 🚫 1. They Don’t Eliminate the Source Mold grows because of moisture and poor ventilation . Foggers don’t fix: Roof leaks Bathroom fans dumping into the attic Blocked soffits Air leaks from the home into the attic No matter how much fog you pump up there, the mold’s coming back if the conditions stay the same. ⚠️ 2. No Physical Mold Removal Foggers do not scrub, lift, or remove mold colonies . They only coat surfaces. Mold still needs to be: Brushed off Vacuumed with a HEPA system Treated with antimicrobial agents Dead mold spores can still trigger allergies and health issues—so leaving them there isn’t a win. 🪵 3. Poor Penetration on Porous Surfaces Attics are full of raw, porous wood —rafters, sheathing, joists. Foggers often can’t penetrate deep enough into the wood grain where mold roots have taken hold. That means: Spores may survive inside the wood Regrowth is likely, especially in humid climates 🧴 4. Short-Term Fix, No Residual Protection Most over-the-counter foggers don’t leave behind a long-lasting antimicrobial barrier. Unlike encapsulation with mold-killing primers , foggers offer: No surface sealing No moisture resistance No long-term protection 🧯 5. False Sense of Security Because foggers leave a scent and the mold "looks better," homeowners may think the problem is solved—but the underlying issue remains . This delays real remediation and can lead to much worse (and more expensive) problems later. 💸 6. Cost vs. Effectiveness For DIYers, foggers aren’t cheap—and they don’t replace: Proper insulation removal Real mold remediation Ventilation correction So you're spending money to mask the problem rather than fix it. ✅ Bottom Line: Foggers may help with odor control or surface disinfecting, but they’re not a standalone solution for attic mold. Real mold remediation requires: Source control (leaks, ventilation) Physical removal Disinfection with EPA-registered products Sealing with mold-resistant primers Insulation replacement if contaminated
Mold remediation isn't just spraying bleach and walking away. It's a multi-step process that requires proper containment, safety, treatment, and restoration. Here's a deep dive into the phases of mold remediation. 🧰 1. Inspection & Moisture Source Identification What’s involved: Visual attic inspection Moisture readings (IR cameras or moisture meters) Identifying leak sources, venting issues, insulation saturation 🔒 2. Containment & Setup What’s involved: Sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting Creating negative air pressure (HEPA fan) Floor protection and access control 🧼 3. Insulation Removal (if contaminated) What’s involved: Attic vacuum system for blown-in or batt insulation Bagging and disposal of contaminated material 🧪 4. Mold Cleaning & Disinfection What’s involved: Applying EPA-registered products (e.g., Vital Oxide , Benefect, Concrobium) Brushing/scrubbing visible mold HEPA vacuuming all surfaces 🎨 5. Encapsulation What’s involved: Spraying mold-resistant primer/sealant (e.g., Zinsser Perma-White , Fiberlock Aftershock) Covering all exposed wood (rafters, decking, joists) 🌬️ 6. Ventilation Correction & Air Sealing What’s involved: Bathroom fan rerouting to exterior Unclogging soffits Installing baffles Sealing light can penetrations, top plates, pipes 🧱 7. Insulation Reinstallation What’s involved: Installing new blown-in cellulose (often R-49 or greater) Final prep, air sealing touch-ups ⚠️ Notes on Pricing: Emergency jobs (flood/mold after storms) = higher labor rate Crawlspaces or tight attics increase time and hazard pay Licensed mold remediation companies often include limited warranties, which may increase overhead
