How Much Does Batt and Roll Insulation Cost in 2024?

Batt and roll insulation for a whole home typically costs between $1,060 and $2,965 to install, or about $0.95 to $2.87 per square foot.

Batt and roll insulation is the most traditional form of home insulation. It helps to keep a comfortable temperature, improve energy efficiency, and reduce noise transmission. The average batt and roll insulation cost is $2,010, or between $1,060 and $2,965. Prices vary greatly depending on factors such as the area of the house, installation complexity, and material costs.

Average Batt and Roll Insulation Costs

National Average Cost $2,010
Typical Price Range $1,060 – $2,965
Extreme Low-End Cost$360
Extreme High-End Cost$5,210

When calculating the average cost to install batt and roll insulation in your home, the price may vary depending on the materials chosen and the area being insulated. While the extreme low-end may start at as little as $360 in total, be prepared for a much higher cost of up to $5,210. Homeowners can save on costs by doing the installation on their own.

Batt and Roll Insulation Cost Estimator by Size

worker installing fiberglass batt insulation
Photo Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License

The cost will be higher as the size of your project increases. Average installations cost $0.95 to $2.87 per square foot, including materials and labor.

You can use the following table to get an idea of the typical cost range of batt and roll insulation professionally installed for homes or rooms of different sizes.

Project Size (Square Footage)Typical Cost Range
400$380 – $1,148
600$570 – $1,722
800$760 – $2,296
1,000$950 – $2,870
1,500$1,425 – $4,305
2,000$1,900 – $5,740

Batt Insulation vs. Roll Insulation

Batt insulation and roll insulation look very similar and are equally effective at insulating a space, but the difference between them is that batt insulation comes in pre-cut lengths and widths, while insulation rolls, as the word says, are sold in large rolls.

Batt insulation comes in pre-cut panels that are easy to install. They are designed to fit between studs, joists, and other tight spaces. Roll insulation can be cut to fit any space, making it more versatile. Ultimately, the choice between batt and roll insulation depends on the specific needs of your project and your personal preferences.

Other Factors That Affect Cost

While the size and material chosen for your insulation project may influence the cost, there are other factors you should take into account, including the following.

Batt and Roll Insulation Material

Roll and batt insulation is made of flexible fibers such as fiberglass, mineral (rock and slag) wool, cellulose, and natural fibers, such as cotton and sheep wool.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass batt is made from glass fibers woven into a mat. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and effective at preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. It is also non-flammable and does not absorb moisture, which can reduce the risk of mold growth. It costs between $0.35 to $1.50 per square foot.

Mineral Wool

Mineral insulation, also known as rock wool insulation, is a type of insulation made from natural minerals such as rock, slag, or glass. Rock or mineral wool offers a better R-Value than fiberglass and is priced at $1.40 to $4 a square foot.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is a type of insulation made from recycled paper products such as newsprint. It has a higher R-value per inch than fiberglass insulation, making it a more efficient insulation option. It is also more environmentally friendly, as it is made from recycled materials and can be recycled again at the end of its useful life. It costs $0.60 to $2.30 per square foot.

Natural Fibers

Natural fiber insulation is made of cotton, sheep’s wool, straw, wood fibers, and hemp. These materials are eco-friendly because they are renewable and biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact than synthetic insulation options. However, it can be more expensive than other insulation types. Its cost ranges from $4 to $6.75 per square foot of insulation.

Faced vs. Unfaced

When choosing batt insulation, you have the option of batts that are faced or unfaced. Faced insulation is a little more expensive. It comes with a paper facing that sticks to the wooden studs or joists and acts as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from getting into the building materials, which can cause mold or rot. Unfaced insulation is best when expanding the attic insulation or adding soundproofing between floors or interior walls.

New vs. Existing Construction

It is cheaper to add insulation to new constructions because it is easier to install roll and batt insulation to unfinished wall cavities. 

On previously insulated constructions, you should expect additional costs corresponding with the replacement of the existing insulation. The cost to remove insulation ranges from $600 to $1,200 for 600 square feet, with an average cost of $900.

R-Values

R-value is used to measure the effectiveness of insulation materials. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performance of the material and the higher the cost. The most common R-value for both batt and roll insulation is between R-3 and R-4 per inch in thickness. Colder climates require a higher R-value to maintain the home’s temperature.

R-ValueThickness (Inches)Material Price (per square foot)
R-113.5$0.35 – $0.65 
R-133.6$0.45 – $0.95
R-196-6.25$0.75 – $1.20
R-309.5 – 10$0.90 – $1.15
R-3812$1.20 – $1.90

Note: The prices in the table above are for materials only and do not include professional installation. 

Household Area

Household insulation areas typically include the attic, walls, floors, crawl spaces, exterior walls, and foundations. Insulation in these areas can help to keep a nice home temperature not only in the winter but also in the summer, reducing energy consumption and utility costs. However, depending on the household area to insulate, the prices will change.

You can find the average costs for insulating different areas of the home listed in our home insulation cost guide

Related Services 

When installing new insulation in your home, you may require information about related services and their costs, as well, including: 

Different Types of Home Insulation

There are other types of insulation than batt and roll. Homeowners can choose their insulation project from a variety of materials based on their energy efficiency and price range. Some materials are more suitable for different projects and locations in the house. 

The average cost of home insulation installation is between $2,130 and $6,700, with the national average being $3,020.

Here’s a list of the most common insulation types and costs:

  • Spray foam insulation: When applied, this type of insulation expands and hardens to form a solid foam. It can be made from a variety of materials. The costs range between $1.75 and $4.30 a square foot.
  • Blown-in insulation is a type of insulation that is installed by blowing loose fibers or beads into space-filling small gaps and cracks. Blown-in insulation cost ranges between $1.65 and $3.80 per square foot.
  • Rigid foam board is an insulation in which material is formed into rigid boards that can be cut to put into different spaces in your home. Rigid foam board insulation costs between $1.30 to $2.90 per square foot.
  • Structural insulated panels consist of a foam insulation core that is sandwiched between two pieces of wood, drywall, or another type of structural material. It will cost more than other options at $7 to $12 a square foot.

Mold Cleanup

Removing old insulation can reveal mold in the home’s infrastructure. Mold remediation costs an average of $2,347, with most homeowners paying between $1,373 and $3,325.

Solar Panels

Most homeowners consider solar panels an ally when it comes to reducing energy costs. The average price of solar panels is between $15,000 and $26,000, with a national average of $20,000.

Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost

Installing batts or rolls of insulation is a home improvement project which is not difficult to fulfill, and you can save money by not hiring a professional.

If you are considering spray foam or blown-in insulation, you may need to hire a contractor, but in the case of roll and batt insulation, you can install them yourself. However, you need to be careful, as some of the materials involved can be irritants.

See in the table below all the equipment you will need to install batt and roll insulation DIY, along with how much it all costs. 

DIY EquipmentAverage Cost
Glasses (protection)$ 13
Dust Mask (protection)$12
Work Gloves (protection)$14
Hammer Stapler $35
Utility knife $12
Tape measure$13
Ladder$60
Caulk gun$6
Caulk$3
Total DIY Cost for Equipment:$183

Homeowners looking to estimate project costs for specific types of insulation should deduct the cost of labor per square foot, $0.55 – $1.50, from their professional installation cost. This will allow them to estimate what they can expect to pay for insulation materials.

Batt and Roll Insulation AreaMaterial Costs ($0.55 – $1.50 per square foot)
400 Square Feet$160 – $548
600 Square Feet$240 – $822
800 Square Feet$320 – $1,096
1,000 Square Feet$400 – $1,370
1,500 Square Feet$600 – $2,055
2,000 Square Feet$800 – $2,740

Cost of Batt and Roll Insulation Installation by Location

Generally, the cost of insulation will be related to the differentiation in labor costs by geographical area. However, it’s hard to give a general cost for insulation by the demographic area without more specific information about the location, type of insulation, and size of the area being insulated. It is recommended to contact local insulation contractors to have a better idea of insulation costs in your area.

FAQ About Batt and Roll Insulation

How long does batt insulation last?

The lifespan of batt insulation depends on a few factors, such as the type of insulation, the quality of the installation, and the environment in which it is installed. Unless damaged, in general, most types of batt insulation can last for decades.

What type of insulation is the cheapest?

Batt and roll insulation made of fiberglass is the least expensive and the most common form of home insulation to purchase and install.

Is batt insulation better than rolled?

Batt and roll insulation are equally effective in insulating different home areas. The difference between them is the method used for the installation. Whereas rolls can be rolled out between the ceiling joists, insulation batts are installed in already cut pieces.

How much time will it take to insulate my home?

Batt and roll insulation is easy to do and can be completed within a day. However, time varies depending on the size of the project.

When to Hire a Professional for Insulation 

The cost of using batts and rolls to insulate your home varies depending on the type of insulation, material, project size, labor costs, and the home area to be insulated. The average cost of batt and roll insulation installation is $2,010, with costs typically ranging between $1,060 and $2,965.

Roof Gnome connects you to the best local insulation pros. You’ll get quotes in minutes and know the job will be done right.

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Main Image Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License

Cecilia Acevedo

Cecilia Acevedo is your go-to writer for all things at home. With a toolbox in one hand and a pen in the other, she's mastered the art of turning everyday living spaces into places of comfort and style. Her articles are practical advice to help you navigate repairs with confidence.