Spray Foam Cost: Sprayed Insulation Per Square Foot
Spray Foam Insulation Costs
“What’s the spray foam cost per square foot?” This is the top question we get asked, and we normally try to answer through another question or two. You see, the answer goes beyond square footage for us. In order to provide our potential customers with an accurate cost estimate we need more details, like what kind of spray foam insulation will work best for the application, what needs to be sprayed, what’s the size of the job, and what’s the level of technical difficulty – will we be working from the ground or will scaffolding need to be built, like in this image? These factors can make a big difference in expense.
With that said, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Sprayed insulation is more expensive than traditional methods, but it’s also an investment that pays off for years to come. When compared against other building materials, you will see sprayed insulation is actually a lower cost material than many others. This is when you need to consider: “What’s the return on investment or value of spray foam insulation compared to other products on the jobsite?” As you can see, all of the materials in this example cost more, but will they give you a better ROI or value?
Item |
Price Estimate Per Square Foot |
Concrete | $4 to $6 |
Carpet | $2 to $6 |
Tile | $4 to $8 |
Cement fiber siding | $4.50 to $9 |
Stone siding | $15 to $30 |
Granite countertop | $60 to $100 |
Shingles, tear-off & replace | $5 to $10 |
Slate roof | $10 to $40 |
Spray foam insulation | $1 to $3 |
Spray Foam Cost Compared Against Other Materials
When considering the spray on insulation cost, first look closely at the expense for other building materials to see how it stacks up. Let’s start with a common one, roofing shingles. Common sense will tell you that you need adequate shingles to protect your home from costly leaks. However, there are many types of roofing materials to choose from. While popular and attractive, will paying up to $40 per square foot for slate roofing give you that much value in the life span of your home? It likely will not.
And then there are granite countertops. If you have ever watched one of the shows on HGTV, you will see nearly every realtor and house-hunter talk about granite countertops, but does it really provide a good return on investment? Keep in mind granite can cost many times over more standard choices like laminate countertops.
What about carpeting? The price for carpet can be all over the board depending on the quality and style. But even the best carpet won’t last more than 10 years, where sprayed insulation will last a lifetime!
To get a better idea of the ROI you might expect from sprayed in foam insulation on your application, check out our savings calculator. Think about the benefits in practical terms, too. We are having harsh cold this winter season. What is the cost of a room in your home with frozen water pipes or floors that are too cold to walk on without shoes as a result of poor insulation? Do you have a room in your home you don’t even use this time of year because it is too cold? How do you calculate the ROI or the value of a warm, comfortable home?
These daily factors contribute to the value and comfort of your home – all a part of the real value of the products you choose. As you think about spray foam cost and evaluate if it is the right product for your needs, remember the saying, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get!” If we can provide you with a spray on insulation cost estimate or help you determine your potential ROI, let us know. We would be happy to help!
About the author
Mark grew up in Winterset, Iowa: the birthplace of John Wayne and the home of Madison County Covered Bridges. He lived on a small acreage where they raised cattle, sheep, and chickens. During his youth, he raised and showed cattle with the local 4H program.
Mark’s first paying job was working at the local lumberyard after school and on weekends. After he graduated from Winterset High School he pursued the agricultural field by working on a large farming operation eventually working his way up to the manger position and partner. He also had a long career in the transportation industry.
Mark continues to own and oversee the operations of Iowa Spray Foam in addition to KC Spray Foam & Coatings.
Mark resides in Lee’s Summit, MO with his wife Tina and three of their four children. Their oldest lives and works in the Kansas City area as well.