Upgrading your roof insulation improves energy efficiency, reduces utility bills, and keeps your home comfortable year-round.

Types of Residential Insulation

  • Good - Fiberglass Batt Insulation

    Where used: Pitched attics, between rafters or joists

    Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install

    Cons: Can sag over time, poor air sealing without vapor barrier

    R-Value: ~R-3.0 to R-4.3 per inch

  • Better - Blown-In Insulation (Cellulose or Fiberglass)

    Where used: Attic floors, especially in retrofit applications

    Pros: Good coverage, fills gaps better than batts

    Cons: Can settle over time, needs air sealing

    R-Value: ~R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch (cellulose), up to R-4.3 (fiberglass)

  • Best - Spray Foam Insulation (Open or Closed Cell)

    Where used: Underside of roof deck or attic slope

    Pros: Excellent air sealing, high R-value, moisture barrier (closed cell)

    Cons: High cost, must be professionally installed

    R-Value: Open-cell ~R-3.5–4.0, Closed-cell ~R-6–7 per inch

Stop Losing Money Through Your Roof — Upgrade Your Attic Insulation Today!

Thinking about upgrading your attic insulation? You should — because it’s one of the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effective ways to transform your home’s comfort and slash your energy bills.

Most older homes are under-insulated, meaning your heating and cooling dollars are literally leaking through the roof. With modern options like blown-in cellulose, fiberglass batts, or high-performance spray foam, you can seal in the comfort, block out the drafts, and finally say goodbye to freezing winters and sweltering summers indoors.

Even better — upgrading your insulation can boost your home’s resale value, extend the life of your HVAC system, and may qualify you for energy rebates and tax credits. A quick attic check-up could reveal big savings.

Want a home that’s cozier, quieter, and more efficient? It all starts at the top.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT: SHOW ME THE MONEY!

Here’s a detailed 5-year cost and savings breakdown for upgrading attic insulation in a 2,000 sq ft Chicago-area home, comparing fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam:

Estimated Cost & Savings Breakdown (5 Years)

Good - Fiberglass (Blown-In) Upfront Cost:

  • ~$1.26 /sq ft (Chicago average for blown-in fiberglass or cellulose) → $2,520 total

  • Energy Savings: Typically 10–15% reduction in utility bills. Assuming annual heating/cooling of ~$2,400 (Chicago), that’s ~$240/year → $1,200 over 5 years.

  • Net 5-Year Cost: $2,520 – $1,200 = $1,320 (Not a Great Investment, but in 10-15 years, it gets good!)

Better - Cellulose (Blown-In) Upfront Cost:

  • Similar to fiberglass, ~$1.26/sq ft → $2,520

  • insulation.promatcher.com

  • Energy Savings: About 20–30% savings. Using the same baseline, the homeowner would save $480/year → $2,400 over 5 years.

  • Net 5-Year Cost: $2,520 – $2,400 = $120 (Much Better Investment)

Best - Spray Foam (Open or Closed Cell)

  • Upfront Cost: ~$2.13/sq ft (Chicago average) → $4,260 total

  • Energy Savings: Can reach 30–50% reductions. Assuming 40% average: $960/year → $4,800 over 5 years.

  • Net 5-Year Cost: $4,260 – $4,800 = –$540 (i.e., payoff within 5 years).

Summary Table

  • Fiberglass: $2,520 Upfront Cost - $1,200 5-Year Savings = $1,320 Net Cost Over 5 Years

  • Cellulose: $2,520 Upfront Cost - $2,400 5-Year Savings = $120 Net Cost Over 5 Years

  • Spray Foam: $4,260 Upfront Cost - $4,800 5-Year Savings = –$540 (net profit) Net Cost Over 5 Years

Key Takeaways

  • Fiberglass: Cheapest upfront, moderate savings

  • Cellulose: Balanced investment with almost break-even payoff

  • Spray Foam: Highest upfront cost—but beats break-even within 5 years due to superior energy efficiency and air-sealing properties