Fiberglass insulation is one of the most common types of insulation installed in houses. It is a sponge-like foam which is fixed under wooden planks on the wall to fill wall cavities and block any sort of energy transfer between the internal and external environments.
Since fiberglass insulation has been in use for a considerable time, it doesn’t cost all that much. However, calculating the cost of insulation is determined by keeping several factors in mind, such as the type of insulation, amount of glass fiber insulation needed to install in the region/area and the type of property it needs to be installed in.
Why should you use fiberglass insulation?
- Fiberglass insulation is extremely energy efficient and relatively cheaper than other forms of insulation.
- Fiberglass does not shrivel or reduce in size over time.
- Most producers sell fiberglass insulation in the form of sealed batts or rolls enclosed in a plastic sheet (polyethylene or polypropylene) to prevent people from inhaling the fibers.
- It provides resistance to water vapor as well as additional moisture through the plastics sealing on the fiberglass rolls.
- Fiberglass insulation is fireproof.
- Conventional producers always use recycled glass to produce compact fiber strands in batts.
- Fiberglass insulation varies in thickness and density according to customer preference and the type of environment it will be installed in. This method of insulation usually provides an estimated R-Value of R-11 to R-14 and can be improved further in terms of effectiveness by increasing the amount of insulation.
- Microorganisms do not feed off fiberglass insulation. This is because the glass is not nutritious or damp to provide them with a favorable environment to grow and feed in.
- Since fiberglass is installed inside wooden planks which are then stapled to the wall or roof, the cavities are layered properly, preventing any sort of energy transfer or leakage.
Cost consideration
When installing fiberglass insulation, some households consider DIY methods.
However, DIY insulation can become dangerous when trying to reach more remote and inaccessible areas in your house. Even when you are insulating the areas around electric cables, you might be exposing yourself to major risks.
Therefore, you should get a professional’s assistance instead. When calculating the costs, you will need to consider:
- The cost of fiberglass per square foot and how much you need to properly insulate the entire area.
- The cost of delivery and transportation of the fiberglass from the warehouse to the worksite.
- The costs of preparing your house for wall insulation and installation, including costs to shield the existing building foundation, finishing, materials and components from damage.
- The labor cost regarding the cleanup and debris removal task after fiberglass installation in your home.
- The total time required by the laborers, their transportation time and minimum hourly rates that are usually charged in fiberglass insulation installation projects.
Rates
Rates of fiberglass insulation vary according to the region where you are located. In areas where there is a high demand for fiberglass insulation, such as the northern American regions, fiberglass is more expensive.
- On a more generic basis, the fiberglass insulation per roll with an R-Value of 3.4 per inch may cost anywhere between $270-$400 for an average 550 square foot area.
- The labor cost for installing fiberglass insulation on a 550 square foot area will range from $170-$200 for a job of 5-6 hours.
- The supplies needed for installing fiberglass insulation cost about $25-$28 for an average 550 square foot of board length.