Insulating your attic is one of the key things you need to consider while building a new home. However, it’s not too late for homeowners to add insulation to their houses, no matter how long the building has been standing. Insulating your attic can save you a lot of money on the cost of energy. It all boils down to how effective the insulation type is and the method used by Austin’s Top Insulation Contractor.
Another reason to consider attic insulation is if you’re turning your attic into a living space. Whether it’s an extra room, a playhouse for kids, a library, or anything else, you need to insulate it just like other home areas.
Following the law of thermodynamics, energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can be transferred from one form to another. You don’t want all that valuable energy leaving your house for elsewhere. This is why the regulatory function of attic insulation cannot be overemphasized.
The General Costs of Attic Insulation
If you’re already considering attic insulation like we believe you are, you may wonder how much it costs to set it up. On average, attic insulation can cost as little as $500 and $4,000. Those who prefer to measure in square feet averaged between $1 and $7 per square foot. This is just the general cost. To get the exact amount that insulating your attic will cost, there are some factors you need to consider. Some of these factors include;
Who Will Install The Insulation?
Undoubtedly, attic insulation can be installed by individuals who wish to do it themselves. However, it is always better to hire a professional, especially if you have very little knowledge about attic insulation. If you want to do it yourself, you’d only need to worry about the cost of the insulation materials.
What Insulation Type Are You Considering?
There are different types of insulation. Some are loose-fill, spray foam, batts, structural panels, etc. Loose-fill and batt types of insulation can be installed as a DIY project, costing less. Most times, it is less than $3000. However, some complex ones, like spray foam and structural panels, will require the help of a professional. They are usually the most expensive to fix as well. They can cost as much as $4000 or $7 per square foot.
What Materials Will Be Used For Your Attic Insulation
This is another major factor that factors into attic insulation costs. Depending on the materials, you could spend very little or way more than expected. Some attic insulation materials are;
- Blown-in Fiberglass: This type of insulation is usually very dense. However, it is mainly used to cover small areas. It scores an estimated R-value of $3.5. Its cost is as low as $1 per square foot.
- Blown-in Cellulose: This type is mainly made of wood or paper materials. It is one of the most commonly used materials for insulating attics. Although it can last a long time, it can be very selective.
- Batts: This is the insulation that many people today are familiar with. It can be fiberglass or rock wool, but it is usually long and interwoven. Batts attic insulation costs $4 per square foot at most to install.
- Spray Foam: this insulation is of two types. Open cell and closed cell insulation. While most people will choose an open cell because it costs less, a closed-cell will give you more returns on your investment.
- Rock wool: this is one of the most resistant insulation materials. Apart from its resistance to fire, it is also very resistant to mold, water, and other forces. Most of the time, it’s used to top up originally installed insulation. It can cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
- Structural insulated panel: this is considered the most expensive attic insulation. It’s estimated to cost between $3,500 and $4,000. It is usually installed by professionals and can last a very long time.
Other factors that could affect the cost of your attic insulation are the accessibility of your attic if it’s your first installation or whether you’ll be topping up the existing insulation or removing it for a new one. Additional costs could also surface. For instance, you may need the electrician to adjust your wiring a little. You may also need to carry out some repairs in your attic before installing the new insulation.
Many people consider attic insulation to be expensive. However, it depends on the choices you make during the installation process. It’s best to consult standard contractors before making major attic insulation decisions. You could suffer the consequences for a long time if anything goes wrong.
