Typical project costs for blown insulation differ by material, area, and installation specifics. This guide compares fiberglass and cellulose blown insulation on price and value, focusing on cost drivers and practical budgeting. The main cost drivers are material price, attic size, insulation depth, labor rates, and any required air sealing or ventilation work.
Assumptions: region, attic size, existing insulation, insulation depth, and crew rates vary by market.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass Blown Installed | $1.40 | $2.10 | $3.60 | Installed price per sq ft; attic size affects total |
| Cellulose Blown Installed | $1.20 | $1.70 | $2.80 | Includes loose-fill absorption and settling considerations |
| Typical Attic Size (sq ft) | 600 | 1,000 | 2,000+ | Assumes standard attic remobilization |
| Labor & Install Time | $0.25 | $0.65 | $1.15 | Per sq ft; varies by crew efficiency |
| Air Sealing / Prep | $200 | $450 | $900 | Required in leaky homes |
Overview Of Costs
Both materials have broad price bands depending on attic size and labor availability. Fiberglass typically runs slightly higher installed costs per square foot in some markets, while cellulose often pushes total price down due to faster feed rates. For budgeting purposes, assume a standard attic of 1,000 sq ft with typical access and no major encapsulation work. Per-unit ranges are included to help compare, and total project ranges reflect variation in labor rates and regional demand.
Cost Breakdown
Material costs make up the largest portion of the installed price, with fiberglass tending to be more expensive per bag and requiring more specialized equipment in some markets. Cellulose often benefits from faster flow rates and may reduce equipment rental needs in some crews. The following breakdown presents common components for both materials.
| Component | Fiberglass (Low) | Fiberglass (Avg) | Fiberglass (High) | Cellulose (Low) | Cellulose (Avg) | Cellulose (High) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0.90 | $1.50 | $2.50 | $0.75 | $1.20 | $2.20 |
| Labor | $0.20 | $0.60 | $1.00 | $0.20 | $0.50 | $0.95 |
| Equipment | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.25 | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.25 |
| Air Sealing/Prep | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.30 | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.30 |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.40 | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.40 |
What Drives Price
Key cost drivers include attic size, insulation depth, and air sealing needs. For fiberglass, material density and fiber thickness influence per-square-foot costs, while cellulose price fluctuates with binder content and loose-fill mobility. Homes with long duct runs, multiple levels, or tight cavities can incur higher blowing times and equipment use, elevating both material and labor costs. Regional supply chain differences also impact availability and pricing.
Ways To Save
Targeted air sealing and proper attic preparation can reduce long-term energy waste beyond initial insulation costs. Compare turnkey quotes that include blower door tests or blower-doors pretest in the estimate. Bundling air sealing with insulation work often lowers overall labor time and reduces the chance of callbacks. Request quotes that itemize materials, labor, and any required soffit or vent work to avoid hidden fees.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market, with notable differences between regions. In the Northeast, higher labor costs and tighter building codes can push total installed costs up 10–20% relative to the South. Urban areas often see a premium versus suburban or rural locations due to demand and access, while rural markets may offer cheaper labor but longer drive times. Expect a ±15% delta between high-cost coastal markets and lower-cost inland markets for both fiberglass and cellulose.
Labor & Installation Time
Install time and crew wages are a major portion of the final price. A typical attic insulation project ranges from 6 to 16 hours depending on access, attic height, and the number of zones. Labor rates in many U.S. regions run roughly $45–$95 per hour for blown insulation crews. The labor component scales with attic size and the need for air sealing, protective exterior work, and cleanup.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common outcomes for homeowner budgeting.
Basic — 600 sq ft attic, no major prep, standard access. Fiberglass: 600 sq ft x $2.20 average installed = $1,320; Cellulose: 600 sq ft x $1.60 average = $960. Add air sealing: +$350. Total range: $1,300–$2,100.
Mid-Range — 1,000 sq ft attic, moderate prep, average access. Fiberglass: 1,000 x $2.10 = $2,100; Cellulose: 1,000 x $1.50 = $1,500. Air sealing: +$500. Total range: $3,000–$4,500.
Premium — 2,000 sq ft attic, complex access, additional ventilation work. Fiberglass: 2,000 x $2.70 = $5,400; Cellulose: 2,000 x $2.00 = $4,000. Prep and disposal: +$1,000. Total range: $6,800–$9,000.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can surprise homeowners if not anticipated. Some projects require roof or crawlspace access repairs, temporary temporary power, or code-related ventilation upgrades. Permits are uncommon for minor insulation work but may apply in certain jurisdictions. Delivery fees and disposal fees vary by supplier and area, and some crews charge a surcharge for attic crawl spaces or high-pitch roofs.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Compared with spray foam or mineral wool, blown insulation offers a lower upfront cost per square foot but different performance characteristics. Fiberglass tends to have lower R-value per inch than high-density cellulose, though both meet typical remodeling goals when installed to recommended depths. Over time, cellulose can offer better sound dampening and, in some cases, lower long-term energy costs due to denser packing, while fiberglass may be more susceptible to settling if not properly installed.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Insulation choice affects long-term energy bills and comfort. Both materials require minimal ongoing maintenance, but ensure proper attic ventilation and air sealing to maximize efficiency. Inspect insulation periodically for settling, moisture intrusion, or pest activity, especially in regions with high humidity or significant temperature swings. The 5-year cost outlook should include potential re-blowing or topping up if settled beyond recommended levels.