True Cost Guide Insulation Install Spray Foam Insulation

How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost?

Q: How much does it cost to insulate a 1,500-square-foot house with spray foam?

It costs approximately $1,500 to $2,250 to cover 1,500 square feet with 1 inch of closed-cell spray foam insulation. Labor costs and thickness add to this total. This value may also change depending on the number of walls in a home.

Q: How much to spray a 30x50 metal building with closed-cell foam?

You’ll pay from $1,600 to $2,400 to cover the walls of a 30-by-50-foot metal building with 1 inch of closed-cell foam. Expect to pay more in labor costs if you hire a pro for this job.

Q: What is the R-value of two inches of spray foam?

The R-value of 2 inches of spray foam runs from 7 to 13 , depending on the type of material. Open-cell foam has a lower R-value than closed-cell foam.

Typical Range:

$1,415 - $4,179

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 3,841 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

•

When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

•

We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated May 25, 2022

Reviewed by Cati O'Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Spray Foam Insulation Cost

Spray foam is available in two types: open-cell spray foam which usually costs $0.44 to $0.65 per board foot, and closed-cell spray foam, which averages $1 to $1.50 per board foot. The average total cost of having spray foam professionally installed is about $2,795, or between $1,415 and $4,179.

Spray foam insulation works as an alternative to traditional fiberglass insulation during construction or planning for construction. Pros spray this expandable foam substance in wall cavities or on the underside of the roof. Learn how much insulating walls with foam costs in this informational guide.

Average cost to install spray foam insulation ranges from $0.44 to $1.50 per board foot

Spray Foam Insulation Cost Calculator

Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?

Where are you located?

ZIP Code

National Average	$2,795
Typical Range	$1,415 - $4,179
Low End - High End	$650 - $7,900

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 3,841 HomeAdvisor members.

Spray Foam Insulation Cost Factors

The cost of Polyurethane foam installation varies depending on several factors, including the thickness and type of foam, the project’s square footage, debris disposal, and the age of the home. Here’s a quick breakdown of different cost factors.

Thickness

Here's how much spray foam typically costs by thickness per square foot.

Foam Thickness (Inches)	Cost per Square Foot
1”	$0.44 – $1.50
2”	$0.88 – $3.00
3”	$1.32 – $4.50
4”	$1.76 – $6.00

Open-Cell Foam vs. Closed-Cell Foam

Open-cell foam has a slightly lower R-value than closed-cell foam, but it could save you money on your spray foam insulation project.

Foam Type	Materials per Board Foot	Installation per Square Foot
Open cell	$0.44 – $0.65	$1.50 – $4.90
Closed cell	$1.00 – $1.50	$1.50 – $4.90

Labor

Spray-foam insulation costs $0.44 to $1.50 per board foot, which includes labor. However, other factors could increase the labor costs, including the thickness of the spray foam, installation location, and additional services like setup, preparation, trash removal, and cleanup removal.

Type

Polyurethane is the most common type of spray foam used by contractors. However, less toxic foams like soybean oil and water-based options have entered the market in recent years. You will pay extra for these options, though. Soybean oil spray foam costs about $1.50 and $3 per board foot.

Mold Remediation

Spray foam can kill mold, but isn't something you can apply over a moldy section wall section. If you need to remove mold before adding insulation, keep in mind that the cost of professional mold remediation is $1,100 to $3,400.

Get Quotes From Local Spray Foam Installers

Spray Foam Costs by Application Location

Where you install spray foam in your home could impact the cost. Learn more below.

Application Location	Price Range
Attic	$1,500 – $3,500
Basement walls	$2,400 – $8,400
Crawl space	$1,000 – $5,900
Roof	$2,400 – $8,000
Rim joists	$1,200 – $2,000
Garage	$930 – $2,100
Pole barn or other detached building	$6,000 – $20,000

Attic

The cost to insulate an attic with spray foam is between $1,500 and $3,500. Contact an attic insulation contractor to see if you can add insulation to the ceiling and the walls for extra protection.

Basement Walls

Installing expanding foam in the walls of a 1,000-square-foot basement costs between $2,400 and $8,400, including labor. Spray foam basement insulation helps prevent mold.

Crawl Spaces

Adding polyurethane foam insulation under a house or in a crawl space costs about $1,000 to $5,900, including labor. Areas larger than 2 feet by 10 feet will cost more.

Roof

The average cost to insulate a roof with spray foam is about $2,400 to $8,000, including labor. Closed-cell insulation works best on most roofs. Ask a roofing pro to see which material is ideal for your space.

Rim Joists

Spray foam is an ideal choice to insulate rim joists and seal cracks, and it typically costs between $1,200 to $2,000, including labor and materials. Rim joists, also called band joists, secure the ends of floor joists. The price of this project varies depending on how many rim joists are in your home, although it will cost much less than large projects like insulating an attic or basement.

Garages

Garage insulation costs between $930 and $2,100, including installation. If you insulate your garage walls, it’s important to insulate your garage door as well, including weatherstripping the bottom edge of the garage door and installing polystyrene panels on the backside of the garage door.

Pole Barns or Other Detached Outbuilding

The cost to spray foam a pole barn is $6,000 to $18,000 for a new building and $8,000 to $20,000 for an existing building. The price is higher than other application locations due to the increased square footage and material costs. Spray foam insulation on a metal building can improve R-value.

Compare Quotes From Spray Foam Installers Near You

Additional Costs and Add-Ons

Keep these additional costs and services in mind when creating your project budget.

Spray Foam Costs for New vs. Existing Homes

Installing foam insulation in a new home costs much less than doing the same in an older home. New homes are easier because installation companies can design the insulation for optimum soundproofing, heat transfer, and utility costs and can apply the spray foam while the walls, crawl spaces, and roof deck are easily accessible.

When working in older homes, pros need to work around existing insulation, drywall, and structures, which costs more in time and money. For example, if homeowners need to repair drywall in addition to adding spray foam insulation, they’ll need to budget between $293 to $875 to cover the cost to repair drywall. Instead, perform weatherization or hire an energy auditor to help pinpoint exactly where you need to beef up your insulation.

Spray Foam Costs vs. Fiberglass, Batt, & Cellulose

Let’s compare the costs and features of spray-foam insulation with other types of insulation.

Spray Foam:

$2,360 on average
R-value of 6–7 per inch (closed-cell) and 3.5–3.6 per inch (open-cell)
Highest R-value insulator
Provides air sealing in addition to insulation

Blown-In Insulation:

$1,550 on average
R-value of 3.1–3.4 per inch (fiberglass) and 3.2–3.7 per inch (cellulose)
Some products offer recycled content

Fiberglass Batts:

$300 to $600 on average to install
R-value of 2.9–3.8 per inch
Quick to install and an easy DIY project
Improves energy efficiency by up to 30 percent

Rock Wool:

$1,000 on average to install
R-value of 3.0–3.3 per inch
Offers fire resistance and sound deadening
Quick to install and an easy DIY project

Pros & Cons of Foam Insulation

Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider before installing spray-foam insulation in your home.

Advantages

Helps lower utility costs
Insulates 50% better than traditional products
Protects and reinforces your drywall
Provides air sealing for a more comfortable home
Protects against moisture
Works well for noise reduction and soundproofing
High R-value
Mold and mildew-resistant
Tax credits available in some states

Disadvantages

Higher upfront cost than traditional insulation
May not be DIY-friendly to install
Potential health risks if exposed for too long or installation isn't done right
May take longer to install than conventional products
Can cause eye, skin, stomach, or respiratory irritation*
Linked to a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis

*Most spray foam manufacturers have addressed health issues associated with isocyanates. Side effects are less common than in the past as newer products have largely reduced these issues.

DIY vs. Hiring Professional Spray Foam Insulation Contractors

DIY spray-foam insulation projects are possible in small areas or on uncomplicated, flat surfaces. However, it can be complicated to spray in certain areas, and long-term exposure to spray foam during installation may exacerbate certain health issues. For large areas or more difficult-to-reach projects, you should hire a local insulation contractor.

DIY Foam Insulation Kits & Costs

One alternative is to install spray-foam insulation using a kit. The average price to cover 200 square feet with a foam insulation kit is between $300 and $600. You’ll need about two to three kits to cover an area of that size. It’s difficult for inexperienced installers to spread the foam evenly over surfaces, so DIY kits are best for smaller projects. Larger areas, like the attic, basement, or garage, should be left to pros.

If you opt to install foam insulation on your own, you can choose from various brands including:

GREAT STUFF (PRO)
Touch 'n Foam
FOAM iT
Handi-Foam
Touch ‘n Seal
Tiger Foam
FomoFoam
Foam It Green

Still Have Questions About Spray Foam Insulation?

FAQs

How much does it cost to insulate a 1,500-square-foot house with spray foam?

It costs approximately $1,500 to $2,250 to cover 1,500 square feet with 1 inch of closed-cell spray foam insulation. Labor costs and thickness add to this total. This value may also change depending on the number of walls in a home.

How much to spray a 30x50 metal building with closed-cell foam?

You’ll pay from $1,600 to $2,400 to cover the walls of a 30-by-50-foot metal building with 1 inch of closed-cell foam. Expect to pay more in labor costs if you hire a pro for this job.

Is spray foam insulation worth the cost?

Spray foam insulation is worth the cost to many homeowners because it is energy efficient, protects against moisture, air seals, and can even add structural integrity to your home.

What is the R-value of two inches of spray foam?

The R-value of 2 inches of spray foam runs from 7 to 13, depending on the type of material. Open-cell foam has a lower R-value than closed-cell foam.

How much spray foam insulation do you need?

The amount of spray foam insulation required varies from home to home. Homes in climates with extreme weather fluctuations require thicker insulation with a higher R-value.