Is snow melting on your roof before your neighbors’? Are ice dams forming along your roof’s edges? Is it hard to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider spray foam insulation for your attic.
These are just a few of the signs that your attic needs better insulation. Other indicators include unusually high energy bills, upstairs rooms that never seem to stay warm, or persistent roof issues.
Spray foam insulation is a great choice to tackle these problems, providing an energy-efficient solution that keeps your home cozy year-round. Here at RetroFoam of Pittsburgh, we’ve insulated countless attics with spray foam and seen firsthand how it can save homeowners money while keeping their homes comfortable.
In this article, we’ll break down the cost to spray foam an attic and explain all the factors that can influence the final price.
What is the Cost of Attic Spray Foam Insulation?
The cost of attic spray foam insulation varies depending on a few key factors, but the size of the area to be treated is the most significant contributor.
Simply put, the bigger the space, the more material is required, and the higher the cost will be.
For example, choosing to insulate your attic’s roof deck rather than just the floor means you’ll need to cover a larger surface area, increasing the overall cost. Generally, the average cost to insulate an attic with spray foam in an existing home ranges from $6,000 to $12,000.
What Variables Determine the Cost to Spray Foam an Attic?
Several variables can impact how much it costs to spray foam an attic.
Here are some of the key factors that will determine your final price.
The Type of Spray Foam Used in the Attic
The two main types of spray foam insulation are open cell and closed cell.
Closed cell foam is denser and offers a higher R-Value but costs more.
Most homeowners opt for open cell foam, which typically costs less and provides the same air seal.
Spray Foam Insulation Thickness
The thickness of the spray foam you choose will affect your cost.
In Pittsburgh, a typical application involves spraying around 6 to 10 inches of open cell foam. If additional thickness is required, this will increase the overall cost.
Removal of Old Insulation
If your attic already has insulation, it will need to be removed before spray foam can be applied.
This is an additional step that can increase the cost of your project.
How to Tell if Your Attic Needs Insulation
So, how do you know if your attic needs insulation in the first place?
Here are some signs your attic may be under-insulated or in need of an upgrade.
- Melting snow on the roof: If snow melts from your roof faster than from your garage or other areas, it’s a sign that heat is escaping through your attic. This is a clear indication that your attic isn’t adequately insulated.
- Ice Dams Forming: Ice dams along the edges of your roof may suggest poor insulation or ventilation issues in your attic.
- High Energy Bills: If your furnace or air conditioner is working overtime and you’re still not comfortable, your attic insulation could be to blame.
- Inconsistent Temperatures: Rooms on the upper floors of your home that are constantly colder or warmer than the rest of the house are another indication that your attic insulation needs attention.
- Frequent Roof Repairs: A roof that needs to be replaced every 10 to 12 years, far sooner than the typical lifespan of 30 to 40 years, may have issues with moisture buildup due to poor attic insulation.
What Does the Installation of Spray Foam Attic Insulation Entail?
Once you’ve decided to move forward with spray foam insulation for your attic, here’s what you can expect during the installation process.
- Removal of old insulation: Before spray foam can be applied, any existing insulation in your attic needs to be removed. A crew will come in, lay down plastic to protect your home, and use a vacuum system to remove the old insulation. They will also properly dispose of it.
- Spraying the Foam: After the attic is prepped, the crew will run hoses to the work area and begin spraying the foam. Depending on your project, they may apply the foam to the attic’s roof deck or floor. A thin layer of foam is also sprayed on the studs of the roof to stop thermal bridging – areas where heat escapes more easily through the structure.
- Clean-Up: Once the spray foam is applied, the crew will clean up, leaving your attic as tidy as it was before they started.
Which is More Efficient: Insulating the Floor or Roof Deck?
One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is whether they should insulate the attic floor or roof deck with spray foam.
Here at RetroFoam of Pittsburgh, we recommend insulating the roof deck. This creates an unvented attic, which is a more efficient system in the long term. By insulating the roof deck, you seal off the top of the building envelope, keeping out both air and moisture. This will also help keep your attic the same temperature as the rest of your home, which reduces strain on your furnace and air conditioner.
Some homeowners may prefer a vented system, where the attic floor is insulated, and baffles and ridge vents allow air to circulate. While this system works for homes with steep roofs, it’s more complex and requires careful maintenance to ensure proper airflow.
How Much Money Can You Save with Attic Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation in your attic can lead to significant savings on your energy bills, but the exact amount will depend on your home’s unique situation.
If your attic is the main source of heat loss, you could see a range in savings of up to 50 percent on your monthly bills.
That said, other factors, such as the efficiency of your HVAC system and how well the rest of your home is insulated, will also impact your total savings. If your attic is the only area of your home that needs better insulation, the savings could be substantial. However, if other parts of your home are also under-insulated, you may need to address those areas as well to see the full benefits.
What Services are Included in Attic Spray Foam Insulation?
When you choose RetroFoam of Pittsburgh for your attic spray foam insulation, you’re not just paying for the foam itself.
Our services include:
- A free estimate: We’ll come to your home, assess your attic, and provide you with a detailed quote for your project.
- Concierge service: You’ll have a dedicated point of contact throughout the entire project, so you can get answers to any questions or concerns.
- Old insulation removal: We’ll take care of removing and properly disposing of your old attic insulation.
- Clean-up: Our crew will clean up your attic so it looks just like it did before we arrived.
- Lifetime warranty: We offer a Lifetime Warranty on our spray foam work and products, so you can feel confident that your investment will stand the test of time.
Is Spray Foam Insulation Worth the Cost?
If you’re tired of high energy bills, inconsistent temperatures, and the other headaches that come with a poorly insulated attic, spray foam insulation is a smart investment.
While the cost to spray foam an attic may seem significant upfront, the long-term savings and comfort it provides are well worth it.
By insulating your attic with spray foam, you’ll not only enjoy a more comfortable home but also start seeing those energy savings roll in. Whether you choose to insulate the attic floor or roof deck, RetroFoam of Pittsburgh is here to help guide you through the process, ensuring you get the best solution for your home’s needs.
Want to learn more about how spray foam attic insulation can benefit your Pittsburgh home? Contact us for a free estimate, or check out our Learning Center to learn more about foam insulation for your home.
