Why Is Spray Foam Insulation So Expensive?

Jun. 24, 2024

Why Is Spray Foam Insulation So Expensive?

For more environmental rubber foam priceinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Spray foam is one of the most expensive insulation products on the market. While it may be worth the price, it's hard to justify the cost when you don't know what factors create that price. You want to understand what contributes to the hefty price tag of spray foam, and we want you to know that, too.

South Central Services has given quotes for and installed spray foam in hundreds of homes around Greencastle, Pennsylvania. This article will share all of the factors, both big and small, that impact the cost of spray foam insulation. By the end of this article, you will know:

Why spray foam is a premium product
The rates of spray foam insulation to install
Every factor that could impact your quote
What price can tell you about contractor expertise

How Much Spray Foam Insulation Costs

When we say spray foam insulation is expensive, how costly do we mean?

At South Central Services, we charge the following rates for open and closed cell spray foam.

Open cell spray foam insulation: $0.25 to $0.75 per board foot
Closed cell spray foam insulation: $1.15 to $1.75 per board foot

At first glance, those prices might not seem that high. These are prices per board foot, not per square foot. After calculating the board feet of your project, spray foam insulation will seem much pricier.

Looking for a quick estimating tool? Check out our retrofit insulation page, where you can get a rough estimate of the lowest, average, and highest cost for projects like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

Compared to other insulations, which may cost only $1 to $2 per square foot, spray foam insulation is more expensive. Spray foam's cost per square foot varies by project type and foam type.

For example, open cell in an exterior wall may cost between $2.25 and $3.38 per square foot. In an attic application, open cell may cost between $5.00 and $7.50 per square foot.

This difference is due to the quantity of foam. Different applications require different depths of foam.

3 Reasons Why Spray Foam Is A Premium Product

Spray foam is often described as a premium product. But what does that mean? Generally, spray foam is considered to be a premium insulation for these three reasons:

Product performance
Manufacturing costs
Equipment

Let's break these reasons down into more detail.

1. Spray Foam Delivers Both R-Value And An Airtight Seal.

Spray foam insulation is a premium product because of its superior insulating performance. Traditional insulations, like fiberglass batts and blown-in products, are only concerned with slowing conductive heat transfer. We measure the ability to resist conductive heat through a metric called R-value.

All insulations should have a high R-value, indicating that they can slow conductive heat. However, heat also travels through the air via convection and radiation. In order to stop heat from exchanging in the air, you need an airtight seal.

There are products that can deliver an air-seal separately, such as can foam or caulking. However, spray foam insulation is able to insulate and air-seal simultaneously.

Because of its airtight seal, structures insulated with spray foam have lower energy bills, increased comfort, and improved air quality. Other insulation products cannot offer these benefits at the same rate because they lack air-sealing capabilities.

2. Spray Foam Is More Expensive And Complex To Manufacture.

The manufacturing costs of spray foam insulation are higher than those of other insulation products. The raw chemical materials are more expensive than recycled cellulose or glass fibers.

Chemical processing facilities are more expensive to build and maintain, with stricter safety protocols and testing protocols. There are fewer safety and testing costs associated with plants creating fiberglass and cellulose insulation because these industries do not manufacture chemicals.

3. Spray Foam Requires Specialized Equipment To Install Safely.

Most insulation products are manufactured, purchased, and then installed. Spray foam is both a product and a service, as it is manufactured and installed simultaneously on-site.

Manufacturing spray foam correctly requires precision and control, which starts in a spray foam rig. A spray foam rig is the truck or trailer that travels to job locations, containing all the materials and equipment necessary to safely apply foam.

Spray foam rigs are filled with expensive equipment which monitors temperature, pressure, and ratio. A quality spray foam rig can cost anywhere between $60,000 and $100,000 for a contractor to build.

7 Factors Impacting Individual Spray Foam Insulation Quotes

It's good to understand why spray foam is worth more than other insulation products. But what does that mean for your project? Is spray foam expensive because of the manufacturing costs, or are there other factors at play?

When it comes to the bids that spray foam contractors provide, there are numerous factors impacting the bottom line. These factors include:

Quantity of raw materials
Type of foam
Accessibility
Safety requirements
Man-hours
Travel time
Contractor expertise

Let&#;s examine each of these factors to better understand how and why they influence price.

1. More Raw Materials Means A More Expensive Project.

This statement may seem like common sense. We can all understand that the more spray foam insulation you have installed, the higher the project cost will be.

However, it is important to clarify how spray foam contractors measure your spray foam. A common misconception is that spray foam contractors charge by the 55-gallon drum for insulation.

Many believe opening a spray foam drum is like opening a 2-liter bottle of soda. Soda will go flat, but spray foam components do not lose quality when opened or used. You will only be charged for a full drum if a project requires one.

Rather than charging by the drum, contractors calculate how much liquid chemical is needed to create enough foam for the project's board feet.

A board foot is the measurement insulation contractors use for pricing. A board foot is 1 foot by 1 foot by 1-inch thickness. The square footage of the space being sprayed is multiplied by the depth it has to be sprayed.

Our rates are per board foot are as follows:

Closed cell: $1.15 to $1.75 per board foot
Open cell: $0.25 to $0.75 per board foot

2. Closed Cell Spray Foam Is More Expensive Than Open Cell Spray Foam.

You likely noticed the rates of open cell and closed cell spray foam are different. The difference in cost is primarily because of density.

Open cell spray foam is less dense than closed cell spray foam. A 55-gallon drum of open cell will go farther than one of closed cell.

Your quote amount may be higher or lower, depending on whether your contractor recommends open or closed cell foam. The type of foam that will work best hinges on the application and the project details.

Generally speaking, open cell foam can be installed in above-grade places. These are locations above the ground like exterior walls, attics, and roofs. Closed cell foam can be installed anywhere that open cell foam can be installed.

Closed cell spray foam is the only spray foam installed below-grade. Below-grade applications are any applications that are below ground level. Generally, below-grade includes basements and crawl spaces.

3. Contractors May Charge More For Jobs With Limited Accessibility.

Have you ever been in a building that needed a giant ladder to change a lightbulb? Or, have you ever seen an entrance to a space so small that you weren't sure you could fit through the doorway?

Any structure that has accessibility issues can incur additional costs. Having to install scaffolding or provide man lifts costs time and money. Not only are there man-hours to set up these accommodations, but working with the accommodations can also slow down the work.

Crawl spaces are a classic example of limited accessibility. However, any type of job could have accessibility challenges.

4. Contractors May Charge More For Projects With Specific Safety Requirements.

Some projects have safety requirements or building codes that require additional specialized equipment and impact the time it takes to do the job.

Safety requirements are associated with more complex or commercial jobs. If your project is residential, this factor likely will not apply to your quote.

5. Contractors May Charge Separately For Labor.

Some spray foam quotes may break down labor cost, while others do not list man-hours. Contractors must consider this factor, whether a quote references man-hours or not.

How labor costs influence your quote will vary by contractor. Even contractors who include their man-hours in their spray foam rates may separately charge for prep work or existing insulation removal.

6. Contractors May Charge For Travel Time.

Travel time is a factor that will vary by location and market.

For example, let's say you live in an area with several contractors within reasonable driving distance. These contractors may not include travel time in their quotes.

However, if the closest contractor to you is someone over four hours away, travel time may become a factor in their quote.

At South Central Services, our service area extends about 45 miles from Greencastle, Pennsylvania in every direction. As long as the project is located within our service area, we do not charge additionally for travel time.

7. Qualified Contractors Know How Much Effective Spray Foam Costs.

Not every contractor with a spray foam rig is well-trained or qualified. A knowledgeable and qualified contractor should charge the amount it will take to do the job right. In many cases, contractors with higher bids are demonstrating their expertise by not undervaluing the cost of the job.

However, it is not as simple as saying the highest quote means the most expertise. Higher quotes may come from contractors with more expertise. However, it is not a rule that the highest quote equals the greatest expertise.

Contractor expertise may be a factor that influences the cost of spray foam, but price cannot be the only factor influencing your choice of contractor.

You cannot choose a contractor solely based on price. It is vital to work with a company and contractor you trust, regardless of their quote amount.

The Bottom Line About Why Spray Foam Insulation Is So Expensive

Many factors contribute to the price of spray foam insulation. Not only is spray foam a premium product with higher manufacturing costs, but the details of every installation can impact the final price. Whether your project is a straightforward installation or a more complex job, you must work with a contractor who will deliver a high-quality finished product.

Now that you know why spray foam insulation is so expensive, your next step is to:

How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost? ()

Home
Reviews
Home Improvement

How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost? ()

By Tamara Jude

Typical costs range from $2,400 to $8,600.

Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

Get Estimate

Enter details in under 3 minutes

Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

Note: This article is free of generative AI. All content was written and edited by humans.

All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Spray foam insulation costs typically range from $2,400 to $8,600, but homeowners will pay $5,500 on average for a single room, such as a basement or garage. You can expect to pay between $2.75 to $7.50 per square foot for spray foam insulation. Insulation is vital to your home&#;s energy efficiency. If heat transfers too easily through your walls, floors, and ceilings, your HVAC system must work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, driving up energy bills. Spray foam insulation is a high-performance insulation that can also provide a moisture barrier and soundproofing.

We&#;ll break down the main factors that impact this price and explain whether installing spray-foam insulation is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project.

Note: The cost data in the article was sourced from Angi and Fixr.

Spray Foam Insulation Major Cost Factors

Where your insulation project falls in the above cost range depends on the project&#;s scope, but the thickness, type of insulation, and location are also factors.

Type of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is a combination of chemicals that expands when it hits air. There are two types of spray foam insulation: open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell spray foam insulation expands more, so it spreads more easily into tight crevices and costs less. However, the open structure is more easily penetrated by water and air, making it a less effective insulator.

When you need to create a moisture-tight seal, closed-cell spray foam insulation is the better product. It costs more, but it won&#;t develop mold or mildew even in high-moisture conditions, making it a good choice for bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces.

Cost by Type of Spray Foam Insulation

Here&#;s how these two compare on material costs per board foot, which is the amount of insulation needed to cover a 1-square-foot area with a thickness of 1 inch.

Type of InsulationMaterial Cost per Board Foot

Open-cell

$0.44&#;$0.65

Closed-cell

$1&#;$1.50

Thickness

Insulation needs to be several inches thick to do its job. Thicker insulation has a high R-value, which measures how well a material keeps heat from passing through. Closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value (6 to 7) than open-cell insulation (3.5 to 3.6), so you won&#;t need as much of it. Recommended insulation levels depend on your local climate and where the insulation is needed. Rarely will you need more than 10 inches of open-cell or 7 inches of closed-cell insulation. After a certain point, the R-value levels off, and air sealing becomes most effective for insulation.

Cost by Thickness

Here&#;s how insulation materials&#; cost increases by thickness.

Insulation Thickness in InchesOpen-Cell R-ValueOpen Cell Cost per Square FootClosed-Cell R-ValueClosed-Cell Cost per Square Foot

3.5

$0.44&#;$0.65

6.5

$1&#;$1.50

$0.88&#;$1.30

$2&#;$3

10.5

$1.32&#;$1.95

19.5

$3&#;$4.50

$1.76&#;$2.60

$4&#;$6

17.5

$2.20&#;$3.25

32.5

$5&#;$7.50

$2.64&#;$3.90

$6&#;$9

24.5

$3.08&#;$4.55

45.5

$7&#;$10.50

$3.52&#;$5.20

$8&#;$12

31.5

$3.96&#;$5.85

58.5

$9&#;$13.50

$4.40&#;$6.50

$10&#;$15

Size of Project

The larger the coverage area, the more spray foam insulation is needed and the higher the material and installation costs. This is calculated by the insulation&#;s square footage, not the room&#;s floor area.

Cost by Size of Project

The following costs apply to an insulation R-value of 32. That&#;s about 9 inches of open-cell spray foam and about 5 inches of closed-cell spray foam per square foot.

Square FootageOpen-Cell CostClosed-Cell Cost

100

$39.60&#;$58.50

$50&#;$75

Additional reading:
Mastering Reinforcing Grid: Your Ultimate Guide to Success

For more information, please visit construction rubber foam supplier.

200

$792&#;$1,170

$1,000&#;$1,500

300

$1,188&#;$1,755

$1,500&#;$2,250

500

$1,980&#;$2,925

$2,000&#;$3,750

Location in Home

Larger areas in your home cost more to insulate than smaller areas, but different parts of your house also require different thicknesses and types of insulation. As previously mentioned, closed-cell spray foam is necessary in areas that require a moisture barrier. Insulation in wall cavities is typically thinner than in floors, ceilings, and attics. Finished spaces also cost more to insulate because contractors may need to remove flooring and drywall to access the cavities.

Cost by Location in Home

Here&#;s how the cost of insulating various rooms compares.

Location in HomeCost Range

Crawl space

$1,000&#;$5,900

Roof

$2,400&#;$8,000

Basement

$2,400&#;$8,400

HVAC system

$2,500&#;$3,000

Attic

$2,500&#;$12,000

Garage

$3,600&#;$8,600

Whole-home

$8,000&#;$30,000

Labor Costs

An insulation contractor usually charges $50 to $100 per hour to apply spray foam insulation, so the total labor cost depends on the job&#;s size and complexity. A small basement or crawl space can often be insulated in two to three hours, but an entire home will require several days.

Compare Quotes from Insulation Specialists

Just answer a few questions, and we&#;ll take care of the rest!

Get Free Estimates

Professional vs. DIY Spray Foam Insulation

Though spray foam insulation installation looks easy, it&#;s actually a fairly complex job.

Professional Spray Foam Insulation

Hiring an insulation contractor to apply spray foam is usually the best choice. The insulation expands very quickly once the chemicals are mixed, and professionals will know how to apply it in even layers to prevent sagging or swelling. Additionally, some insulation manufacturers will only sell their products to licensed professionals. Although you&#;ll have to pay for labor, professional contractors can complete the job more quickly and neatly than the average homeowner, and they&#;ll ensure their work meets necessary building codes.

DIY Spray Foam Insulation

There are DIY spray foam insulation kits, but they usually only include the foam and the machinery for spraying. You can get a 200-square-foot kit for about $400 and a 600-square-foot kit for about $800. Because polyurethane foam can be messy and gives off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as it dries, you&#;ll also need protective gear for yourself and plastic sheeting to protect your belongings at an additional cost of about $178. This doesn&#;t include the materials you&#;ll need to cut into and repair your walls, floors, and ceilings. In general, we recommend leaving this job to the professionals.

Additional Factors Affecting Spray Foam Insulation Cost

You may have to consider the following additional costs, depending on your project&#;s specifics.

New Construction vs. Existing Home

A new home that&#;s still under construction is much easier and less expensive to insulate because all of the cavities are still accessible. In existing homes, contractors may need to first remove existing insulation, particularly if it&#;s in bad shape from water damage or pest infestation. Here&#;s how the total costs of materials plus labor compare.

Type of InstallationCost per Square Foot

New construction

$2.75&#;$6.50

Existing home

$3.15&#;$7.50

Mold Removal

If water has gotten into insulation cavities, simply removing the old insulation may not be enough. Mold remediation is usually required to remove all affected construction materials and protect the inhabitants of your home from spores and other allergens. This usually costs $1,500 to $3,500.

Vapor Barrier Installation

In extremely humid climates or in areas with a great deal of precipitation, even closed-cell insulation might not be enough to keep water out. In these circumstances, homeowners may need to add a vapor barrier to insulated spaces for an additional cost of $0.65 to $1.00 per square foot.

Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam isn&#;t your only option for insulating your floors, ceilings, and exterior walls. Traditional insulation is usually less expensive than spray foam, but it tends to be less effective. Here&#;s how other types of insulation stack up against spray foam.

Blown-in cellulose:
Made of paper but treated to be fire-retardant,
cellulose
is eco-friendly and produces neither irritating dust nor VOC off-gassing. The downside is this insulation&#;s weight and moisture-holding tendencies.
Blown-in fiberglass:
This type of loose-fill
fiberglass insulation
can conform better than batting to tight spaces, and it&#;s good for retrofitting
existing homes
. However, fiberglass dust can irritate the lungs, and loose insulation can hold onto moisture.
Fiberglass batts:
The least expensive form of modern insulation, fiberglass batting is very quick and easy to install. Compared to spray foam, it&#;s difficult to fit around pipes and
joists
and has a much lower
R-value
, so you won&#;t save as much on
energy bills
.
Rock wool:
Rock or mineral wool is available as batting and rigid boards. It&#;s inexpensive and more effective than
fiberglass batts
, but it can contain formaldehyde. It&#;s also not quite as versatile as blown-in or spray foam insulation.
Spray foam insulation:
Both
types of spray foam
offer superior
R-values
for the best insulation performance. Unlike
traditional insulation
, spray foam acts as a
sealant
to keep out
air leaks
. Closed-cell foam can also keep out water leaks. It&#;s incredibly versatile, since it can be used in open spaces as well as tight crevices. Although it costs the most
up-front
, it also produces the best
energy savings
over time.

Insulation MaterialR-ValueCost per Square Foot

Fiberglass batting

2.9&#;3.8

$0.64&#;$1.19

Rock wool

3.0&#;3.3

$0.65&#;$2.50

Blown-in fiberglass

3.1&#;3.7

$1&#;$1.50

Blown-in cellulose

3.1&#;3.7

$1&#;$1.50

Spray foam

3.5&#;7.0

$2.75&#;$7.50

How to Reduce Spray Foam Insulation Costs

Here are some tips to save on spray foam insulation, even if you hire a pro.

Opt for
open-cell spray foam insulation
in low-moisture areas.
If multiple subcontractors are needed, act as your own general contractor for the project to save on labor.
Homeowners
who
use spray foam insulation
may qualify for the federal
energy efficiency
home improvement tax credit
, which provides a tax credit equal to 30% of the project cost up to $1,200.
Check for other state and local
rebates
.

Extra Spray Foam Insulation Options

Many homeowners use spray foam insulation as a way to increase their home&#;s energy efficiency and comfort. Since this is a fairly disruptive project, it&#;s often a good idea to bundle it with other, similar projects. Here are some ideas.

Window Replacement

If you&#;re opening up your walls to spray in foam insulation, you can replace your windows at the same time. Energy-efficient windows also go a long way toward reducing energy costs, and installing new construction windows creates the most weatherproof seal. This is only possible by stripping the rough window opening down to the studs, so it&#;s a good project to combine with new insulation.

Roof Replacement

If your attic or roof needs new insulation, consider the roof&#;s age. Paying for a new roof may be worth it if your asphalt shingles are more than 20 years old. You can replace the insulation when the outer roofing materials have been removed, reducing labor costs for insulation contractors.

How to Hire a Professional

Here&#;s what to look for when comparing insulation contractors.

Installing spray foam requires specialty training, so make sure that your chosen contractor has experience with it.
Anyone who does work in your home should be bonded and insured.
Check the company&#;s Better Business Bureau page for ratings, accreditation status, and customer reviews.
Ask the contractor for references from satisfied customers.
Get quotes from at least three local contractors before making your choice.

Our Recommendation

Spray foam is a highly effective form of home insulation that can reduce your carbon footprint along with your energy bills. It costs more than other types of insulation, but it will last longer&#;up to 80 years. Installing any type of insulation is easiest during new home construction, but retrofitting insulation is also possible with a little more time and money.

Compare Quotes from Insulation Specialists

Just answer a few questions, and we&#;ll take care of the rest!

Get Free Estimates

Spray Foam Insulation Cost FAQ

Is spray foam worth the money?

Spray foam insulation is so effective at raising your home&#;s energy efficiency that most homeowners who install it find that it&#;s well worth the price.

Is there a downside to spray foam insulation?

The main downside of spray foam insulation is that it&#;s substantially more expensive than other types of insulation. Additionally, because closed-cell spray foam is watertight, it can potentially conceal a roof leak until the damage is severe.

When should you not use spray foam insulation?

Spray foam shouldn&#;t be used around people without respirators, since it can cause lung, skin, or eye problems for about 24 to 72 hours after installation. The home&#;s residents will need to stay elsewhere during that time.

How does spray foam insulation help with energy efficiency?

Spray foam insulation acts as an air seal, preventing drafts and air leaks that can force your HVAC system to work harder. It also helps keep heat either in or out of your home depending on the outside temperature.

How does spray foam work?

Spray foam is created when two liquids&#;isocyanate and polyol resin&#;are combined. The chemical reaction causes the resulting liquid to expand to fill the available space.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit residential glass wool.

Comments

All Comments (0)

Previous: How Does Acoustic Panel Price Work?
Next: None