Knowing current attic insulation costs per square foot—as well as the cost of installing new insulation & having old removed—helps homeowners compare quotes with confidence.
Average Attic Insulation Costs Per Square Foot
| Service Tier | Cost Per Sq. Ft. | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Blown-In Top-Up (R-20 to R-60) | $1.50 – $2.50 / sq. ft. | Soffit baffles, ruler depth markers & R-60 blow-in ↗ NB Power |
| Air Sealing + R-60 Blow-In Package | $2.25 – $3.50 / sq. ft. | Top-plate foam sealing, hatch cover fix & R-60 cellulose |
| Cost of Installing New Insulation & Having Old Removed | $3.75 – $6.50 / sq. ft. | HEPA vacuum extraction, disposal bags, sanitization & new R-60 |
What Drives the Cost of Installing New Insulation & Having Old Removed?
- Contamination & Extraction: Removing compressed, mouse-soiled, or water-damaged fiberglass requires commercial vacuum hoses and sealed disposal bags ↗ ENERGY STAR.
- Target R-Value Depth: Reaching R-60 requires roughly 16–18 inches of settled cellulose.
--- Sources & Building Science References: ENERGY STAR — Attic Inspection & Preparation Guide NB Power — R-60 Attic Insulation Guidelines