Calculating the cost of installing insulation is important for you to stay within your budget and to make the best possible decision. The type and amount of insulation you require depends upon your budget, the climate of the region where you reside, the area you need to insulate and your house insulation’s present R-Value.
Calculation of Your Board Feet
The board feet is the total area that you want to insulate. But before insulating, it is important to measure your required area in order to understand the amount of insulation product you will require and how much it will cost you.
The Method
Total square feet x depth in inches = Board feet.
This is the total area which needs an insulation coating.
What Type of Insulation should I Opt for?
Blown-in or cellulose insulation?
Blown-in insulation is an environmental-friendly insulation product created from recycled material and by-products, such as processed and refined glass and paper.
This product is blown into the gaps and holes whether they are in the dry wall or in the form of crevices. With an R-Value of R-36, this keeps the insulated area warm and prevents exposure to moisture. Being tight and compact in nature, blown-in insulation makes for an efficient insulator.
The total cost, if you plan to do it yourself, should cost you around $500 at least.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam is a thick polyurethane mixture which is lathered onto the wall in order to seal any prominent gaps, holes or cracks. Spray foam insulation is a comparatively cheaper option to deal with large problems and is an efficient boost the present R-Value of your house.
Open Cell Insulation
This type of foam insulation has a weaker R-Value. The estimated cost of open cell insulation ranges from 35-55 cents per board feet depending on the R-Value required.
Closed Cell Insulation
This type of insulation is dense and has a stronger R-Value. The estimated cost of closed cell insulation ranges from $1-2 per board feet.
Reflective Insulation
Best for insulating your roofs and ceilings, reflective insulation increases your house’s R- Value, prevents the absorption of heat during summers and insulates your roof/ceiling against the winter winds. Installing this type of insulation saves you about 150 bucks a month, which would otherwise have been spent on air conditioning and heating.
The average cost of radiant and/or reflective barriers is estimated to range from $1.5-3. Your attic or roof is typically 500 square feet in space and the total amount you will be spending on your insulation product, assuming you are buying insulation at $3 per board feet, will be about $150.
Fiberglass Batts
A cheap method of insulation, fiberglass requires one to pay close attention to its handling when being installed in open areas. Even the slightest chipping of the fiberglass corners can cause the R-Value of your house to decrease.
The cost of this insulation product ranges from $0.64-1.19 per board feet. So, in total, if you have a 500 sq. ft. area, the cost will range from $145-200.