
How much does a radiant barrier cost? Our guide breaks down prices by type of barrier and size of your attic space.
Insulation service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Baltimore homeowners should budget for R-60 insulation for attics.
Higher labor costs and state-only sales tax keep this project's cost balanced.
Spiking utility rates across Maryland make the ROI on new blown-in insulation high.
With Baltimore homeowners paying around 14% above the national average for new blown-in insulation, the average blown-in insulation cost in Baltimore is $1,806. However, your final total for this project might fall between $1,140 and $2,580. Everything from the size of the area being insulated to the R-value you select will ultimately impact final costs. Read on to learn about the major cost factors you'll encounter as you move forward with improving your Baltimore home's comfort and efficiency with new blown-in insulation.
Colder winters in Baltimore mean that homeowners need to consider paying the maximum amount for high-quality R-60 insulation for their attics. However, there are several different blown-in insulation types to choose from that allow you to retain control over this project's budget at the end of the day.
The biggest cost factor is the size of the area that requires insulation. A larger area requires more insulation and labor, increasing the overall price. This metric is calculated by multiplying your square footage by the cost per square foot of your chosen insulation materials, which are detailed below. However, a general range for blown-in insulation per square foot is $2 to $7.47 depending on the type.
| Area in Square Feet | Blown-in Insulation Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $1,000–$3,735 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$7,470 |
| 1,500 | $3,000–$11,200 |
When measuring the efficacy of any insulation material, it all boils down to the R-value. Generally speaking, higher is better, though there are two metrics to consider. There’s the overall R-value and the per-inch R-value. For example, if you want a total R-value of 30, you’ll need ten inches of insulation at an R-value of 3.0 per inch. Materials with higher R-values cost more, like sheep’s wool, but you don’t need as much material to complete the installation.
Below is a breakdown of R-values and the corresponding prices:
| R-Value | Number of Bags per 1,000 sq. ft. | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-13–R-21 | 7–10 | Acceptable for Baltimore walls | $262–$376 |
| R-30–R-49 | 15–20 | Ideal for Baltimore floors | $570–$1,824 |
| R-38–R-49 | 20–26 | Not useful in Baltimore | $1,482–$1,824 |
| R-49–R-60 | 26–32 | Ideal for Baltimore attics | $1,824–$2,280 |
The cost to install blown-in insulation depends on the type of insulation you choose for the project. Anticipate spending anywhere between $0.40 and $2.50 per square foot for materials, not including installation. Below is a breakdown of each blown-in material type and how much it costs.
| Type of Blown-In Insulation | R-Value per Inch | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | 2.5 to 3.5 | $0.40 to $1 |
| Wet-spray cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $0.60 to $1.70 |
| Dense-pack cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $1.70 to $2.20 |
| Rockwool | 3.0 to 3.7 | $1.60 to $2.50 |
| Natural wool | 3.5 to 3.8 | $1.70 to $4 |
When hiring local blown-in insulation installers in Baltimore, Maryland, you're likely to be given estimates that consist of rates by square foot based on how much blown-in insulation you need. This rate generally covers all labor and materials needed to get the project done based on the specs needed at your home. Keep in mind that labor rates for insulation installation in Baltimore generally build in costs for things like contractor insurance, licensing, and permits.
Your local insulation installer in Baltimore will probably charge between $3 and $6 per square foot for labor. If your home's current insulation needs to be removed, expect to be charged anywhere from $1 per square foot to have ordinary insulation removed to $7 per square foot for asbestos insulation removal.
A project like new siding that alters your home's physical barrier generally requires a permit to ensure you're complying with all local and state building codes. Permits for this project might cost $100 to $200.
Baltimore contractors are required to carry general liability insurance with a $50,000 minimum for most applicants. In addition, contractors with employees must have workers' compensation insurance. In all, this can lead to monthly premiums ranging from $45 to $200.
While you won't be charged sales tax for the labor on your new insulation installation, your contractor will tack on Maryland's 6% state sales tax to the blown-in insulation materials needed for this project.
Any contractor you hire for blown-in insulation in Baltimore must be licensed by the state's Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). With initial licensing costs at $350 and renewal costs of $250 due every two years, licensing costs are reflected in insulation contractor rates.
Return on investment is strong for blown-in insulation in Baltimore due to a combination of the city's cold winters and high energy costs. With homeowners noticing recent spikes in energy costs across Maryland, upgrading insulation is one way to cut oil or electricity bills.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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