How Much Does Roof Insulation Cost (Material Breakdown)

Posted on October 14, 2024

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roof insulation cost

Like many other smaller parts of a roof, insulation plays a mandatory role in the functionality of your building. Proper insulation with the right R-value can significantly help maintain comfort inside your building. When planning to insulate your new roof, it is important to estimate the total roof insulation cost you will have to pay. Generally, homeowners pay from around $1,000 to $5,000 in order to insulate their roofs.

At Capital Roofing, we understand the importance of planning a budget for all kinds of roofing projects. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide, where we discuss a range of roof insulation costs for different materials. 

*Please note, price ranges listed in this article may not reflect the final cost of your project. Prices are subject to change based on various factors such as local labor rates, material quality, and more. All costs established in this article are rough estimates based on average industry rates. 

Different Insulation Materials Cost

There are several types of roof insulation, each with its own cost and benefits. Let’s look at the options:

#1 Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) Insulation

πŸ‘‰ Cost: $0.65 to $0.85 per square foot

πŸ‘‰ R-Value: R-6.5 to R-8 per inch

Polyiso insulation is a high-performance rigid foam board option that’s great for roofs. It’s thin but offers substantial insulating power. If you’re looking for high-quality insulation without taking up too much space, polyiso might be worth the investment. It’s particularly useful for buildings with limited insulation space, such as commercial ones. 

#2 Perlite Cover Boards

πŸ‘‰ Cost: $1.20 to $9.60 per square foot

πŸ‘‰ R-Value: R-3 to R-3.5 per inch

Perlite cover boards are specialized insulating materials often used on flat roofing systems. They offer fire and moisture resistance while regulating temperature. Although their R-value is lower than some other options, their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures make them a valuable choice for certain roofing projects.

#3 Fiberglass Batt Insulation

roof insulation cost

πŸ‘‰ Cost: $.40 to $1.50 per square foot

πŸ‘‰ R-Value: R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch

Fiberglass is a tried-and-tested option that many homeowners trust. It’s affordable and does a good job of keeping your home cozy. If you’re concerned about your budget but still want quality insulation, fiberglass batts are a solid choice. They’re easy to install and work well in attics with many beams and rafters.

Also Read: Top 5 Energy-Efficient Roof Insulation Materials for 2024  

#4 Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Insulation

πŸ‘‰ Cost: $0.40 to $1.20 per square foot

πŸ‘‰ R-Value: R-3.9 to R-4.4 per inch

A type of rigid foam board insulation, EPS is a budget-friendly option that offers quality insulation. It’s lightweight and easy to work with, which can help keep installation costs down. If you’re looking to insulate your roof without breaking the bank, EPS is worth considering. 

#5 Spray Foam Insulation

Spray Foam Insulation

πŸ‘‰ Cost: $.50 to $2 per square foot

πŸ‘‰ R-Value: R-3.6 to R-3.9 per inch

Spray foam is a bit pricier, but it’s a favorite choice for many reasons. It can fill in extremely tight spaces, creating an air-tight seal. There are two types: closed-cell (denser and higher R-value) and open-cell (more flexible and better for sound insulation). If you want top-notch insulation and are willing to pay a bit more, spray foam could be your best option.

#6 Blown-In Insulation

Blown-In Insulation

πŸ‘‰ Cost: $1 to $2 per square foot

πŸ‘‰ R-Value: R-3.2 to R-4 per inch

Blown-in insulation is versatile and great for hard-to-reach spots, but its cost can vary depending on the material used, like fiberglass or cellulose. It’s a good middle-ground option that balances cost and effectiveness, especially for large attics or crawl spaces.

#7 Reflective Foil Insulation

Reflective Foil Insulation

πŸ‘‰ Cost: $0.25 to $2 per square foot

πŸ‘‰ R-Value: R-3 to R-17 per inch

Reflective foil insulation uses reflective materials to create a barrier against radiant heat. It’s lightweight, thin, and easy to install. While its R-value can vary widely, it’s particularly effective in hot climates where reflecting heat is a priority. It’s a cost-effective and sustainable option that fits well between rafters and joists.

#8 Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

πŸ‘‰ Cost: $10 to $18 per square foot

πŸ‘‰ R-Value: R-15 to R-70 per inch

SIPs are innovative building materials used in walls, roofs, and floors. They consist of foam insulation sandwiched between two boards, generally OSB. While they’re more expensive upfront, SIPs offer exceptional thermal performance and strength based on the thickness of the foam core, which is why their R-value varies widely.  They’re worth considering for new constructions or major renovations where their benefits can be fully realized.

#9 Tapered Roof Insulation

πŸ‘‰ Cost: $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot

πŸ‘‰ R-value: R-4.2 to R-6.0 per inch

This specialized type of insulation is designed to create a slight slope on flat roofs, which helps with water drainage and prevents pooling. Due to its custom design and installation requirements, tapered roof insulation can be more expensive than standard flat roof insulation. 

What Are the Factors That Directly Affect The Roof Insulation Cost?

As we have mentioned, these are general estimates, and the exact roof insulation cost will differ by project depending on certain things. Here, we are going to have a quick look at these factors.

πŸ‘‰ Roof Size: The bigger your roof, the more insulation you’ll need. Measure your roof’s surface area to get a rough estimate of the total cost.

πŸ‘‰ Insulation Type: As we’ve seen, different materials have different costs. Choose one based on your budget and insulation needs.

πŸ‘‰ R-Value: Higher R-values mean better insulation but also higher costs. Think about your climate when deciding on the R-value you need.

πŸ‘‰ Installation: DIY installation methods can save you money, but professional installation is important to make sure that the job is done right. Factor in labor costs if you’re hiring pros.

πŸ‘‰ Roof Type: The cost of flat roof insulation might differ from the cost to install a pitched roof insulation due to different materials and installation methods.

The Flat Roof vs. Pitched Roof Insulation Costs

As we just mentioned, the type of roof you have also affects the roof insulation cost for your project. Here’s a closure explanation:

πŸ‘‰The Flat Roof Insulation Cost

Flat roofs often use insulation materials like polyiso, EPS boards, or perlite cover boards. The cost for flat roof insulation might range from $0.35 to $0.70 per square foot, depending on the material you are willing to choose. 

πŸ‘‰ The Pitched Roof Insulation Cost

Pitched roofs generally use materials like fiberglass batts, blown-in insulation, or reflective foil insulation. Costs can range from $0.25 to $2.50 per square foot, not including installation. 

The wide range reflects the variety of materials available for pitched roofs.

You Might Also Like: 5-Minute Guide to Understanding & Using R19 Unfaced Insulation

We Are Here To Serve You With High-Quality Roofing Services In Claremore, OK

If you are looking for high-quality roofing services in Claremore, OK, and the surrounding areas, then we are here to assist you!
At Capital Roofing, we understand that your roof is an important investment. That’s why we only use industry-certified practices and quality materials to make sure that your roof is beautiful and protects your property for many years to come. To know more about our services, or to get a custom quote, give us a call at (918) 260-4075.

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