If you’re looking at ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, you may have found yourself wondering whether spray foam insulation is a solution worth exploring. Famous for superior insulating capabilities, it eliminates air infiltration and can reduce energy costs, while helping to preserve the environment. But how much does spray foam insulation actually cost, and what factors determine the price?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This guide is going to walk you through spray foam insulation, what it costs, and if it’s worth the investment for your home or business. By the time you’re done you’ll know what the potential costs and benefits are, and deciding whether or not to make it a part of what you’re going to do will be a lot easier.
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a new type of insulation product that is spray applied as a liquid, then expands when it sets. When it’s sprayed, the foam hardens to create an airtight and moisture-resistant seal. You’ll find it used throughout residential, commercial, and industrial applications due to its effective performance in preventing energy loss and sealing inanimated gaps and hard-to-reach areas.
Historically, houses were insulated with materials like fiberglass and cellulose. But nowadays, spray foam insulation has made its mark, thanks to its energy efficiency and potential for cost savings in the long run.
The importance of Spray Foam Insulation
For your home, this means spray foam creates a more efficient thermal boundary, with even temperatures year-round. It fills gaps with air, and air is the best insulator there is, better than most of the types of insulation currently available on the market, saving you money and keeping your home as cool or warm as you want.
But of course, premium performance carries a premium price. Let’s take a look at the various kinds of spray foam insulation and what their prices will end up being.
Spray Foam Insulation Cary NC -Options Types of Spray Foam Insulation
There are two main types of spray foam insulation, open-cell and closed-cell. Each of these types has its unique features, benefits, disadvantages, and costs.
Open-Cell Spray Foam Open-cell is the more sponge like medium density type.
Open cell spray foam is soft and bendable so it can stretch into all the crevices. It has some slight insulating value and may be used for successful air-sealing. But it doesn’t provide the same level of moisture resistance as closed-cell foam.
Cost
The cost of open-cell spray foam is usually $0.44 to $0.65 per board foot.
Advantages
- Lower material costs
- Better for soundproofing
- Stretches further covering more space
- Insulation is available in closed-cell spray foam form
Closed-cell spray foam is dense and hard, has a higher R-value and doesn’t let moisture pass. It’s a more appropriate choice for extreme climates or places where insulation may be exposed to water.
Cost
Closed-cell spray foam costs from $1.00 to $1.50 per board foot, compared to between $.40 and $.65 for open-cell foam.
Advantages
- Better insulation value (higher R-value)
- Acts as a moisture barrier
- Drops in to walls for added support
Your decision between open-cell and closed-cell foam will depend on your budget, the part of your rig you’re insulating, and your insulation needs.
Factors That Influence How Much You’ll Pay for Spray Foam Insulation
There are a few primary variables that have an impact on the overall cost of your spray foam insulation work. Knowing these variables can help you better plan and can prevent any surprises.
Material Costs
The price of materials will vary depending on whether you select open- or closed-cell foam insulation. Furthermore, there is a wide range in the quality of spray foam products with better- quality products costing more.
Labor Costs
Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that is sprayed in place through a gun. Installation labor costs $50 to $100 per hour, depending on the installer’s experience and where you live.
Project Size and Complexity
The greater the amount of space you intend to insulate, the more it will cost. Larger jobs, such as insulating attics, crawl spaces or curved surfaces may require more time and resources, adding to the labor cost.
Location
WHERE you are is big in terms of cost. This means that urban markets (with higher costs of living) tend to have higher material and labor costs. And colder climates would need more insulation, possibly driving the cost up still further.
How the Cost of Spray Foam Insulation is Broken Down
To give you a better sense of it, here’s an average cost breakdown when it comes to insulation work:
Materials:
Open-cell spray foam: $0.44—–$0.65 per board foot
Closed-cell spray foam cost: $1.00–$1.50 per board foot
Labor:
Professional installation rates average $2 – $5 psf installed.
Equipment & Incidentals (if doing it yourself):
Spray foam kits (for small areas): $300–$500
Protective equipment and ventilation configuration
Example Calculation
You can plan on spending about $3,000 in total for materials and labor to insulate a 1,000-square-foot surface insulated with closed-cell spray foam at $1.00 per board foot.
DIY vs. Professional Installation One of the competing factors in solar installation will be whether the homeowner can install it themselves or seeks to hire a professional.
Is it possible to do your own spray foam insulation to cut costs? Maybe — but there are trade-offs with each option.
DIY Spray Foam Insulation
And if you have a smaller project that consists of things like filling small cracks or insulating pipes, DIY spray foam kits might work for you. The price for these kits ranges from $300–$500. But DIY is not the right solution for bigger ones.
Pros:
Lower upfront costs
Flexible for smaller spaces
Cons:
You must know how to apply. Requires an in-depth knowledge of the application method.
No guarantee of quality or performance.
Increased risk of being installed incorrectly
Professional Installation
Professionals guarantee a professional, clean, and effective application, protecting against the risk of poor insulation or damage. Professionals have the tools and know-how to do it right.
Pros:
High-quality, durable results
Faster installation process
Comes with warranties
Cons:
Higher upfront costs
The Long-Term Payback and ROI of Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation may be costly at first but the long-term benefits it offers make this investment worth every penny:
Energy Savings
Some types of insulation can even save consumers as much as 50%, which is why spray foam insulation is the more cost-effective choice in the long term.
Improved Comfort
Its ability to keep the temperature constant keeps the temperature on a more even keel year round.
Durability
With a possible 30 year life, spray foam can provide a lifetime of consistent performance, without the replacement hassles!
Resale Value
Houses that are insulated can command higher prices on the real estate market, providing a nice payoff on the return on investment.
Go Ahead to a Insulated House
Spray foam insulation might involve a significant initial investment, but the performance, lifetime energy savings, and service life make it a positive option to say the least. If you want to insulate the whole house or if you are looking to address a particular area, you should know the costs and benefits before making a decision.
If you are interested in upgrading your insulation or want to find out more about how spray foam can work for your home, get in touch with your local reputable expert today for a quote.
