Trades · Cost Guide
How Much Does Insulation Cost in Ontario?
Insulation costs in Ontario range from $1 – $3 per sq ft. Prices vary by scope, city, and site conditions.
$1+
Starting price
1-5 days
Timeline
5%
Recommended contingency
Insulation Cost Breakdown
| Scope | Low | High | Unit | Labour | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attic insulation (blown-in) | $1 | $3 | per sq ft | 50% | 50% |
| Basement wall insulation (spray foam) | $3 | $6 | per sq ft | 45% | 55% |
| Exterior wall insulation (blown-in) | $2 | $5 | per sq ft | 50% | 50% |
| Spray foam (closed-cell, 2") | $4 | $8 | per sq ft | 40% | 60% |
| Batt insulation (R-20 walls) | $1 | $2 | per sq ft | 55% | 45% |
Price Ranges at a Glance
Attic insulation (blown-in)
Basement wall insulation (spray foam)
Exterior wall insulation (blown-in)
Spray foam (closed-cell, 2")
Batt insulation (R-20 walls)
What's Included vs Not Included
Typically Included
- Insulation material and installation
- Air sealing at penetrations
- Vapor barrier (where required)
- R-value testing and verification
- Clean-up and disposal of old insulation
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Asbestos or vermiculite removal ($3,000-$8,000)
- Drywall removal and reinstallation
- Electrical or plumbing modifications
- Ventilation improvements (soffit vents, ridge vents)
- EnerGuide audit ($300-$500, required for rebates)
Insulation Cost by City
Prices adjusted for local labour rates and material costs across 15 GTA cities.
| City | Low | High | vs Toronto | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toronto City of Toronto | $1 | $3 | 0% | View |
Mississauga Peel Region | $1 | $3 | -5% | View |
Brampton Peel Region | $1 | $3 | -8% | View |
Vaughan York Region | $1 | $3 | -3% | View |
Markham York Region | $1 | $3 | -3% | View |
Richmond Hill York Region | $1 | $3 | -4% | View |
Aurora York Region | $1 | $3 | -6% | View |
Oakville Halton Region | $1 | $3 | +2% | View |
Burlington Halton Region | $1 | $3 | -4% | View |
Milton Halton Region | $1 | $3 | -8% | View |
Ajax Durham Region | $1 | $3 | -9% | View |
Pickering Durham Region | $1 | $3 | -8% | View |
Oshawa Durham Region | $1 | $3 | -12% | View |
Whitby Durham Region | $1 | $3 | -10% | View |
Hamilton City of Hamilton | $1 | $3 | -10% | View |
Money-Saving Tips
Attic insulation has the best ROI — costs $1-$3/sq ft and saves 20-30% on heating bills.
Get an EnerGuide audit first to qualify for $1,500-$5,000 in provincial energy rebates.
Spray foam is expensive but seals air leaks better than batt — best for basements and rim joists.
Check for vermiculite insulation before disturbing — it may contain asbestos and requires professional removal.
Insulate during renovation when walls are open — adding insulation to finished walls costs 3-4x more.
Related Cost Guides
Insulation Cost FAQs
What R-value do I need in Ontario?
Ontario Building Code (OBC 9.25) requires R-50 attics, R-20 walls (2x6 framing), R-10 basement walls (R-12 recommended), R-24 basement below-grade walls. Older homes have R-12 to R-30 attics — upgrading to R-50 pays back in 3-7 years via energy savings. R-60 attics deliver diminishing returns (payback exceeds 15 years). Focus on air sealing first — it delivers faster payback than adding insulation above code minimums.
What's the difference between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam?
Open-cell (0.5 lb/cu ft) delivers R-3.7/inch, is vapor-permeable (breathes), costs less. Closed-cell (2.0 lb/cu ft) delivers R-6.5/inch, is vapor-impermeable (moisture barrier), adds structural strength, costs 2x more. Use closed-cell for basements and rim joists (moisture control), open-cell for attics (cost, breathability). Never add poly vapor barrier over closed-cell foam — it traps moisture between two vapor barriers.
Can I insulate my attic myself?
Yes, if using batts or renting a blown-in machine. Steps: (1) air seal (caulk top plates, spray foam penetrations, weatherstrip attic hatch), (2) install soffit baffles (preserve ventilation), (3) blow fiberglass or cellulose to R-50 (16-18 inches), (4) install depth markers. Wear respirator, goggles, long sleeves (fiberglass itches). Spray foam requires professional equipment and training — hire pros for spray foam.
Why do I have ice dams on my roof?
Ice dams form when heat escapes through the attic, melts snow on the roof, and water refreezes at the cold eaves. Ice backs up under shingles, leaking into walls and ceilings. Three fixes required: (1) R-50+ attic insulation (slows heat loss), (2) air sealing (stops warm air from entering attic via ceiling bypasses), and (3) soffit-to-ridge ventilation (exhausts trapped heat). All three must work together — insulation alone won't fix ice dams.
Where does the vapor barrier go?
Warm side of the insulation — interior in heating climates (Ontario). 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, overlap seams 6", seal to framing with acoustical sealant. Purpose: prevents humid indoor air from condensing inside cold wall cavities (condensation = mold). Exception: closed-cell spray foam acts as vapor barrier — don't add poly over it (traps moisture). Open-cell spray foam is vapor-permeable — add poly on warm side.
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