Is blown in insulation expensive?

Author: Mrs. Kenya Reynolds  |  Last update: Sunday, June 22, 2025

Without an airtight seal, most blown-in products should not cost more than $3.50 per square foot. The addition of an air-seal can raise the price as high as $4 per square foot.

Is blown-in insulation worth the money?

If you're looking for a solution to enhance your home's comfort and energy efficiency, blown-in insulation offers a reliable and cost-effective option. It seals gaps that other insulation types miss, helping to lower energy consumption and create a more stable indoor environment.

What is the disadvantage of blown-in insulation?

Can cause mold and mildew – Because blown-in cellulose is made of paper products, it soaks up any and all moisture in the insulated area. A roof leak, pipe leak or high humidity can cause water to infiltrate the insulation, and insulated areas take a long time to dry back out.

How much should I expect to pay for blown-in insulation?

On average, the cost of blown-in insulation ranges from $1.50 to $2.80 per square foot, leading to an average cost of blown-in insulation between $1,500 and $2,800 for a 1,000-square-foot area.

How much does it cost to insulate a 2000 sq ft house?

The cost to insulate a 2000-square-foot house can range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the type of insulation used and other factors.

Batt vs Blown Insulation - What's the Difference?

How much blown in insulation do I need for 1000 sq ft?

For example, if the square footage of the room you're planning on insulating is 1,000 square feet and you want to achieve an R-value of 60, you will need approximately 17 bags to fully insulate your room. If you are using loose fill insulation, the coverage varies based on the R value that is needed.

How much does it cost to insulate a 3000 sq ft attic?

Insulating an attic costs $2,100 on average. The price you'll pay can range between $1,700 and $2,500, or around $1 to $3 per square foot.

How long does blown-in insulation last?

Under optimal conditions, blown-in cellulose insulation will last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. The lifetime of air blown-in cellulose is affected by a variety of factors, which is why it should be professionally mounted from the beginning.

Is insulation covered by homeowners insurance?

Insurance Coverage: Homeowners insurance may cover insulation damage if it's tied to a covered peril, such as a sudden water leak or storm damage. Alternative Solutions: Specialized insurance policies, energy efficiency programs, or direct rebates may help defray insulation-related costs.

Which is cheaper blown-in insulation or rolled?

Rolled insulation generally has a lower upfront cost than blown insulation. However, blown insulation tends to have a higher R-value, meaning it can provide superior attic insulation, creating potential for cost savings on heating and cooling bills in the long term.

Which is better blown in insulation or batting?

Compared to blown-in insulation, batt insulation is more difficult to install in finished spaces and does not perform as well for air sealing or noise reduction.

Is blown in insulation bad for your lungs?

Blown-In Cellulose Particles Are Paper.

Unlike glass fibers, cellulose isn't dangerous to breathe. However, it can irritate your lungs. If you have pre-existing allergies, the dust of cellulose insulation can be obnoxious.

Can you put too much blown insulation?

It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That's when mold starts to grow.

What time of year is insulation cheapest?

Best Time of Year to Buy Insulation

In this case, the spring is the best time, because you will also start to see savings in the summer months. The same is true for warmer climates, just different times of year because you'll want the job finished before the heat sets in.

Which is better, foam or blown insulation?

Unlike blown-in insulation that can lower your energy bills by 25%, with spray foam insulation in your building you can profit from a 40% decrease on your monthly energy bills. Spray foam has the ability to expand 30-60 times the volume when installed, therefore it can seal all gaps and cracks on your walls.

How to insulate an old house cheaply?

5 DIY Ways to Insulate Your Home on the Cheap
  1. Cover any air leaks with weatherproofing. Use weatherproofing strips and caulking to seal any air leaks in your doors and windows. ...
  2. Add thick curtains to your windows. ...
  3. Fix drafty doors with a door snake. ...
  4. Plug your chimney when not in use. ...
  5. Seal your attic air leaks.

Which two are not usually covered by homeowners insurance?

More than likely, your policy doesn't cover flooding or earthquakes. That makes sense since not all areas of the country are prone to earthquakes or flooding. If you need coverage, you'll need to purchase a policy for whichever you need. Earthquake insurance and flooding insurance are two different policies.

Does insulation pay for itself?

Many older homes have less insulation than homes built today, but even adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. To determine whether you should add insulation, you first need to find out how much insulation you already have in your home and where it is.

What are the pros and cons of spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a good insulator in terms of keeping a room warm or cool. But its many downsides outweigh the benefits. These include, making it more difficult getting a mortgage, potential health issues, environmental damage, ventilation issues and a lower home valuation.

Should I remove old blown in insulation?

Insulation is more than just material. It's about creating a healthy, efficient, and comfortable living space. Removing old insulation might seem like an extra step, but it's a leap toward better air quality, increased efficiency, and peace of mind. So, when you're looking to upgrade, don't just add—replace.

Is it OK to touch blown in insulation?

Unlike blown-in fiberglass, blown-in cellulose is safe to touch with bare hands. While your hands may come away dusty, contact dermatitis is not a risk when touching ground-up paper.

What happens when blown in insulation gets wet?

Wet insulation in a wall will migrate to the bottom soaking the wallboard and framing materials. Wetness (existing even just for a few days) will not only reduce the insulating quality of the insulation, but it might not dry soon enough to prevent mold and wood decay from forming.

Which insulation is best for an attic?

Fiberglass batt is considered to be the best insulation for attics. Compared to other insulation materials, it is the cheapest and easiest to install.

How much does it cost to finish a 500 sq ft attic?

Finishing an attic generally costs between $30 and $60 per square foot, including labor and materials. This gives you an average overall cost of $4,000 to $16,000 for the standard sized attic. Of course, the cost depends on how big your attic is and what type of finish you want.

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