Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
DIY spray foam insulation cost
DIY spray foam insulation costs $0.80 to $1.80 per board foot on average, depending on the foam type, thickness, R-value, and home area being insulated. DIY spray foam insulation kits cost $300 to $850 and covers 200 or 600 board feet.
| Board feet | Average total cost | Average cost per board foot | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 – 15 | $40 – $70 | $3.30 – $4.60 | closed-cell |
| 200 – 250 | $300 – $500 | $1.50 – $2.00 | closed-cell |
| 300 – 450 | $400 – $650 | $1.33 – $1.44 | open-cell |
| 600 – 650 | $700 – $850 | $1.17 – $1.30 | closed-cell |
| 1,000 – 1,350 | $750 – $1,200 | $0.75 – $0.89 | open-cell |
A board foot is one square foot with 1" thickness.
Professional spray foam insulation costs $0.60 to $1.30 per board foot for open-cell spray foam or $1.30 to $2.90 per board foot for closed-cell foam, including installation.
In comparison, other types of insulation costs $0.80 to $2.80 per square foot.
DIY spray foam insulation kit prices by brand
Most spray foam insulation kits are closed-cell spray foam and come in 200 or 600 board feet (BF) packaging. Some brands offer high-density kits covering fewer board feet with a higher R-value per inch.
| Brand | Kit price (200 – 250 board feet) | Kit price (600 – 650 board feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Touch ‘n Foam | $360 – $880 | $830 – $1,300 |
| Tiger Foam | $320 – $450 | $640 – $850 |
| Dow Froth-Pak | $350 – $600 | $750 – $900 |
| Foam It Green | $450 – $480 | $830 – $880 |
| Handi-Foam | $300 – $780 | $560 – $880 |
| Touch 'n Seal | $280 – $670 | $630 – $1,000 |
Open-cell spray foam kits cost $400 to $1,000+ and range from 100 BF to 1,350 BF coverage. Open-cell kits are less common and harder to find.
Dow Froth-Pak, Handi-Foam, and Touch 'n Foam offer 12 to 15 BF kits for $40 to $70, suitable for small sealing jobs.
Tiger Foam, Dow Froth-Pak, and Foam it Green offer bulk discounts.
Touch ‘n Foam spray foam kit prices
Touch 'n Foam spray foam insulation kits cost $45 to $1,300 and come in small, medium, or large sizes. The small and medium kits house both components in one portable box. Touch 'n Foam also offers one-component spray foam cans for $15 to $20, ideal for sealing small cracks.
| Board feet | Price range | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | $45 – $50 |
|
| 200 | $360 – $880 |
|
| 600 | $830 – $1,300 |
|
Tiger Foam insulation kit cost
Tiger Foam insulation kits cost $320 to $950, depending on the size and type. Tiger Foam offers closed-cell and open-cell spray foam kit options. The company's newest formula uses hydrofluoroolefin(HFO), an environmentally friendly blowing agent. Tiger Foam offers bulk pricing when purchasing 2 or more kits.
| Board feet | Price range | Kit types |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | $320 – $450 | Fast rise |
| 600 | $640 – $850 | Fast rise, slow rise, and quick cure |
| 1,350 | $800 – $950 | Open-cell |
Dow Froth-Pak spray foam kit cost
Dow Froth-Pak spray foam kits cost $45 to $900 and provide quick-cure, closed-cell spray foam. Froth-Paks come in green-labeled sealant kits or red-labeled insulation kits. Formulations with low global warming potential (GWP) fall at the high end of the price range.
| Board feet | Price range | Kit types |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | $45 – $50 | Sealant |
| 210 | $350 – $600 | Sealant, insulation |
| 620 | $750 – $850 | Sealant |
| 650 | $830 – $900 | Sealant |
Use sealant kits to seal cracks, gaps, or wall stud perimeters before installing fiberglass or other insulation.
Use insulation kits when insulating larger cavities.
Open vs. closed-cell spray foam DIY insulation kit prices
Open-cell spray foam insulation kits cost $400 to $1,200 and cover 300 to 1,350 board feet. Closed-cell kits cost $300 to $850 and cover 200 to 750 board feet.
| Foam type | Average kit price | Coverage (in board feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Closed-cell | $300 – $500 | 200 – 250 |
| Open-cell | $400 – $650 | 300 – 450 |
| Closed-cell | $700 – $850 | 600 – 750 |
| Open-cell | $750 – $1,200 | 1000 – 1,350 |
Open-cell spray foam is cheaper per board foot but has a lower R-value per inch and does not block moisture.
Open-cell foam is a better sound barrier than closed-cell foam.
Cost factors for DIY spray foam insulation kits
Most DIY spray foam insulation kits include the foam ingredients, sprayer, hose, and extra nozzles. Protective gear is essential to ensure personal safety during the application. Protecting surrounding surfaces is also critical because spray foam is difficult to remove.
| Accessory | Price range |
|---|---|
| Hooded suit | $10 – $20 |
| Disposable shoe booties | $4 – $10 |
| Respirator | $15 – $50 |
| Safety goggles | $5 – $30 |
| Gloves | $2 – $8 |
| Gun and hose assemblies (9 – 15 feet) | $70 – $120 |
| Infrared thermometer | $20 – $50 |
| Ladder | $80 – $300 |
| Moisture meter | $20 – $60 |
| Plastic sheeting and tape | $5 – $30 |
| Replacement nozzle tips (25-pack) | $35 – $50 |
| Staple gun | $15 – $40 |
| Tape | $3 – $10 |
Factors affecting the cost of DIY spray foam insulation include:
Foam type – Open-cell spray foam is cheaper and has a higher expansion rate than closed-cell foam. Still, open-cell foam does not provide a moisture barrier or improve structural integrity.
Thickness / R-value – The higher the desired R-value, the more inches of foam are required.
Prep work – Spray foam insulation requires a clean and dry surface. Cover the floor and surrounding areas to protect from overspray. Attic prep work may involve covering vents and recessed light canisters.
Old insulation removal – Hiring a professional to remove and dispose of old insulation costs $1 to $2 per square foot. The cost to remove insulation DIY depends on the insulation type, amount, and local disposal fees.
Backup supplies – Spray hoses and guns clog easily. Confirm you have extras on hand before starting the project.
DIY spray foam FAQs
Can you spray foam insulation yourself?
You can DIY spray foam insulation, but hiring a professional is best for large jobs. Spray foam insulation involves mixing dangerous chemicals. The mixture ratio, surface temperature, air temperature, and spray pressure must be precise for a safe and successful application.
Some insulation companies only sell or warranty spray foam products to certified technicians.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Use only explicitly marked, low-expansion spray foam around doors and windows. Using high-expansion foam may damage the framing.
How much spray foam insulation do I need?
The spray foam insulation amount needed depends on the foam type, the home's geographical location, and the part of the home insulated. Energy Star recommends an R-30 to R-60 R-value in attics and R-13 to R-21 in walls, depending on the climate zone. Homes in cold climates require thicker insulation.
Open-cell foam has a lower R-value per inch than closed-cell foam. This lower R-value means you need more inches of open-cell foam to achieve the same total R-value as closed-cell foam. Spray foam is measured in "board feet." One board foot is 1 square foot of 1" thick foam.
To determine how much spray foam you need:
Multiply the length x the width of each surface to get its square footage.
Add the square footage of all surfaces to be insulated to get the total square footage.
Multiply the total square footage x the inch thickness desired to get the total board feet.
Spray foam at least 2 to 3 inches to ensure proper air sealing.
Is DIY spray foam worth it?
DIY spray foam is worth it to seal small gaps, holes, and areas of air infiltration affecting the home's energy efficiency. Large jobs may cost as much to DIY as for professional installation. Hiring a pro is often the better choice due to the dangers of DIY spray foaming incorrectly.
What is the best DIY spray foam insulation?
The best DIY spray foam insulation depends on the part of the home insulated.
Slow-rise spray foam is best for existing wall cavities to avoid removing all the drywall.
Fast-rise spray foam is best for new construction, open wall cavities, attics, and crawl spaces.
Open-cell spray foam is best for sound dampening.
Look for spray foam insulation that uses an HFO blowing agent or is labeled as "low GWP" for the most eco-friendly options.
Where to use spray foam insulation kits?
Use spray foam insulation kits to insulate small areas that need air sealing and insulation, such as floors, walls, crawl spaces, rim joists, ceilings, and attics. Consider the area size and the insulation thickness required. Most spray foam insulation kits cover 200 to 600 square feet with 1" thickness.
Use open-cell foam to dampen sound in walls.
Use closed-cell foam for crawl spaces and other areas needing insulation and a moisture barrier.
Where to buy spray foam insulation kits?
Spray foam insulation kits are available at local hardware stores and online retailers. Some spray foam insulation manufacturers like Tiger Foam and Foam it Green sell kits directly through their websites.
Getting estimates from spray foam installers
Hiring a professional to install spray foam insulation may cost more than doing it yourself. Still, professional insulation typically includes a warranty and guaranteed safe and effective application.
Before hiring insulation contractors:
Get at least three quotes to compare.
Ask for a detailed quote, including areas to be insulated, estimated R-value, insulation depth or thickness, and spray foam brand and type.
Ask for a foam removal guarantee in the event of incorrect installation.
Look for certified spray foam insulation professionals.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select insured and bonded companies that have been in business for more than five years.
Ask for references.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been in business?
What experience do you have with spray foam insulation?
Will you subcontract the work?
Is spray foam the best insulation for my space? Why or why not?
Do you recommend open-cell or closed-cell insulation for my space, and why?
How long does the insulation take to cure, and when can we safely re-enter the house?
Do you use a machine that automatically shuts off if the spray foam formula ratios are incorrect?
Does the quote include removing damaged or old insulation?
What is and is not included in the price?
What additional costs should I expect?
Do you offer financing options?
Do you offer a whole-house discount?
How long will the project take?
How long should the insulation last?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
Are there rebates available, and do you apply for them?
FAQs
How much does it cost to DIY spray foam insulation? ›
On average, DIY spray foam insulation kits cost between $300 and $350. These kits typically yield 200 board feets' worth of spray foam, making them a good candidate for medium-sized projects, like sealing roof and wall junctions, attic walls and basement sill plates.
Are DIY spray foam kits worth it? ›The short answer is, “NO!” While some smaller projects like insulating the corners of doors and windows with DIY foam may seem doable for experienced crafters, anything involving spray foam insulation is better left to those who are properly trained.
Can you buy spray foam insulation and do it yourself? ›DIY Spray Foam Pros
The small areas around doors and windows are great small projects for DIY foam insulation. The experienced homeowner could avoid a contractor's minimum charge by doing these small spaces themselves. You can buy the kit at your local home improvement store and get the job done on your own time.
You can buy kits that produce foam with the same R-value as the foam sprayed from truck-mounted units (just under R-7). But if you have a large area to insulate, it makes sense to hire a pro because the cost will be considerably less than if you use a kit yourself.
How many square feet does a 55 gallon drum of spray foam do? ›½# Open Cell Spray Foam 55 gallon kits: 16,000-21,000 board feet coverage We also have Open Cell Spray foam insulation for your project. Open cell is great for sound, and you will get your air barrier at 3.5” thickness.
How much does it cost to insulate a 24x24 garage? ›A more extensive, double-layer system with an R-30 R-value might cost closer to $1.50 a square foot. So, expect to pay somewhere between about $288 and $864 for materials needed to insulate your 24'x24' metal building.
Is 2 inches of spray foam enough? ›2 inches of spray foam is enough in particular situations while using a particular type of foam, but it is not a universally accepted standard for sufficiency. When using closed-cell foam in walls, it is generally considered sufficient when 2 to 3 inches are sprayed.
How many square feet does a DIY spray foam kit cover? ›DIY Spray foam kits come in different sizes ranging from as little as 20 board feet (20 sq. ft. @ 1″) on the low-end up to 1200 board feet (1200 sq. ft.
What are the negatives of spray foam? ›- It Can Lead to Mold. Spray foam insulation mold problems are quite common. ...
- It Can Have a Foul Odor. Spray foam insulation is mixed on the job site, and improper ratios of chemicals are common. ...
- It Can Lead to Termite Damage. ...
- It's Too Airtight.
- Fiberglass batts;
- Rock wool batts;.
- Blown-in fiberglass or cellulose, manufactured from recycled paper and similar products.
- Recycled cotton (denim), normally used for soundproofing but also provides R-13 thermal insulation.
How thick should spray foam insulation be? ›
For closed cell spray foam, you'll want to make sure that your foam is 2-3 inches thick on the walls and 4-5 inches thick on the roof deck. For open-cell foam, the same thickness is needed for the walls, but the roof deck should be sprayed to be 6-10 inches thick.
How much is DIY spray foam insulation vs professional? ›DIY spray foam insulation kits cost $300 to $850 and covers 200 or 600 board feet. A board foot is one square foot with 1" thickness. Professional spray foam insulation costs $0.60 to $1.30 per board foot for open-cell spray foam or $1.30 to $2.90 per board foot for closed-cell foam, including installation.
Is spray foam worth the money? ›Spray foam insulation is worth it – in fact, depending on the type of insulation you currently have (or don't have), spray foam insulation could save you up to 50% on your energy bills. Its highly effective heat retention means you simply don't need to use as much energy to heat your home.
How far does 1 can of spray foam go? ›A typical set of open cell spray foam yields approximately 16,000 bf (board feet) which is equal to spraying 1,600 square feet of area at a thickness of 10" inches.
What is the R-value of 3 inches of spray foam? ›Closed cell spray foam has an R-value of R-7 per inch. In comparison, open cell spray foam has an R-value of R-3.8 per inch.
Will spray foam stop water? ›Spray foam insulation is the only type of insulation that will stop the moisture outside from coming in. Fiberglass insulation and other products don't provide enough of a barrier. You'll have gaps that will allow dampness to come inside. Many of these other insulations can even absorb moisture.
What is the least expensive way to insulate a garage? ›What's the Cheapest Way to Insulate a Detached Garage? In most cases, fiberglass batts/rolls are still the simplest and all-around cheapest option for detached garage insulation.
What is the cheapest insulation? ›Batt, or roll, insulation is one of the most inexpensive types of home insulation and one of the easiest to install, especially for DIYers.
Do I need a vapor barrier with spray foam insulation? ›Vapor barriers are often installed in basements and crawl spaces to prevent ground moisture from leaking in. In houses with spray foam insulation, however, vapor barriers are not necessary.
Do you still need a vapor barrier with spray foam insulation? ›A vapour barrier is not necessary with closed-cell foam but with open-cell spray foam such as Icynene®, it is sometimes required. Any air that migrates though a building envelope will carry water vapour. As Icynene® spray foam creates a seamless air-seal, it controls air leakage and the moisture in the air.
How many spray foam kits do I need? ›
To determine how much foam you'll need, you need to know 2 things, the area to be insulated (square feet) and how thick you want your insulation (inches). Multiply both of these together and you get the number of board feet of insulation that you need to buy.
What's the best spray foam insulation? ›- Best Overall: Loctite TITE FOAM Insulating Foam Sealant.
- Best Kit for Large Projects: Great Stuff Pro Gaps and Cracks.
- Best Kit for Pests: Great Stuff Pro Kit.
- Best for Crafts: Smooth-On Foam-iT! ...
- Best Fire Block: Fire Block Polyurethane Foam Sealant.
- Best Value: Big Gap Filler.
Closed-cell spray foam is so dense that it is difficult to trim. That's why installers of closed-cell spray foam never fill a framing cavity completely. In a 2×4 wall, the installer will usually stop at a maximum depth of about 3 inches instead of 3.5 inches, leaving the typical bumpy surface of cured foam.
How much area is 600 board feet? ›A 600 board foot kit will cover 600 square feet at 1 inch thickness or 300 square feet at 2 inches thick. A 200 board foot kit will cover 200 square feet at 1 inch thickness, and so on.
When should you not use spray foam insulation? ›DON'T use expanding foam around outlets and recessed can lights. In the quest for a draft-free home, it's natural to want to add some insulation around electrical outlets, but expanding foam might not be the best type of insulation there.
Is spray foam a fire hazard? ›Like many materials found in a home or building, spray foam can ignite and burn if exposed to a sufficient heat source. Foam insulation should be considered combustible and handled accordingly.
Does spray foam insulation rot wood? ›Polyurethane has closed-cells and therefore has a reduction in breathability which could lead to wood rot in timbers.
What is cheaper than foam board? ›Mineral-filled polypropylene is one of the least expensive styrofoam alternative options. In fact, it is the least expensive sustainable alternative.
What are the two types of spray foam? ›Open and closed cell foam are two different types of spray foam insulation. They have different strengths and weaknesses, and one is not necessarily better than the other. It comes down to understanding the benefits of open cell vs closed cell foam and choosing the type that fits your needs.
Can you spray foam over electrical wires? ›While there may be debate between individual contractors about spraying foam insulation over electrical wires, industry guidelines state that spray foam insulation can be applied directly over electrical wiring.
Do you have to drywall over spray foam insulation? ›
Because any type of spray foam is combustible, along with most other building materials, we need to protect the wall from the foam. By installing gypsum board over the foam, we have protection on the inside of the building for a life-saving purpose.
How much area does a 12 oz can of spray foam cover? ›Each can covers approximately 25 Board Feet.
What is the R-value of 2 inches of spray foam? ›R-Value In 2 Inches Of Spray Foam
The R-value ranges from R-3.5 to R-3.6 per inch. The filling of a 2×4 cavity yields about an R-13.
According to the EPA, occupants must stay away from the building while it cures (and as long as the dust remains) for at least 24 to 72 hours, something they, devastatingly, are not always told. If the spray foam continues to off-gas, the building can be inhospitable to occupants for years.
How many years does spray foam insulation last? ›Both types of spray foam insulation can last anywhere from 80 years to 100 years, with closed cell spray foam having a slight edge in terms of durability. For most families, this represents the lifetime of the house and then some!
Do you have to remove old insulation before spray foam? ›Any space where spray foam insulation will be installed will need to have the existing insulation completely removed so the new insulation can reach into every nook and cranny. The presence of old insulation can actually prevent spray foam insulation from properly insulating your attic.
Which is better spray foam vs blown-in insulation? ›Unlike blown-in insulation that can lower your energy bills by 25%, with spray foam insulation in your building you can profit from a 40% decrease on your monthly energy bills. Spray foam has the ability to expand 30-60 times the volume when installed, therefore it can seal all gaps and cracks on your walls.
Is blown-in insulation cheaper than spray foam? ›Advantages of Blown-In
It's available in fiberglass, the most commonly used insulation material. It's more cost-effective than spray foam and (depending on the material used) can fulfill a wider range of applications.
In short, yes, you can install both closed-cell and open-cell spray foam insulation in existing walls. In fact, spray foam is one of the easiest insulation materials to install in a home that already has existing walls.
Is spray foam the future? ›Trends in the industry
From 2019 to 2024, the North American spray foam insulation market is expected to grow at a rate of 6% year over year. This is largely due to the fact that spray polyurethane foam proves to be more efficient, dependable, and promising than traditional insulation methods.
Is closed cell spray foam better than fiberglass? ›
Closed-cell spray foam has an R-value of roughly 6.5 per inch while open-cell spray foam has an R-value of 3.5 per inch. The R-value of fiberglass is significantly lower at around 2.2 per inch. In addition, fiberglass insulation loses R-value over time while spray foam insulation maintains its effectiveness.
Does spray foam make a house stronger? ›Spray foam adds strength to the walls due to the fact that it hardens to the building materials themselves. Other insulation options, like fiberglass batts, sit inside the walls and can move independently of the building.
Can I spray foam my house myself? ›DIY Spray Foam Pros
The small areas around doors and windows are great small projects for DIY foam insulation. The experienced homeowner could avoid a contractor's minimum charge by doing these small spaces themselves. You can buy the kit at your local home improvement store and get the job done on your own time.
The material forms a barrier to heat transfer and air leaks. Installing injection foam requires a professional. It's the most expensive way to insulate your home.
What are the disadvantages of foam insulation? ›- High up-front costs.
- Not a DIY product.
- Comparatively long, messy installation process.
- Depending on the type of foam, it can actually absorb water.
- Known and suspected health risks.
- Can make leaks difficult to find and get to.
Both Interra and spray foam insulation have their pros and cons. That said, Interra is a far better bet if you're looking for overall quality, performance, and stable R-Values. Spray foam, on the other hand, works well if you want to save time on installation, but it can be more costly overall.
What is better than spray foam insulation? ›Advantages of Blown-In
Since it's blown in, it can fill small gaps and hard-to-reach areas, like spray foam. It's available in fiberglass, the most commonly used insulation material. It's more cost-effective than spray foam and (depending on the material used) can fulfill a wider range of applications.
Both types of spray foam insulation can last anywhere from 80 years to 100 years, with closed cell spray foam having a slight edge in terms of durability. For most families, this represents the lifetime of the house and then some!
What can go wrong with spray foam insulation? ›- It Can Lead to Mold. Spray foam insulation mold problems are quite common. ...
- It Can Have a Foul Odor. Spray foam insulation is mixed on the job site, and improper ratios of chemicals are common. ...
- It Can Lead to Termite Damage. ...
- It's Too Airtight.
If you become exposed to the harmful chemicals in spray foam before it has a chance to fully cure, you could risk developing asthma or other breathing problems, along with eye and skin irritation. If the foam were to crack or break due to poor installation, you could also be subjected to foul odors.
What is better spray foam or cellulose? ›
Regarding r-value, there is a tie between both the insulation materials. The R-value of cellulose is 3.6-3.8 per inch, while for spray foam, it is 3.5-3.7. Generally speaking, NEEECO recommends cellulose insulation over spray foam insulation for retrofit construction (existing homes).
Is open cell spray foam better than fiberglass? ›Spray foam seals all voids, inhibits air leakage, and creates a protective air barrier, leading to better energy efficiency per square foot than installed fiberglass. Second, spray foam adds a level of fire protection to your structure.
Why does spray foam crack? ›Spray foam is rigid and inflexible once it cures, and foam boards are rigid from the outset. So when these materials expand and contract because of temperature changes - and that's when, not if - they can crack.
What type of spray foam is best? ›Ultimately, closed-cell spray foam is largely the better choice. It's physically stronger and does a better job of insulating a space. It also creates an effective vapor barrier, meaning the homeowner doesn't have to apply one themselves after the foam dries.
What is a cheaper alternative to foam board? ›Mineral-filled polypropylene is one of the least expensive styrofoam alternative options. In fact, it is the least expensive sustainable alternative.
Do you need drywall over spray foam? ›Because any type of spray foam is combustible, along with most other building materials, we need to protect the wall from the foam. By installing gypsum board over the foam, we have protection on the inside of the building for a life-saving purpose.