Blown Insulation Cost Calculator
R-3.5 (Unfinished Attic Floor)
R-4.0 (Basement Walls)
R-13.0 (Unfinished Basement Walls)
R-19.0 (Crawl Spaces, Interior Walls)
R-30.0 (Attic Floor – Recommended)
R-38.0 (Attic Floor – Recommended)
R-49.0 (Attic Floor – Recommended)
R-60.0 (Attic Floor – High Performance)
Fiberglass – Loose Fill (approx. 1.5 lbs/cu ft)
Cellulose – Loose Fill (approx. 2.5 lbs/cu ft)
Estimated Total Cost
$0.00
Understanding Blown Insulation Costs and Calculations
Choosing the right insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable home environment, reducing energy bills, and increasing property value. Blown-in insulation, also known as loose-fill insulation, is a popular choice for its ability to fill irregular spaces and achieve high R-values efficiently. This calculator helps you estimate the material and labor costs for your blown insulation project.
What is Blown Insulation?
Blown insulation is made from either fiberglass or cellulose fibers. It is installed using specialized blowing machines that deposit the material into cavities like attics, walls, and floors. It's particularly effective for topping up existing insulation or insulating hard-to-reach areas.
Key Factors Influencing Cost
- Area Size: The larger the square footage, the more material and labor required.
- Desired R-Value: R-value measures thermal resistance. Higher R-values mean better insulation but require more material thickness and potentially higher density insulation, increasing cost.
- Type of Insulation: Fiberglass and cellulose have different densities, coverage rates, and costs per bag.
- Coverage per Bag & Bag Weight: These determine how many bags are needed for your specific R-value and area.
- Material Cost: The price of insulation bags varies based on brand, type, and retailer.
- Labor Cost: Professional installation significantly impacts the total price. Labor rates are often quoted per square foot.
- Access and Complexity: Difficult-to-access areas or complex layouts might increase labor time and cost.
How the Calculator Works
This calculator estimates your blown insulation cost based on several inputs:
- Area to Insulate (Square Feet): The total surface area you need to cover.
- Desired R-Value: Your target thermal resistance. The calculator uses approximate R-values per inch for common insulation types.
- Insulation Density: Affects how many pounds of insulation are needed per square foot at a given R-value and thickness.
- Coverage per Bag (Sq Ft @ 1-inch depth): How much area a bag can cover for one inch of thickness. This varies greatly.
- Bag Weight (lbs): The weight of a single bag of insulation.
- Cost per Bag ($): The price you pay for each bag of insulation material.
- Estimated Labor Cost per Square Foot ($): The professional cost for installation.
Calculation Steps:
- Determine Required Thickness: The calculator estimates the required thickness in inches based on the desired R-value and the R-value per inch of the chosen insulation type (using industry averages). For example, R-30 might require approximately 10 inches of fiberglass (at ~R-3/inch) or 6 inches of cellulose (at ~R-5/inch). This is a simplified estimate.
- Calculate Total Volume of Insulation Needed (Cubic Feet): Total Volume = (Area in Sq Ft * Thickness in Inches) / 12
- Calculate Total Weight of Insulation Needed (lbs): Total Weight = Total Volume (Cu Ft) * Insulation Density (lbs/Cu Ft)
- Calculate Number of Bags Required: Number of Bags = Total Weight (lbs) / Bag Weight (lbs) (Alternatively, if coverage per bag is known: Number of Bags = (Area in Sq Ft * Thickness in Inches) / Coverage per Bag (Sq Ft @ 1-inch depth). The calculator prioritizes the latter if inputs are specific enough). The calculator prioritizes coverage and bag weight for a more direct calculation of bags.
- Calculate Total Material Cost: Material Cost = Number of Bags * Cost per Bag
- Calculate Total Labor Cost: Labor Cost = Area in Sq Ft * Labor Rate per Square Foot
- Calculate Total Estimated Cost: Total Cost = Material Cost + Labor Cost
Example: Let's say you want to insulate 1000 sq ft to R-30, using cellulose insulation with a density of 2.5 lbs/cu ft. Each bag weighs 30 lbs, costs $45, and covers 50 sq ft at a 1-inch depth. Labor is $1.50/sq ft.
* Approximate thickness for R-30 cellulose (using ~5 R-value per inch): 30 / 5 = 6 inches.
* Bags needed = (1000 sq ft * 6 inches) / 50 sq ft/inch = 120 bags.
* Material Cost = 120 bags * $45/bag = $5,400.
* Labor Cost = 1000 sq ft * $1.50/sq ft = $1,500.
* Total Estimated Cost = $5,400 + $1,500 = $6,900.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate. Actual costs may vary based on specific product performance, installer quotes, and regional pricing. Always consult with professional insulation contractors for accurate quotes.