How Much Does Ceiling Insulation Cost?

Insulating your ceiling is one of the most effective ways to make your home more energy efficient and improve indoor comfort all year round. If you're wondering how much ceiling insulation costs and whether it's worth it, check out our guide below. We break down the different factors that can impact the cost of purchasing and installing ceiling insulation so that you can be sure you're getting the best return on your investment. If you need professional advice about your project, the team at Pricewise Insulation is here to help. Get in touch with us today for a fast and accurate ceiling insulation quote.

How Much Does Ceiling Insulation Cost Per m2?

There are many factors that can affect how much ceiling insulation costs, including the brand, the insulation type/material, and not least, the R-Value.

R-Value (Insulating Power)

The R-Value of an insulation product tells us how effective it will be at resisting heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance and the higher the price tag. Depending on where you live, there may be minimum R-Value regulations for ceiling installations. We typically recommend at least R4.0 for warmer places like Perth and Brisbane. For cooler locations like Melbourne and Sydney, we recommend at least R5.0 or R6.0.

Type of insulation

There are many different types of insulation that can be used in the ceiling, including thermal and acoustic batts and reflective insulation. The type you choose will affect the overall cost.

1. Insulation Batts
   

   Thermal insulation batts are one of the most effective and affordable choices for insulating ceilings. Glasswool batts are more affordable than polyester and rockwool batts. Knauf Earthwool prices start from $9.20 per m2 for R3.5 to over $25 per m2 for high-performance R8.0 batts.

2. Acoustic Insulation

   If you live under a flight path or use your attic for living space, you should consider installing acoustic insulation in the roof  and ceiling to reduce noise transfer. Acoustic insulation is more dense than thermal batts and is generally more expensive compared to thermal insulation with the same R-Value. Read more about the cost to add insulation to your attic.

3. Reflective Insulation
   

   Reflective foil insulation should be installed under the roof material to reflect radiant heat from the sun away from your home. There are many different types of reflective insulation products with different price points. Find out more: What is roof sarking and do you need it?

4. Loose Fill Insulation
   

   At Pricewise Insulation, we do not generally recommend spray foam or loose fill insulation as these have a number of disadvantages compared to batt and reflective insulation. For more information, check out our article on expanding foam vs insulation batts.

Material

The most common insulation materials are glasswool and polyester. Foil and foam insulation products are also frequently used in ceiling and roof applications.

1. Glasswool
   

   Glasswool insulation (previously known as fibreglass insulation) is one of the most popular and affordable choices in Australia. It's made from recycled glass materials and is a highly effective insulator.

2. Polyester
   

   Polyester insulation is made from recycled plastic materials. It is considered a more premium product than glasswool and has a higher cost price.

Not sure if you need glasswool or polyester? Check out our article on glasswool vs polyester insulation.

Brand

Different brands may have different price points for similar products. Be sure to do your research and go with reputable brands that have a good warranty on their products. High-quality brands we stock at Pricewise Insulation include:

• Knauf
• Fletcher
• CSR Bradford
• Kingspan

How Many m2 Do You Need to Insulate a Ceiling?

Check out our insulation calculator for a step-by-step guide on calculating how much insulation you need for your ceiling. After you've measured up the m2 area of your ceiling, you can then work out how many bags of insulation you need. The basic formula is: (Total m2 to be insulated) multiplied by (0.9, to allow for the timber framing) divided by (the number of m2 per bag). Keep in mind you will also need to factor in delivery and installation costs.

How Much Does Ceiling Insulation Cost to Install?

The cost of installing insulation in your ceiling depends on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Installing in an existing home may have additional costs compared to a new build. We provide a supply and install service in both Melbourne and Sydney - please contact us on 1300 729 639 for a quote.

DIY Vs Professional Installation

Some people decide to install ceiling insulation themselves to save on labour costs. DIY installation is possible, but it's important to know what you're doing for safety reasons as well as ensuring a high quality install. If you're thinking of a DIY installation, check out our DIY installation page and DIY insulation videos.

New Vs Existing Home

Ceiling insulation can be installed in both new buildings and existing homes. Existing homes may cost more to install if it is hard to access the ceiling area or if old insulation must be removed before the new insulation is installed.

Size of Ceiling Area

The larger the area that needs to be insulated, the longer it will take and the higher the labour costs will be.

Insulation Installer

Different insulation installers will have different fees. The best way to get an accurate quote is to ask directly. If you're looking for insulation installation services in Melbourne or Sydney, get in touch with the Pricewise team for an obligation-free quote.

Get a Fast and Accurate Quote for Ceiling Insulation Today

Ready to buy insulation for your ceiling? Jump onto our online store and browse our products. To help you with budgeting, all of our product pages feature a price calculator. For project-specific advice about what products are right for you or how much you need, give our friendly team a call on 1300 729 639.