This page covers what insulation costs in Canada by material and by part of the house, the R-values each material reaches, and the levels recommended for each region. It is part of our consumer guides to household costs.
Why insulation matters
Insulation cuts the amount of heat a home loses, so it lowers heating costs whatever the fuel. A well-insulated home:
- Needs less energy to heat and cool
- Stays more comfortable, with fewer drafts and more even temperatures
- Runs its furnace or heat pump less, which can extend the equipment’s life
- May need a smaller heating system when that equipment is replaced; see heat pump costs and electric vs. gas heating costs
Many older Canadian homes, particularly those built before 2000, have less insulation than current standards call for, especially in the attic.
Insulation Types and R-Values
| Type | R-Value per Inch | Best Used For | Cost (Material Only, $/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batt/blanket (fiberglass or mineral wool) | R-3.0–R-4.2 | Attic floors, wall cavities (open) | $0.30–$0.60 |
| Blown-in fiberglass | R-2.5–R-4.0 | Attic top-up, existing wall cavities | $0.50–$0.90 |
| Blown-in cellulose | R-3.5–R-4.0 | Attic top-up, drill-and-fill walls | $0.40–$0.80 |
| Rigid foam (EPS/XPS) | R-3.8–R-6.0 | Basement walls, above sheathing | $0.80–$1.50 |
| Spray foam, open cell | R-3.5–R-4.0 | Rim joists, irregular spaces | $1.00–$1.50 |
| Spray foam, closed cell | R-6.0–R-7.0 | Basement, crawlspace, rim joists | $2.00–$4.00 |
Cost by Area
Attic insulation
The most common and cost-effective upgrade. Blown-in insulation is typically added on top of existing batt insulation.
| Starting R-Value | Target R-Value | Area (2,000 sq ft attic) | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-12 (older home) | R-60 | 2,000 sq ft | $3,500–$6,000 |
| R-20 | R-60 | 2,000 sq ft | $2,500–$4,500 |
| R-30 | R-60 | 2,000 sq ft | $1,500–$3,000 |
| R-12 (including air sealing) | R-60 | 2,000 sq ft | $4,500–$8,000 |
Air sealing: sealing the attic floor (penetrations, pot lights, junction boxes) at the same time makes the added insulation much more effective, since air leaks carry heat past it.
Basement wall insulation
Uninsulated or poorly insulated basement walls are a major source of heat loss, particularly in regions with cold winters.
| Method | R-Value Achieved | Cost (1,000 sq ft basement walls) |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid foam (EPS) + drywall | R-12–R-20 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Spray foam (closed cell, 2") | R-12–R-14 | $3,500–$6,000 |
| Batt in stud wall + vapour barrier | R-12–R-20 | $2,000–$4,500 |
Rim joist insulation
The rim joist (where the floor frame meets the foundation) is often unsealed and uninsulated, which makes it a major air leakage point.
- Method: Spray foam (typically 2" closed cell) to simultaneously insulate and air-seal
- Cost: $600–$1,500 for a typical home
- Annual savings: $150–$400
- Payback: 2–5 years
Exterior wall insulation (retrofit)
Exterior walls are expensive to insulate in existing homes:
| Method | R-Value Added | Cost (1,200 sq ft wall area) |
|---|---|---|
| Drill-and-fill (blown-in cellulose) | R-12–R-14 total | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Exterior rigid foam + re-cladding | R-10–R-20 | $15,000–$35,000 |
The drill-and-fill method installs insulation through small holes drilled in the exterior cladding or interior drywall. It’s minimally invasive and significantly cheaper than re-cladding.
Crawlspace insulation
| Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Batt between floor joists | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Spray foam (sealed crawlspace) | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Rigid foam on crawlspace walls | $2,000–$4,000 |
Recommended R-Values by Province
| Province | Attic | Above-Grade Wall | Basement Wall | Climate Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC Lower Mainland | R-40 | R-20 | R-12 | 4 |
| BC Interior / North | R-50 | R-22 | R-20 | 5–7 |
| Alberta | R-50–R-60 | R-24 | R-20 | 6–7 |
| Saskatchewan | R-50–R-60 | R-24 | R-20 | 6–7 |
| Manitoba | R-50–R-60 | R-24 | R-20 | 6–7 |
| Ontario (south) | R-50 | R-22 | R-16 | 5–6 |
| Quebec (south) | R-50 | R-22 | R-16 | 6 |
| Atlantic provinces | R-40–R-50 | R-20 | R-12–R-16 | 5–6 |
Rebates for insulation
Most provinces with a home efficiency program rebate insulation, usually by area (attic, walls, basement or crawlspace) and often together with air sealing, and many require an EnerGuide home evaluation before and after the work. The federal Greener Homes Grant and Loan that used to add to these are closed (status here). The insulation rebate in each province, and what it pays, is listed in energy rebates by province.
Hiring an Insulation Contractor
Key questions when getting quotes:
- Will you do an air sealing assessment alongside the insulation?
- What specific R-value will you achieve, and how do you measure it?
- Do you handle the EnerGuide audit paperwork for rebate programs?
- What is your experience with drill-and-fill wall insulation (if applicable)?
- What does your crew do about pot lights and junction boxes (fire hazard/air leakage points)?
Contractor quality and pricing vary, so comparing two or three quotes is common.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
| Area | DIY Feasibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Attic batt insulation (open attic) | Moderate | Requires proper PPE; watch for buried knob-and-tube wiring |
| Blown-in attic top-up | Moderate | Can rent blower at hardware stores |
| Rim joist (canned spray foam) | Easy | Small cans for DIY; large jobs need professional 2-part foam |
| Basement rigid foam | Easy | Basic carpentry skills sufficient |
| Exterior wall (drill-and-fill) | Not recommended | Requires specialized blowing equipment and experience |
| Spray foam (2-component) | Not recommended | Requires PPE, training, and calibrated equipment |