In this guide for crawlspace insulation installation costs,we cover the purposes and types of crawl space insulation available to you as well as providing a full and clear breakdown for crawlspace insulation costs. The average cost of crawl space insulation installation will be $0.30 – $2.50 per sq.ft. for materials and $0.60 – $1.30 per sq.ft. for labor. These costs will vary greatly depending on several factors discussed in this article, along with the type of crawl space insulation you choose.
| Crawl Space Insulation Costs | |||
| Basic | Average | High | |
| Expect to Pay | $0.90 – $1.30 per sq.ft. | $1.80 – $2.60 per sq.ft. | $2.40 – $3.80 per sq.ft. |
| Insulation Type | Roll and Batt | Rigid Foam / Spray In | Rigid Foam / Spray In |
| Value | R-13 | R-13 / R-19 | R-19 |
| Ease of Access | Easy | Medium | Hard |
| DIY or Pro | DIY | Pro | Pro |
| Note: Prices above include supply of insulation and labor / tools for installation. Get 4 quick prices from local contractors who bid for your work, giving you the best deal. | |||
A crawl space is part of a home’s foundation with very little height – hence a crawl space or crawlspace. It may or may not be heated, ventilated or have a poured floor.
Reasons to Insulate the Crawl Space
There are two primary reasons to insulate the crawlspace – to add a moisture barrier and to reduce energy use in heating the home.
A moisture barrier is essential to keeping humidity levels down. Excess humidity that transfers through the foundation walls or floor may cause mold in areas such as the ductwork or walls and can lead to rotting of framing timbers. A moisture barrier is very important in non-ventilated crawl spaces.
Insulating the walls of a non-ventilated crawlspace will prevent the loss of heat through foundation walls. If the crawlspace is vented, then insulation should be applied to the ceiling of the crawlspace which is also the subfloor of the home’s first floor. Insulating the ceiling/subfloor will prevent the loss of heat in the winter and the heating of the air in the living space above in the summer.
When planning for crawl space insulation, consider insulating all ducts and pipes that pass through the area. This is essential if the crawlspace is unheated.
Recommended Insulation Levels for the Crawl Space
The recommended R-value for crawlspaces in all zones of the United States and Canada is R-19. In some very moderate climates like those on the Pacific Coast, R-13 or R-15 may be sufficient. An insulation contractor in your area will be able to give you specific code requirements where you live. However, even where local codes allow less insulation, you can’t go wrong with R-19.
Types of Insulation Used in Crawl Spaces
There are three main types of insulation used in crawlspaces: Batt insulation, spray-in foam insulation and rigid foam insulation.
Batt insulation – The batts may be fiberglass (a wool-like material made from molten glass) or rock wool (a wool-like material made from molten rock slag). These batts are affordable and come in a variety of thicknesses to create varying R-values. Seams where batts adjoin should be stuffed with additional insulation or taped to prevent air gaps.
Spray-in foam insulation – Spray in foam insulation has the advantage of offering outstanding coverage since it goes on wet and then cures into a rigid foam with no seams. Open cell (less efficient but more affordable) and closed cell (more efficient and costlier) are available. It is sprayed using a large time, compressor and a spray hose or wand.
Rigid foam insulation – Rigid foam insulation comes in 4×8 boards and is used mostly as wall insulation either on the exterior or interior of the crawlspace. It is an ideal insulation for crawlspaces that are NOT vented. There are several types of rigid insulation with R-values of R-4 to R-8 per inch of thickness.
Non-vented crawlspaces often have a combination of rigid insulation on the walls and either batt or spray foam insulation on the ceiling.
Crawl Space Insulation Costs and Comparisons for Installation
These crawl space insulation prices will give you an idea of what to expect when you receive bids from insulating contractors in your area.
Roll and Batt Insulation Costs
Table 1: Prices shown for Roll & Batt Insulation, divided down into Material per Sq. Foot and Labor per Sq. Foot:
| Insulation Rating | Material per Sq. Foot | Labor per Sq. Foot |
| R-13 | $0.30 to $0.40 | $0.60 to $0.90 |
| R-19 | $0.50 to $0.75 | $0.60 to $0.95 |
Spray In Foam Insulation Costs
Table 2: Prices shown for Spray-in Foam Insulation, divided down into Material per Sq. Foot and Labor per Sq. Foot:
| Insulation Rating | Material per Sq. Foot | Labor per Sq. Foot |
| R-13 | $0.90 to $1.60 | $0.57 to $0.90 |
| R-19 | $1.30 to $2.50 | $0.75 to $1.00 |
Rigid Foam Insulation Costs
Table 3: Prices shown for Rigid Foam Insulation, divided down into Material per Sq. Foot and Labor per Sq. Foot:
| Insulation Rating | Material per Sq. Foot | Labor per Sq. Foot |
| R-13 | $0.75 to $0.90 | $0.90 to $1.25 |
| R-19 | $1.10 to $1.30 | $0.90 to $1.30 |
Crawl Space Insulation Cost Comparison from the Web
We have compiled a table showing a comparison of prices for crawl space insulation, this is sourced from popular websites around the net, including our own. The purpose of this is to save you time and to give you a wider range and more accurate representation of crawl space insulation costs. Factors which may affect these costs are discussed further down this page. Of course, you can get 4 free estimates to compare local prices and see what you could save.
| Crawl Space Insulation Price Comparison | |
| Website / Source | Cost Range |
| Insulation Guides | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| FixR | $700 – $1,200 |
| HomeAdvisor | $300 – $400 |
| ImproveNet | $700 – $1,600 |
| HomeWyse | $400 – $700 |
| Average Cost from Web Comparison | $820 – $1,400 |
| Note: The above prices are quoted on an average sq. ft. of 1,200 sq. ft. | |
Factors Affecting Crawl Space Insulation Installation Costs
All types of crawl space insulation require additional supplies and materials such as adhesive, fasteners, tape or tools, and as such this will affect the cost of insulating the crawl space. Expect these costs to be +/- $50 per 1,000 square feet of insulated space. Additional cost factors will include:
- Size of the Crawl Space – The size of the crawl space will significantly affect the cost of insulation, this includes both the height of the crawl space as well as the surface area in sq. ft.
- Type of Insulation – As you can see from the pricing tables above, roll and batt insulation is one of the cheapest options and spray in insulation is one of the most expensive options.
- Location – Ease of access will affect the cost of the labor required to install the crawl space insulation, if it’s easy to get to it will be cheaper than if it’s more difficult.
- Vented vs Un-vented – Vented areas will cost more to insulate, due to the fact that additional sealing will be required to achieve the correct insulation levels required by the U.S. and Canadian standards.
- Preparation – Certain insulation, such as spray foam insulation, will require a clean and prepared surface to apply to. Therefore, the removal of any dirt, grime or dust will need to be factored into the estimate provided by the insulation contractor.
- Pro or DIY – DIY will be cheaper than pro. Insulation boards and insulation foam kits are available at most big DIY stores. But beware, installation of insulation is a messy and fiddly job, it’s worthwhile considering how much a pro installation will cost you before making your decision.
You’ll find the lowest crawl space insulation prices and the best contractors in your area when you request at least three written estimates from contractors who are competing for your business.
For costs of other insulation types, you can check out our insulation prices page.