Are you considering DIY spray foam insulation to tackle small projects in your home, but are 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 the amount of foam each kit provides. For smaller spaces, a single two-component kit might be enough, but larger projects often require multiple kits, which quickly add up in cost.
At RetroFoam of Michigan, we've spent over 20 years helping homeowners across the Mitten State and Toledo 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— 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.
Key Points: DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kits
• DIY spray foam kits range widely in price, from under $100 for small sealant kits to well over $1,000 for larger coverage kits.
• Coverage is measured in board feet, and most projects require 2 to 3 inches of foam to properly air seal -- not just 1 inch.
• Larger areas often require multiple kits, which can quickly drive up the total project cost.
• DIY kit pricing doesn't include hidden costs, like safety gear, prep materials, insulation removal, or replacement parts.
• Spray foam kits work best for small, open areas, such as rim joists, patch jobs, or sealing around windows and doors.
• There is a learning curve, and wasted foam from improper application can make DIY more expensive than expected.
• Hiring a professional costs more upfront, but often saves money long-term by avoiding mistakes, wasted material, and damage -- plus many contractors offer warranties.
How Much Do DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kits Cost?
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.
Dow Froth-Pak Spray Foam Kits
- Froth-Pak 12 Sealant Foam Insulation Kit
- Coverage: ~12 board feet
- Best For: Small areas like wall and roof junctions, and electrical and plumbing penetrations
- Price: $79.99 (Amazon)
- Froth-Pak 200 Foam Sealant Kit
- Coverage: ~200 square feet at 1-inch depth
- Price: $419 (Lowe's and Home Depot)
- Froth-Pak 620 Sealant Foam Insulation Kit
- Coverage: ~620 board feet
- Best For: Insulating larger areas of the home
- Price: $1,999.99 (Amazon)
- Froth-Pak 630 Foam Insulation Kit
- Coverage: ~630 board feet
- Best For: General use in the home
- Price: $1,078.70 (Home Depot), $990.44 (Lowe's), $979.00 (Amazon)
Tiger Foam Insulation Kits
- Fast Rise Formula 200 Board Foot Kit
- Coverage: ~200 board feet (16 cubic feet)
- Best For: Open walls, attics, and crawl spaces
- Price: $385 (Tiger Foam website)
- Fast Rise 600 Board Foot Kit
- Coverage: ~600 board feet
- Best For: Open walls, attics, and crawl spaces
- Price: $785 (Tiger Foam website)
- Slow Rise 600 Board Foot Kit
- Coverage: ~516 board feet.
- Best For: Insulating existing walls.
- Price: $850 (Tiger Foam website)
- Open Cell Formula - 1,350 Board Feet Spray Foam Insulation Kit
- Coverage: ~1,350 board feet.
- Best For: Open walls and attics.
- Price: $850 (Tiger Foam website)
What Isn't Included in DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kit Costs
When calculating the cost of DIY spray foam insulation kits, factor in the cost of additional materials and tools required for the job.
These extra expenses can add up quickly.
- Safety Gear: Coveralls or a hooded suit, gloves, masks, and eye protection are essential to ensure safe application.
- Prep Materials: Plastic sheeting and tape to protect surfaces from overspray are must-haves for any project.
- Old Insulation Removal: Costs may include dump fees, heavy-duty garbage bags, and the effort required to remove and dispose of existing insulation.
- Learning Curve: DIY kits require time to research, understand, and practice proper application techniques, which adds to the overall time investment.
- Replacement Parts: While most kits come with hoses and spray guns, these parts can clog easily, and replacements often mean an additional out-of-pocket expense.
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.
Where to Use DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kits
Spray foam insulation kits can be used in any open area of the home.
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 to be insulated, along with the proper thickness of foam in inches needed. The prices above are for one kit only, so insulating larger areas or multiple spaces could get costly.
Do-It-Yourself Spray Foam Insulation vs. Hiring a Contractor
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 inferior to the high-pressure spray foam products used by professionals.
Learning More About Foam Insulation
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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DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kit Problems
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kits
How much do DIY spray foam insulation kits cost?
DIY spray foam insulation kits typically cost anywhere from $80 to more than $1,000, depending on the brand, formula, and coverage size.
Smaller kits are designed for minor air sealing, while larger kits are meant for bigger open areas like attics or crawl spaces.
How much area does a DIY spray foam kit cover?
Coverage is measured in board feet, which equals 1 square foot at 1-inch thickness.
For the insulation to be effective and create an air seal, it usually requires 2 to 3 inches of foam. The actual coverage from the kit is often much smaller than homeowners expect.
Are DIY spray foam kits cheaper than hiring a contractor?
For very small projects, DIY kits can be more affordable.
However, once you factor in extra materials, wasted foam, time, and mistakes, hiring a contractor can often be the more cost-effective option -- especially for larger areas like rim joists or crawl spaces.
What additional costs should I expect with DIY spray foam kits?
In addition to the kit itself, you'll likely need:
- Protective clothing, gloves, masks, and eye protection
- Plastic sheeting and tape for prep
- Disposal costs for old insulation
- Possible replacement spray guns or hoses
These added costs can significantly increase the total project price.
Where can DIY spray foam insulation kits be used?
DIY spray foam kits are best suited for open and accessible areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, rim joists, and small wall sections.
They're also commonly used for sealing around windows, doors, and penetrations.
Is spray foam insulation worth it?
Yes -- when installed correctly.
Spray foam insulation can improve energy efficiency, comfort, moisture control, and noise reduction. Whether DIY or professionally installed, the quality of installation plays a major role in how effective it will be.