Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Cost to spray foam insulate a pole barn or metal building
Pole barn insulation costs$1.00 to $4.50 per square footor$3,500 to $16,500on average, depending on the insulation type, R-value, building size, and whether insulating the walls, roof, or both. Metal building spray foam insulation costs$0.60 to $2.90 per board footinstalled.
| Size | Square feet of surface area* | Average installed cost** |
|---|---|---|
| 16x16 | 900 – 1,000 | $900 – $4,500 |
| 20x20 | 1,200 – 1,400 | $1,200 – $6,300 |
| 20x30 | 1,600 – 1,800 | $1,600 – $8,100 |
| 24x24 | 1,600 – 1,700 | $1,600 – $7,700 |
| 30x30 | 2,100 – 2,400 | $2,100 – $10,800 |
| 30x40 | 2,600 – 3,000 | $2,600 – $13,500 |
| 30x50 | 3,100 – 3,500 | $3,100 – $15,800 |
| 30x60 | 3,700 – 4,000 | $3,700 – $18,000 |
| 36x36 | 2,800 – 3,100 | $2,800 – $14,000 |
| 36x50 | 3,600 – 3,900 | $3,600 – $17,600 |
| 40x40 | 3,200 – 3,600 | $3,200 – $16,200 |
| 40x50 | 3,900 – 4,200 | $3,900 – $18,900 |
| 40x60 | 4,500 – 4,900 | $4,500 – $22,100 |
| 40x80 | 5,700 – 6,200 | $5,700 – $27,900 |
| 50x80 | 6,700 – 7,200 | $6,700 – $32,400 |
| 50x100 | 8,200 – 8,800 | $8,200 – $39,600 |
| 60x80 | 7,700 – 8,300 | $7,700 – $37,400 |
| 60x90 | 8,600 – 9,200 | $8,600 – $41,400 |
| 60x100 | 9,400 –10,000 | $9,400 – $45,000 |
†Approximate insulated surface area (walls and roof deck) square feet. *Based on a pole barn with 10' to 12' walls and an insulated door.
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Average cost to insulate a pole barn
The following table reflects the average cost to insulate a pole barn with spray foam, including labor and materials.
| National average cost | $9,800 |
| Minimum cost | $750 |
| Maximum cost | $20,000 |
| Average cost range | $3,500 to $16,500 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Metal building insulation costs by type
Metal building insulation costs$0.50 to $4.50 per square footinstalled, depending on the insulation type and project complexity. Other factors that impact the cost include the building size, areas insulated, climate zone, and whether installing in new or existing construction.
| Insulation type | Cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spray foam | $1.00 – $4.50 |
|
| Batts and rolls | $0.80 – $2.60 |
|
| Foam board | $1.20 – $3.70 |
|
| Blown-in | $0.90 – $2.40 |
|
| Reflective | $0.50 – $2.20 |
|
Pair reflective insulation with blown-in or batt insulation to block all heat transfer forms effectively.
Include perimeter slab insulation when insulating during new construction.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation costs$0.60 to $2.90 per board footwith installation, depending on the foam type, project size, and site conditions.
Closed-cell spray foam is best for exposed pole barn walls due to its durable and rigid structure. Consider lighter, open-cell foam for the barn door.
| Type | Cost per board foot installed* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Closed-cell | $1.30 – $2.90 |
|
| Open-cell | $0.60 –$1.30 |
|
*A board foot is 1 square foot with 1" thickness.
The recommended thickness for closed-cell foam is 4" to 5" on the roof deck and 2" to 3" on the walls.
The recommended thickness for open-cell foam is 6" to 10" on the roof deck and 3" thickness on the walls.
Spray foaming the walls and ceiling provides the most effective temperature regulation.
Spray foam sticks to surfaces like glue. Install housewrap between the metal and the foam to prevent future issues when moving or removing the metal panels.
Pole barn insulation blanket batts and rolls
Pole barninsulation batts and rolls cost$0.80 to $2.60 per square footwith installation, depending on the material and R-value. Batt insulation is DIY friendly due to its standard sizing and simple installation between joists and framing. Use faced insulation or a vapor barrier when insulating a pole barn.
A roll of insulation costs$20 to $90and covers 40 to 75 square feet or more. Choose rolls over batts for larger spaces when possible because they provide more continuous coverage.
Insulating a pole barn with foam board
Insulating a pole barn with foam board costs$1.20 to $3.70 per square footfor labor and materials. Rigid foam board insulation is lightweight and provides a vapor barrier, superior sound dampening, and reduced thermal bridging when installed as continuous insulation over the wall girts.
Some building codes require additional flame-retardant facing when insulating with rigid foam board.
Blown-in insulation in a pole barn attic
Blown-in attic insulation costs$0.90 to $2.40 per square footor$520 to $1,400on average for a 24' x 24' pole barn. Blown-in insulation is ideal for post-frame attics to effectively fill in all the gaps, nooks, and crannies around the ceiling joists and bottom truss chords.
Cost factors to insulate a metal building or pole barn
Factors that affect the cost to insulate a metal building or pole barn include:
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Size – The treated surface square footage impacts the material and labor required.
Usage – A metal building used for a workspace in the winter requires more insulation than one used to store equipment. A pole barn housing horses requires roof insulation but may not need wall insulation because the animals generate heat.
Preparation – The pole barn interior must be free of obstructions. Reduce labor costs by removing equipment, furniture, and tools before installation day. Moving items to the center and covering them is acceptable if the walls have 3' or more clearance.
Insulation material – Fiberglass is the cheapest option. Closed-cell spray foam is the most expensive but the most effective.
Labor – Insulation contractors charge $40 to $80 per hour or $0.50 to $1.40 per square foot on average, depending on the insulation type, project size, and job complexity.
R-value – A higher desired R-value typically requires more insulation material.
Climate – Colder regions require more insulation than warmer climates.
Spray foam thickness – Open-cell spray foam is cheaper but requires more inches to achieve the same R-value.
Housewrap – Installing housewrap separates the metal from the insulation and stops condensation and wind drafts.
Vapor barrier – Closed-cell spray foam acts as an air and vapor barrier. Other insulation types may require an additional vapor barrier.
Pole barn insulation FAQs
How long does it take to insulate a pole barn?
Insulating a pole barn takes1 to 2 daysor more, depending on the insulation type, building size, and crew size. Insulating with spray foam typically takes less time than other methods because the spray foam air seals and insulates simultaneously.
What is the best way to insulate a pole barn?
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is the best and most effective way to insulate a pole barn. Spray foam provides an air seal, moisture barrier, structural strength, and the highest R-value per inch. It's the most expensive up front but lasts the longest.
Batt and roll insulation is the cheapest and easiest to DIY. However, it needs additional materials for sealing and a vapor barrier. Fiberglass breaks down over time and requires eventual replacement.
Foam board insulation has a mid-range DIY price point, insulates better, and lasts longer than fiberglass. Foam board is more damage-prone than closed-cell spray foam and may require repair over time.
Insulating a pole barn that houses animals typically requires less insulation than one used for daily work, recreation, or vehicle and equipment storage.
What is the cheapest way to insulate a pole barn?
The cheapest way to insulate a pole barn is with fiberglass batts. Using fiberglass batt and roll insulation requires additional steps to seal the structure and add a vapor barrier. Still, the total cost per square foot is cheaper than other insulation types.
Fiberglass insulation has the cheapest upfront cost but requires replacement over time. Spray foam or a rigid foam and spray foam combination are better long-term solutions.
How to insulate a pole barn
Follow these steps to insulate a pole barn:
Choose the insulation type and determine the thickness needed, depending on the pole barn's intended usage.
Remove all equipment, furniture, or other items stored in the structure. Alternatively, move everything to the center, at least 3' from the walls.
Install a vapor barrier if applicable. Consult a professional if necessary to confirm the best barrier location for your climate zone.
Install insulation batts or rigid foam board on clean and dry walls.
Seal all joints and gaps with spray foam.
Install blown-in or batt insulation in the pole barn attic or rigid foam on the roof deck to insulate the space completely.
Consider the "flash and batt" method to reduce costs. This method uses a thin spray foam layer to create an air and moisture barrier, followed by a batt insulation layer to increase the R-value and thermal resistance. Hire a certified technician for spray foam applications beyond gap and joint sealing.
Finding and hiring an insulation contractor
Beforehiring an insulation companyor contractor:
Get at least three quotes to compare.
Ask for a detailed quote including areas to be sprayed, estimated R-value, insulation depth or thickness, and spray foam brand and type (if applicable).
Look for certified spray foam technicians if insulating with spray foam.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select insured and bonded companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for references.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What experience do you have with pole barn insulation?
What type of insulation would be most effective for my pole barn?
Does my pole barn need a vapor barrier?
What is and is not included in the price?
What additional costs should I expect?
How long will the project take?
How long should the insulation last?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
Are there rebates available, and do you apply for them?
Do you offer financing options?
