summary: the average cost to install blown-in insulation ranges from $0.60 to $2.50 per square foot. the total expense varies based on factors like material choice, attic size, and complexity of installation, with typical project costs falling between $1,500 and $4,500.
how much does it cost to blow insulation – understanding per square foot price estimation
disclaimer: all insulation prices mentioned here are industry estimates based on florida market averages. actual costs may vary depending on material choice, home size, accessibility, removal requirements, and local labor rates. for the most accurate quote, request a professional on-site assessment or insulation audit.
overall, blown-in insulation cost varies from $0.60–$2.50 per sq. ft. however, the average cost to blow insulation depends on several factors, material type, project complexity and layout, existing insulation condition, and regional labor rates.
for example, on a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, homeowners typically spend between $1,200 and $2,500 for fiberglass blown-in insulation, or $1,800 to $3,000 for cellulose.
prices fluctuate based on r-value targets, depth of coverage, and whether the project involves new installation or a top-up over old insulation. attic architecture plays a role too, steep roof pitches, complex ductwork, and structural obstructions add to the labor intensity and can increase costs by 15-25%.
for example, low-clearance attics require specialized equipment for vacuum-out, decontamination, or restoration.
moisture-damaged insulation or rodent contamination will further elevate removal and restoration costs.
Stop Guessing the Cost — Let TLS Insulation Do the Math for You!
Don’t waste hours estimating attic insulation prices. Get a free, no-obligation consultation with our certified Florida insulation experts.
- Free, no-obligation insulation consultation.
- Get your real-time attic insulation cost — no math, no stress.
- Expert estimate based on your attic, size, and material.
blow in insulation cost breakdown – which insulation material suits you best
the cost of blown-in insulation depends on the material type, attic size, and regional factors. fiberglass insulation typically costs $0.50–$2 per square foot, while cellulose can range from $0.60–$2.30 per square foot. mineral wool (rock wool) insulation, known for its fire-resistance and soundproofing properties, is priced at $1.00–$2.50 per square foot.
insulation types, costs & r-values
| insulation type | average cost per sq ft | r-value per inch | typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| fiberglass | $0.50–$2 | r-2.5 to r-4.0 | attics, walls, floors |
| cellulose | $0.60–$2.30 | r-3.2 | attics, dense-pack |
| mineral wool (rock wool) | $1.00–$2.50 | r-3.7 | attics, walls |
fiberglass insulation
fiberglass insulation is composed of fine glass fibers, offering a popular and cost-effective solution for attic insulation. considering blown-in insulation cost per sq ft, fiberglass typically ranges from $0.50 to $2.00, making it an affordable option for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency. homeowners can expect spending over $2000+ for a 1000 sq ft attic.
in the humid florida climate, fiberglass performs well in attic spaces by reducing the amount of heat entering from the outside, keeping cooling costs lower. the material works effectively as it provides an r-value between r-2.5 to r-4.0 per inch. in florida, the recommended thickness for blown-in attic insulation is around 12 inches to achieve the ideal r-38, which aligns with the florida building code for attic insulation.
for homes in areas like miami and orlando, where humidity is high, fiberglass insulation effectively reduces heat transfer and moisture buildup, improving comfort.
best use cases:
- ideal for attic spaces in warmer florida climates such as tampa, west palm beach, and fort lauderdale, where moisture resistance is a concern.
- effective for areas with moderate to low humidity, where temperature control is a priority.
recommended thickness:
- blown-in attic insulation: typically 12 inches to achieve r-38, optimal for energy savings.
- wall insulation: around 3.5 inches for r-13, ideal for interior walls.
cellulose insulation
cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly, cost-effective choice for homeowners looking to reduce energy costs. it’s made from recycled paper products and offers an r-value of r-3.2 to r-3.8 per inch. for blown-in cellulose insulation, expect to pay between $0.80 and $2.50 per sq ft, with total project costs for a 1,000 sq ft attic ranging from $800 to $2,500, depending on the material and complexity of the job.
cellulose excels in humid climates like florida, providing excellent moisture resistance. it absorbs excess moisture, helping to prevent condensation and improving indoor air quality. this makes it an ideal choice for attics where energy savings and moisture control are critical.
while cellulose offers a strong balance of performance and sustainability, it requires a professional blower for proper installation. this ensures comprehensive coverage, preventing gaps that could compromise insulation effectiveness.
best use cases:
- attics and walls in moisture-prone areas where temperature control is key.
- crawl spaces needing moisture control and air sealing.
recommended thickness:
- blown-in attic insulation: 12–14 inches for r-38.
- wall insulation: 3.5–4 inches for r-13.
mineral wool (rock wool) insulation
mineral wool, or rock wool, is a high-performance insulation made from natural rocks or slag. known for its r-value of r-3.7 per inch, mineral wool provides exceptional thermal resistance, fire safety, and moisture control. typically, blown-in mineral wool insulation costs between $1.40 and $2.10 per sq ft, which can bring total project costs for a 1,000 sq ft attic to between $1,000 and $2,500.
in florida’s humid climate, mineral wool is ideal for attic spaces and basements, as its moisture-resistant properties help to regulate temperature and reduce mold growth. additionally, its soundproofing capabilities make it perfect for homes in areas like miami and orlando, where noise reduction is a priority.
although mineral wool insulation tends to be more expensive compared to fiberglass or cellulose, its ability to enhance both energy efficiency and indoor air quality, especially in moisture-prone areas, makes it a wise investment for long-term home comfort.
best use cases:
- attics, walls, and basements in high-humidity environments like fort lauderdale, tampa, or naples.
- soundproofing for homes near busy areas or high-traffic zones, such as downtown areas.
recommended thickness:
- blown-in attic insulation: typically 12–16 inches to reach r-38 to r-49 for maximum insulation effectiveness.
Stop Guessing the Cost — Let TLS Insulation Do the Math for You!
Don’t waste hours estimating attic insulation prices. Get a free, no-obligation consultation with our certified Florida insulation experts.
- Free, no-obligation insulation consultation.
- Get your real-time attic insulation cost — no math, no stress.
- Expert estimate based on your attic, size, and material.
blown-in insulation cost breakdown by area and depth
| area | avg cost per sq ft | recommended depth | best material type | typical r-value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| attic | $1.00–$2.00 | 12–18 inches | fiberglass, cellulose | r-38 to r-49 |
| walls | $0.70–$3.60 | 3.5–5 inches | fiberglass, cellulose | r-13 to r-21 |
| crawl spaces | $1.00–$2.50 | 12–14 inches | fiberglass | r-38 |
| basements | $1.00–$2.50 | 12–18 inches | fiberglass, cellulose | r-38 |
attic blown in insulation cost
blown-in insulation cost per sq ft for attics typically ranges from $1.00–$2.00, with fiberglass being the most cost-effective. when achieving r-38 to r-49, expect higher costs with spray foam due to its superior air-sealing properties. but as a fact, blown-in insulation in the attic is one of the most common applications due to its high impact on energy savings.
with r-38 to r-49 as the typical r-value range, it’s ideal for maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and preventing heat transfer. in florida, this helps reduce cooling costs, particularly in attics that are susceptible to extreme heat. a 12–18 inches depth ensures maximum coverage, preventing air leaks and moisture build-up.
key considerations:
- attic access and clearance can influence installation costs—hard-to-reach spaces increase labor time.
- moisture management (important in humid areas) should be considered during installation.
blown in wall insulation cost
blown-in insulation in walls offers improved thermal resistance and soundproofing, making it an ideal solution for interior walls in homes. for wall cavities, r-13 to r-21 is standard, with fiberglass and cellulose being the most common materials used.
the cost to blow insulation in walls typically ranges from $0.70 to $3.60 per square foot, depending on material choice and wall accessibility. fiberglass and cellulose provide efficient coverage, while spray foam can increase costs significantly due to its higher r-value.
key considerations:
- access holes or wall cavity size influence labor and material costs, larger walls or hard-to-reach spots significantly increase overall costs.
- soundproofing can be enhanced by cellulose, making it a good option for homes in noisy areas.
- ventilation is crucial in humid areas to prevent moisture from getting trapped in the walls.
- retrofitting older walls with blown-in insulation may require specialized equipment.
blow in insulation for crawl spaces
crawl spaces often need insulation for temperature regulation and moisture control, particularly in florida’s humid climate. blown-in insulation in crawl spaces ensures that moisture doesn’t enter the home, while providing an r-value of r-38 for optimal temperature control.
the cost of blown-in insulation for crawl spaces is similar to attic insulation, typically ranging from $1.00–$2.50 per square foot. fiberglass is cost-effective but may require extra care to avoid moisture-related issues. access points in crawl spaces are often narrow, which may drive labor costs up.
key considerations:
- moisture protection is critical in crawl spaces, requiring vapor barriers or spray foam.
- proper ventilation in the crawl space is necessary to prevent humidity-related issues.
- installation complexity can increase costs due to hard-to-reach spaces.
blown-in insulation for basements
for homes with unfinished basements, blown-in insulation is often used to insulate walls and floors, especially in high-humidity regions. typically, an r-value of r-38 is targeted, with fiberglass and cellulose being the most cost-effective materials.
the cost of blown-in insulation for basements typically ranges from $1.00–$2.50 per square foot. typically, basement insulation is more labor-intensive due to the need to work around pipes, wires, and foundation structures. thus, it comparatively raises the cost to blow insulation.
key considerations:
- moisture resistance is crucial for basement insulation in damp conditions.
- labor-intensive installations can increase overall costs due to the complexity of working around foundation elements.
- r-value should meet or exceed local requirements to ensure efficient performance in the basement.
how labor costs, regional price variations, and additional expenses affects blown-in insulation cost
| factor | typical impact on price | why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| labor & access difficulty | +$0.50 – $1.00 / sq ft | tight attics, limited access hatches, or obstacles slow the crew and increase work hours. |
| regional market rates | ±10 – 20 % | high-cost metro areas have pricier labor and insurance; rural jobs add travel time. |
| removal or cleanup work | +$0.40 – $1.00 / sq ft | vacuuming old insulation or preparing for air-sealing adds labor and debris-handling costs. |
| add-ons & finishing details | +15 – 25 % overall | vent baffles, attic hatch sealing, and air-sealing prep improve efficiency but extend project time. |
labor & equipment setup
labor is the single biggest cost variable. in a typical attic blown-in insulation job, a crew can install about 1,000–1,200 sq ft per hour in open spaces. tight truss layouts or attic hatches reduce productivity, adding about $0.30–$0.60 per sq ft in labor.
high-density materials like cellulose or mineral wool require stronger blowers, increasing both equipment wear and power usage.
regional price variation
material freight and wage rates shift regionally. a whole-home insulation cost in high-labor markets like california or new york can be 15–25 % higher than the same project in the southeast or midwest. contractors also factor in fuel surcharges and local permit fees, which vary by municipality.
add-ons & preparatory work
professional installers often include air-sealing, baffles, and attic hatch sealing as value-add steps. though they m1520ay raise the average cost of blown-in insulation, these upgrades cut heat loss and humidity issues, boosting roi over time.
containment setup and hepa vacuum cleanup also meet epa best-practice standards for dust control during installation.
diy vs professional blown-in insulation cost
diy installation may appear cheaper, typically $0.80 – $1.50 per sq ft using a rental blower and store-bought fiberglass or cellulose, but hidden costs add up fast. rental machines often lack consistent pressure, leading to uneven coverage, missed air-sealing, and lower effective r-value.
professional attic blown-in insulation crews charge $1.80 – $3.50 per sq ft, yet include air-sealing prep, depth verification, and disposal compliance.
| option | pros | cons |
|---|---|---|
| diy |
– lower upfront cost – flexible scheduling – control over materials |
– uneven coverage – risk of missed air-sealing – no warranty – potential dust exposure – no professional r-value verification |
| professional |
– code-compliant installation – air-sealing prep included – faster, accurate application – workmanship warranty – long-term energy savings – verified insulation depth |
– higher initial cost – labor & equipment fees – less control over scheduling & material choices |
frequently asked questions (faqs)
how much does blown-in insulation cost per square foot?
blown-in insulation typically ranges from $1.00 to $2.80 per square foot, depending on the material (fiberglass, cellulose, or rock wool), r-value, and installation complexity.
is blown-in insulation suitable for attic spaces?
yes, blown-in insulation is ideal for attics as it effectively fills gaps and contours, providing consistent coverage. it’s particularly beneficial in areas like florida, where attic blown-in insulation helps combat heat and humidity.
how does diy installation compare to professional installation?
diy installation can save on labor costs but may lead to uneven coverage and potential safety hazards. professional insulation installers ensure proper application, air-sealing, and compliance with local codes, leading to better long-term performance.
can i install cellulose insulation without a blower machine?
no, cellulose insulation is compressively packaged and requires a blower machine for proper installation. attempting to install it without the proper equipment can lead to ineffective insulation and potential damage.
