Are you considering DIY spray foam insulation to tackle small projects in your home but unsure how much it will cost?
The cost of DIY spray foam kits can vary depending on the size of the area you need to insulate and how much foam each kit provides. For smaller spaces, a single two-component kit might be enough, but larger projects often require multiple kits -- quickly adding up in cost.
At RetroFoam of Michigan, we've spent over 20 years helping homeowners across the Mitten State and Toldeo improve their energy efficiency with professional foam insulation. While we don't use or sell DIY spray foam kits, we know a thing or two about foam insulation because it's what we do -- all day, every day.
To help you make an informed decision, we've gathered the latest information on DIY spray foam insulation kit costs from popular manufacturers like Dow and Tiger Foam, along with what you need to know before you buy.
The cost of DIY spray foam insulation kits depends on the size of the area you need to insulate and the coverage each kit provides.
For reference, 1 board foot equals 1 square foot of coverage at 1-inch thickness, but more projects require at least 2 to 3 inches of spray foam to achieve an effective air seal.
Here's a breakdown of the costs and coverage for some of the most popular spray foam insulation kits from Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon, and Tiger Foam.
When calculating the cost of DIY spray foam insulation kits, it's important to factor in the price of additional materials and tools required for the job.
These extra expenses can add up quickly.
Factoring in these hidden costs helps you determine whether a DIY spray foam kit is truly the most cost-effective option for your project. It's also a good comparison point when considering professional spray foam installation services.
Spray foam insulation kits can be used in any area of the home that is open.
These areas include the attic, open wall cavities, crawl space, and rim joist. Also, around the windows, doors, and to patch existing insulation.
What you will want to keep in mind is the area's size to be insulated, along with the proper thickness in inches of foam needed. The prices above are for one kit only, so insulating larger areas or multiple spaces could get costly.
The prices listed above cover just the spray foam kits if you decide to do the job yourself.
If the project seems too big for your abilities, you may decide to hire a contractor instead.
Hiring a contractor would be more expensive, but that extra cost comes with peace of mind that the job will be done correctly. It’s also important to note that you will have to buy not only enough product to finish the job, but also enough to cover any wasted product lost while learning how to use it.
Also, keep in mind that insulation contractors usually have a minimum job cost. In some cases, spray foam kits work really well for small projects, so it wouldn’t make sense to hire a contractor. However, when you crunch the numbers for a job, even as little as a rim joist, and factor in your time and wasted material, it will probably be cheaper to hire a contractor. This is especially true if they offer a warranty.
Hiring an experienced contractor is advised to save yourself the headache of a mishap, wasted materials, and to avoid damage to your home. A good contractor doesn’t use foam insulation kits. This is because they’re challenging to use and are often times inferior to the high-pressure spray foam products used by professionals.
You’ve learned how much the DIY spray foam kits cost, so now you may be looking to learn even more about foam insulation benefits.
From making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable to reducing outside noise from getting into the house, spray foam has a lot to offer.
If you’d like to learn about all things foam insulation, check out the Learning Center on our website.
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