The question “how much does foam insulation cost” pops up in nearly every homeowner conversation we record inside CountBricks. Because our AI generates live material pricing in seconds, we see real-world numbers every day. That data shows spray foam insulation continues to be one of the smartest investments in residential construction—provided you understand what drives the price.
Across thousands of CountBricks projects, closed-cell spray foam averages $1.60–$2.80 per board foot, while open-cell foam averages $0.90–$1.30 per board foot. On a typical 2,400 sq ft home, total installed costs range from $6,800 to $14,500 depending on depth, climate zone, and prep work.
• Foam Type – Closed-cell delivers higher R-value per inch and acts as a vapor barrier, but material cost is nearly double open-cell.
• Depth / R-Value – Every additional inch increases board-foot count. A jump from 2″ to 3″ of closed-cell can add more than 30 % to material cost.
• Surface Prep – Removing old batts, sealing penetrations, and protecting windows can add $0.25–$0.50 per square foot.
• Accessibility – Tight crawlspaces and high vaulted ceilings boost labor hours, lifting overall cost 10 %–20 %.
• Regional Pricing – CountBricks tracks live supplier feeds; dense metro areas may show 8 %–12 % higher chemical prices than rural zones.
Below is a condensed version of an AI-generated estimate for a 2,000 sq ft bungalow. Figures update automatically in the CountBricks dashboard when suppliers change pricing.
1. Exterior Walls – 2,100 board feet open-cell @ $1.05 = $2,205
2. Attic Roof Deck – 1,800 board feet closed-cell @ $2.10 = $3,780
3. Prep & Ventilation – Lump sum = $950
4. Cleanup & Disposal – Lump sum = $260
Total Installed Cost – $7,195
Spray foam is sold by the board foot (12″ × 12″ × 1″). Estimators who only quote square feet often hide true thickness. CountBricks prompts you for desired R-value, converts that to inches, and multiplies by surface area automatically—no math mistakes, no surprises on site.
• Open-cell excels in large wall cavities where depth is available and sound dampening is a bonus.
• Closed-cell is perfect on roof decks, rim joists, and crawlspace walls where moisture control and structural rigidity add value.
• Hybrid strategies—open-cell in walls, closed-cell in the roof—balance performance and budget. CountBricks can model both in seconds so you can show homeowners the delta on screen.
• Temporary relocation of occupants during application
• HVAC make-up air while curing
• Electrical box extenders when cavity depth changes
CountBricks checklists flag these automatically so nothing slips through the cracks—or the ledger.
Energy studies on CountBricks retrofits show heating and cooling bills drop 15 %–40 %. At today’s utility rates, most homeowners recoup foam costs in 3–6 years and enjoy quieter, healthier spaces for decades.
• Voice-to-Estimate – Walk the site, talk to your phone, and receive a complete foam takeoff in real time.
• Live Supplier Feeds – Our API integrates with regional distributors, so quotes auto-adjust to today’s material price, not last quarter’s catalog.
• AI Blueprint Takeoffs – Upload a PDF plan, and CountBricks isolates wall, ceiling, and floor assemblies, computing board feet instantly.
• Instant Proposal Docs – Generate branded PDF quotes, including scope, exclusions, and payment milestones, straight from your phone.
Does spray foam qualify for energy rebates?
Many jurisdictions offer rebates up to $1,200. CountBricks estimate templates include pre-filled rebate codes to speed approval.
Is DIY foam cheaper?
Retail kits run $1.30–$1.60 per board foot before tools and safety gear—rarely cheaper than pro installation. CountBricks contractors buy in bulk and pass savings through.
How long does installation take?
An experienced two-person crew averages 2,000 board feet per day. CountBricks schedules integrate crew calendars to optimize sequence with other trades.
Ready to lock down costs with precision? Create a free account at CountBricks.com/services, start a voice estimate, and let our AI crunch the numbers while you focus on winning the project.
A recent CountBricks project involved a 1970s ranch in a mixed-humid climate zone. The homeowner’s goal was simple: slash utility bills and eliminate drafty rooms.
1. Home Size – 1,850 sq ft single-story
2. Existing Insulation – R-13 fiberglass batts in walls, none in crawlspace rim joist
3. Proposed Scope – Open-cell foam in exterior walls, closed-cell in roof deck and crawlspace
• Total Board Feet – 4,900
• Material/Labor Cost – $9,870 (generated via live feed)
• Projected Annual Energy Savings – $1,540
• Payback Period – 6.4 years
• The crew used CountBricks blueprint takeoffs to pre-order exact chemical volumes, reducing waste to under 2 %.
• Voice-controlled change orders captured unforeseen crawlspace repairs on site, updating the invoice in real time.
• Post-install blower-door testing, logged in CountBricks/portfolio, confirmed a 47 % reduction in air leakage.
• Hybrid foam strategies often hit the sweet spot between performance and budget.
• Real-time supplier pricing prevented a potential $600 overrun when chemical costs spiked mid-week.
• Pairing foam with air-sealing details (box extenders, top-plate caulk) amplified energy savings beyond R-value alone.
Contractors can start a complimentary trial at CountBricks.com/consultation. Upload a recent plan set, specify desired R-values, and watch our AI deliver a polished proposal—complete with rebate documentation—in minutes. Homeowners can request certified CountBricks contractors through the same portal and lock in costs before the next utility cycle kicks in.
CountBricks isn’t just estimating software—it’s your competitive edge in residential construction.
