Free Insulation Estimate Template
A complete, line-item insulation estimate you can preview below — air sealing, attic blown-in cellulose to R-49, wall batts, rim-joist spray foam, baffles and attic hatch — with a plain-language guide to climate-zone R-values, ventilation baffles, ignition barriers and vapor retarders.
| Line item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Air sealing — top plates, penetrations, can lights | 1 lot | $980.00 |
| Attic blown-in cellulose to R-49 | 1,500 sf | $2,250.00 |
| Ventilation baffles at eaves | 34 | $408.00 |
| R-21 wall batts (open walls) | 620 sf | $930.00 |
| Rim joist closed-cell spray foam (2in) | 148 lf | $1,036.00 |
| Insulated & weatherstripped attic hatch | 1 | $285.00 |
| Labor & site protection | 1 lot | $1,150.00 |
| Total | $7,039.00 | |
Payment schedule
How to measure and price insulation work
- Attic blow-in is priced per square foot at a target R-value; confirm the depth marker count required for inspection.
- Batts are priced per square foot of cavity area; spray foam is priced per board foot (sq ft x inches of thickness).
- Always list air sealing separately — it is labor, not material, and it is what makes the job perform.
Insulation building-code guide
Insulation is inspected for R-value by assembly, for the air-sealing package that goes with it, and for the fire and ventilation details that make the assembly legal.
- Attic: R-30 in zone 1, R-38 in zones 2–3, R-49 in zones 4–5, R-60 in zones 6–8
- Wood-frame walls: R-13 to R-20+5 depending on the zone; continuous exterior insulation counts toward the total
- Floors over unconditioned space: R-13 to R-30; basement and crawl walls R-10/13 or better in colder zones
- A visual air-barrier inspection or a blower-door test is required; typical limit is 3–5 ACH50 depending on the zone
- Seal top plates, chases, plumbing and wiring penetrations, recessed lights (IC-rated, air-tight), and the attic hatch
- Insulation without air sealing loses most of its real-world value — sell the two together
- Vented attics need 1 sq ft of net free vent area per 150 sq ft, or 1/300 with a balanced ridge/soffit split
- Install baffles at every rafter bay to keep the soffit vent path open above the insulation
- Unvented (conditioned) attics require air-impermeable insulation at the roof deck and follow R806.5 exactly
- Spray foam and rigid foam need a thermal barrier (typically 1/2" gypsum) or an approved ignition barrier in attics and crawls
- Keep insulation clear of chimneys, flues and non-IC recessed fixtures per the required clearance
- Vapor retarder class and placement depend on the climate zone — the wrong side traps moisture in the wall
Code quick reference — Insulation
| Item | Requirement | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling R-value | R-49 to R-60 depending on climate zone | IECC Table R402.1.2 |
| Wall R-value | R-13 to R-21 plus continuous insulation in cold zones | IECC Table R402.1.2 |
| Air sealing | Continuous air barrier; blower-door test required | IECC R402.4 |
| Attic baffles | Maintain soffit airflow at eaves | IRC R806.3 |
| Vapor retarder | Class I/II on the interior in cold climates | IRC R702.7 |
| Ignition barrier | Required over exposed foam in attics/crawls | IRC R316.5 |
Drawings & details
Simplified section and plan views of the details inspectors look at most. Illustrative only — not to scale.
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Loose-fill / batt insulation — R-49 to R-60 in most US zones(60.00")
- 2 · Air barrier / ceiling drywall — Layer in the assembly, drawn top to bottom(0.06")
- 3 · Baffles at eaves — keep soffit vents open(0.50")
- 4 · Vented attic space — 1/300 with balanced venting(0.50")
- Loose-fill / batt insulation: 60.00"
- Air barrier / ceiling drywall: 0.06"
- Baffles at eaves: 0.50"
- Vented attic space: 0.50"
- Total assembly: 61.06" (5' 1 1/16")
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Front clearance — Keep insulation off non-IC fixtures(36.00")
- 2 · Rear clearance — 2in from B-vent / masonry chimney(2.00")
- 3 · Unit / fixture width — Recessed light / flue(60.00")
- 4 · Wall to wall — Total room dimension needed(5' 6 12/16")
- Front clearance: 36.00" · Rear clearance: 2.00"
- Unit / fixture width: 60.00"
- Keep insulation off non-IC fixtures
Inspection-day checklistShow
- Air sealing done and inspected before insulation goes in.
- Baffles at every rafter bay over the exterior wall.
- Insulation depth markers installed in the attic.
- IC-rated fixtures where insulation contacts can lights.
- Blower-door result documented for the energy code.
Code references are based on the 2021 IRC and related model codes. Local amendments, state codes and manufacturer instructions can be stricter — always confirm with your local building department before starting work.
Common insulation estimating mistakes
- Blowing attic insulation before air sealing, which buries the leaks you were paid to fix.
- Forgetting baffles and the attic hatch, both common inspection failures.
- Quoting spray foam by square foot instead of board foot, and losing money on thickness.
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Your client reviews and signs the estimate from any device.
IECC R-value tables by climate zone, blower-door air-sealing targets, attic ventilation baffles and foam ignition barriers.
Insulation estimate FAQ
What should an insulation estimate include?
An insulation estimate should list air sealing, the insulation type and target R-value by assembly, ventilation baffles, rim joist treatment, the attic hatch, labor, and site protection or cleanup.
How much attic insulation does code require?
The 2021 IECC requires roughly R-30 in climate zone 1, R-38 in zones 2–3, R-49 in zones 4–5 and R-60 in zones 6–8 for vented attics, along with a documented air-sealing package.
Does spray foam need a fire barrier?
Yes. IRC R316 requires foam plastic to be separated from the interior by a thermal barrier such as half-inch gypsum board, or protected by an approved ignition barrier in attics and crawl spaces.
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