How Much Does Attic Insulation Cost in Toronto?
One of the most effective ways to save money on your energy bills is to install insulation to an unfinished attic. Before calling a contractor, it’s important to know and understand the available insulation options and costs involved. Blown-in insulation is ideal for older attics and is the least expensive option. While the most expensive is Spray Foam insulation, which is best for noise reduction and new construction.
The cost of insulating your attic depends on some factors which are:
- The size of the attic
- The type of insulation material
- The work required prior to installing the insulation product
- Depth of the existing insulation
- Scope of the project
While you decide the right insulation for your attic, keep in mind that efficient insulation can keep the temperature regulated in the house and lower energy bills. Below we have listed your options for attic insulation, including also the average cost of each material.
Batt “Blanket” or “Rolled” Insulation
This type of insulation consists of long rolls of insulation fibers, that are held together with a paper or reflective foil backing. The insulation fibers may be comprised of cellulose, mineral wool, fiberglass or even recycled blue jeans. Batt insulation is perfect for attics with standard spacing between joists, new construction free of obstructions or existing insulation.
The R-Value (resistance to heat flow) is:
- Cotton: 3.7-3.3
- Fiberglass: 2.9-4.3
- Mineral Wool: 3.0-3.33
- Cellulose: 3.7-3.8
The average cost is: $2,091.
Blown-in (Loose-fill) Insulation
Blown-in insulation comes in large bags with sizable chunks of cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool fiber. The installer uses a blowing machine to ensure even small spaces are perfectly filled. This type of insulation is ideal for attics with obstructions between joists, irregular framing, and old attics with some form of insulation.
The R-Value (resistance to heat flow) is:
- Cotton: 3.7-3.3
- Fiberglass: 2.9-4.3
- Mineral Wool: 3.0-3.33
- Cellulose: 3.7-3.8
The average cost is: $1,796.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam Insulation is an expensive insulation option and it is available in both open and closed cell. Closed-cell is denser and offers an excellent barrier against air and water while open-cell is a cheaper alternative but doesn’t offer any barrier except air barrier. To whatever surface you spray it sticks perfectly, which means that the installer can easily apply it to the ceiling for extra protection. It is ideal for insulating news built properties, noise reduction, outdoor applications (closed-cell) etc.
The R-Value per inch is 5-6 and the average cost is $2,208.
What is the Best Attic Insulation?
The most common type of insulation available for attics are fiberglass batts, cellulose, loose-fill fiberglass, and spray foam. Fiberglass batts offer the easiest way to add attic insulation in any area of your home but they also offer the worst insulation performance for any job. People use them frequently because grabbing a bundle at the store and rolling it out takes little effort.
Cellulose recycled, ground-up paper offers a better attic insulation option than batts. The method of how cellulose is installed creates lots of dust but it gets the job done. Cellulose has the ability to control air movements, it doesn’t actually create an air barrier but the dense material stops most air movement, which helps control frost in attics.
Loose-fill fiberglass like cellulose, you need a big machine to blow it in. Fiberglass leaves stuff that can make you itch and it irritates your lungs. Older fiberglass bothers the skin and lungs way more than the newer stuff.
On the other hand, spray foam insulation offers the best performance available. Both types of insulation open and closed cell, when installed properly, fill all of the nooks and crannies in space and make a perfect air barrier. You have zero heat transfer through convection when air can’t move through it. With closed cell, 2 inches of thickness also serves as a moisture barrier. In order to tell the difference between open and closed cell, try poking it with your finger, you can easily poke a hole in open cell foam but not closed cell foam. Spray foam is considered the most expensive option, but however, the benefits of going with it usually outweigh the initial costs over time.
How The Attic Insulation Process Works
When you hire a contractor, the installer will mark the area that requires new insulation so that they can go ahead and get just the right amount of product. If there are baffles missing or are incorrectly installed, we will add them to every cavity that connects to the soffits. This will provide a good ventilation system, so the air can then pass over the insulation without disturbing it.
A hose is used to blow in the new insulation into the attic, the installers will come with a truck which has a blowing machine where the insulation product is loaded. In the necessary areas, insulation and weather-stripping will be done. You should be able to see the work done after installation is completed, so before the hatch is closed. In order to be effective and maintain its lifespan, insulation must be properly installed.
Hire an Expert to Install Attic Insulation in Toronto
Although the recommended R-Value for attic insulation in Ontario is between R50 to R60, there are too many factors to make this a DIY project that you can do properly without the relevant training, experience and certification. The installers at, Eco Spray Insulation do the job right the first time. It is unlikely that a client isn’t 100% satisfied, every effort is made to find a satisfactory solution.
As home and attic insulation specialists, serving the Greater Toronto Area, we can also provide safe and effective insulation removal. Call Eco Spray Insulation for professional guidance every step of the way from inspection, choosing the right insulation and assessing to confirm that the new insulation is performing as expected. Contact us at 1-416-860-6664, or by mail at [email protected] and our Professional Team will be happy to assist you.
