How Much Is the Cost of Wool Insulation? [2024 Data]
The average cost of wool insulation runs from $1.40 to $2.10 per square foot, but costs can go up to $3.10 per square foot
Highlights
Mineral wool insulation costs $1.40–$2.10 per square foot
Material and labor make up the majority of the cost
Batt and roll insulation is a simple DIY
Blown-in insulation requires a pro
Insulation has an ROI of 100% or more
Insulation plays an essential role in how comfortable and energy-efficient your home is and is a high-ROI upgrade to consider when you’re remodeling, renovating, or finishing a space like an attic. Wool insulation costs range from $1.10 to $3.10 per square foot, depending on the R-value and type of installation. Wool insulation is also a natural alternative to fiberglass insulation. Learn about the three types of wool insulation and their cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Wool Insulation?
There are three main types of wool insulation. Mineral wool, also known as rockwool, is the most common, but sheep’s wool and hemp wool are also available.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is made of rock or slag that's heated and spun into fibers. The rockwool fibers are bound together with resin and oil to create mineral wool. You can blow in mineral wool insulation or cut pieces from rolls.
Mineral wool offers excellent thermal insulation and is fire-resistant. Mineral wool isn’t all-natural, so it’s important to cover your skin when installing it to prevent irritation. It can also be dangerous to inhale when installing and is a possible carcinogen.
Sheep’s Wool
Sheep's wool is a natural insulation made of treated sheep's wool. It offers excellent insulation and is an energy-efficient renewable product. You don't need protective gear to install sheep's wool, as it’s safe and all-natural. Sheep's wool is primarily available as batt insulation instead of blown-in.
Hemp Wool
Natural hemp insulation is made of hemp fibers and is another eco-friendly choice. Hemp insulation is available as batt insulation and is harder to find than mineral wool and sheep's wool. You won't need protective gear to install hemp, but you'll need a saw to cut through it.
How Much Does Wool Insulation Cost per Square Foot?
Standard wool insulation costs between $1.10 and $3.10 per square foot, while mineral wool costs between $1.40 and $2.10 per square foot. To install mineral rockwool in a 1,000 square foot attic, expect to pay between $1,400 to $2,100.
Wool Insulation Cost Breakdown
Wool insulation cost factors are primarily materials and labor, but you might need a few tools to do the job, depending on how you install it. Thanks to reduced utility expenses, installing insulation in your home or attic has an ROI of 100% or more.
Materials
The cost of the insulation itself makes up most of the project price. The total cost depends on the square footage of your space, the type of insulation, and the R-value. Higher R-values offer greater insulation performance and are more expensive than lower R-values but tend to pay off over time with lower utility costs.
Labor
The labor cost to install insulation ranges from $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot. The size of the space plays a role in the cost and how it's being installed. Blown-in insulation requires more prep and experience. Batt insulation is easier to install and doesn't require additional skills or machinery.
Tools and Supplies
If you’re using batt insulation, you’ll need a utility knife, tape measure, straight edge, staple gun, caulk gun, gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask. You'll also need a saw to cut through the material if you're installing hemp batting, as a utility knife may not do the trick.
If you blow in mineral wool insulation, you'll need a blower machine, hose, duct tape, drop cloths, vent chutes, hard hat, and shop vac, in addition to the above tools.
Cost to Install Wool Insulation Yourself
You can install batt and roll insulation as a beginner DIYer with the help of a few tools. The cost mostly comes down to the material and your time. Wear protective gear if you’re working with mineral rockwool to avoid skin, eye, and lung irritation. You can install sheep’s wool and hemp wool without protective gear, but you’ll need a saw to cut hemp.
Blown-in insulation takes more preparation, machinery, and experience to ensure it’s done right. Hire a local insulation contractor to ensure your insulation investment pays off.
Cost to Install It Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
Expect to pay about $35 to $80 per hour on average for insulation installation, depending on the type of insulation and how complex the job is. A local professional batt and roll installer can help you avoid any material hazards and ensure your insulation is installed correctly for the biggest impact on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
4 Tips to Reduce the Cost of Wool Insulation
Here are a few ways to save money while installing wool insulation:
Install batt insulation instead of blown-in insulation.
Choose mineral wool over sheep’s wool or natural hemp.
Put in batt or roll insulation yourself.
Hire out the project, but do some of the prep work yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best insulation for your home depends on your climate and R-value recommendations, in addition to what area of your house you’re installing insulation. Blown-in or spray foam insulation is often best for ceilings, attics, and hard-to-reach places. If you’re looking for the safest and most eco-friendly insulation, wool insulation is often the top choice.
While you have your walls or ceiling open to the studs, you may want to consider adding HVAC, plumbing, or electrical before putting in insulation. Rewiring a room or house, for instance, is much easier when the walls are already open.
There are a few questions you can ask your insulation installer to qualify them before hiring:
Will you charge per square foot, by the hour, or per project?
Will you seal holes and gaps before installing insulation?
Are you licensed and insured?
How long do you expect the project to take?
Do you offer any kind of satisfaction guarantee?
Do you have experience working with my preferred type of insulation?