How much does attic insulation cost in Toronto?
Blown-in attic insulation in the GTA typically costs $1.20 to $1.75 per square foot installed. Your total depends on attic size, the depth you need, access, and whether old insulation has to come out first (removal adds $1 to $2 per sq ft). Use our instant estimate or book a free inspection for a firm, line-by-line written quote.
What R-value should my attic be in Ontario?
R-50 is the common retrofit target for Ontario attics. With blown cellulose that is about 14 inches of settled depth. Many older GTA homes have only R-12 to R-20 (roughly 3 to 6 inches).
Why is attic ventilation important?
Ventilation lets outside air flow in at the soffits and out at the roof vents, carrying away moisture that leaks up from the house. Without it, moisture condenses on the cold roof deck, which leads to mold, rotting sheathing, rusty nails and ice dams. Proper insulation keeps heat in the house; ventilation keeps the attic cold and dry. You need both.
Why do I need proper attic insulation?
An under-insulated attic lets heat escape all winter and lets attic heat into the house all summer, so you pay more to heat and cool and upstairs rooms stay uncomfortable. Topping up to R-50 cuts ceiling heat loss sharply, evens out temperatures and helps prevent ice dams.
How long does an attic insulation top-up take?
Most top-ups are finished in one day, including baffles, air sealing and cleanup. You can stay home during the work.
Do you do mold removal?
No. We do not perform mold remediation. If our inspection finds mold or moisture damage, we show you the photos and, with your permission, connect you with our remediation partner Promold before any insulation goes in. One call still covers both problems.
Do you work Saturdays?
Yes. We book free attic inspections on weekday evenings and Saturdays, and Saturday installs are available.
Do I pay a deposit?
No. You pay on completion, after you have seen the after photos with the depth ruler in frame.
What makes an attic insulation quote go up?
Larger area, deeper target R-value, removal of old or contaminated insulation (+$1–$2/sq ft), tight access, low roof pitch at the eaves, and many penetrations to air seal.
Do you charge HST?
Prices on this site are before HST. Your written quote shows HST as its own line.
Can I lower the price?
Yes, by removing a line item rather than cutting quality. For example, you can skip the hatch cover if yours is already insulated. We never cut the baffles, because they protect your roof.
Cellulose or fiberglass: which is better for a Toronto attic?
Both reach R-50. Cellulose is denser, resists air movement through the insulation layer better and reaches R-50 at about 14 inches. Blown fiberglass is lighter, does not absorb moisture, and needs roughly 18–20 inches for R-50. We recommend based on your attic's ventilation, access and any moisture history.
Can you blow new insulation over old insulation?
Yes, if the old insulation is dry, clean and free of mold, pests and vermiculite. That is what a top-up is. If it is wet, contaminated or compressed, we recommend removal first.
Will blown-in insulation settle?
Cellulose settles a little after install. We blow to the manufacturer's installed depth so the settled depth still meets R-50, and we leave depth markers so you can check.
Is blown-in cellulose safe?
Cellulose is recycled paper treated with borate fire retardant. It is one of the most common attic insulations in Canada. We wear respirators during install and seal off the work area inside your home.
When does attic insulation need to be removed?
When it is wet, mouldy, contaminated by rodents, raccoons or birds, smoke- or fire-damaged, heavily compressed, or when you are replacing it after mold remediation. Dry, clean insulation can usually stay and be topped up.
How much does attic insulation removal cost in Toronto?
$1 to $2 per sq ft on top of the new insulation, depending on depth, material and access.
What about vermiculite?
Vermiculite (grey-brown pebbly granules) can contain asbestos. We do not disturb it. If we find it, we stop and recommend testing and a licensed abatement contractor first.
Where does the old insulation go?
It is vacuumed directly into sealed bags through a hose run from the attic to outside, then disposed of properly. It does not travel through your living space.
What are attic baffles?
Baffles (rafter vents) are channels installed at the eaves between rafters. They keep insulation from blocking the soffit vents so outside air can flow up under the roof deck and out the roof vents.
Why does air sealing matter if I'm adding insulation?
Insulation slows heat; it doesn't stop air. Warm, moist house air leaking through top plates, pot lights and plumbing stacks carries moisture into the attic, where it condenses on the cold roof deck. Sealing those leaks first protects the roof and makes the insulation work.
What does mold in an attic look like?
Usually black, grey or white spotting or staining on the underside of the roof sheathing, often heaviest on the north side and near bathroom fan outlets. You may also see frost on nail tips in winter, rusty nails, damp insulation, or notice a musty smell at the hatch.
What causes attic mold in Toronto homes?
Most often warm, moist house air leaking into the attic and condensing on a cold roof deck, made worse by blocked soffit vents, bathroom fans venting into the attic, and roof leaks.
Should I add insulation if there's mold in my attic?
No. Insulating over active mold or moisture hides the problem and can make it worse. The mold should be remediated and the moisture source fixed first, then the attic re-insulated with proper baffles and air sealing.
Is there an attic insulation rebate in Ontario in 2026?
Yes. The Home Renovation Savings Program, offered by Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy, has a standalone attic insulation rebate of up to $1,250 with no energy assessment required. It is scheduled to end November 30, 2026. Check the program website for current terms.
Can any contractor get me the rebate?
No. The work must be done by a participating, approved contractor and paperwork submitted under the program rules. Healthy Attic Insulation is a new business and is not yet a participating contractor; we will tell you this up front.
How many inches of insulation should be in my attic?
For R-50: about 14 inches of blown cellulose or 18–20 inches of blown fiberglass, measured after settling.
How do I check my attic insulation depth?
From the hatch, push a ruler straight down through the insulation to the ceiling drywall in a few spots away from the hatch. If you can see the tops of the joists, you have less than about R-20.
Do I need to leave the house during installation?
No. We protect floors, wear shoe covers and seal the work area. You can stay home throughout.
What warranty do you offer?
A 1-year labour warranty on our installation work, plus the written ventilation guarantee. Insulation material carries the manufacturer's rating.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We carry liability insurance and hold the licensing the City of Toronto requires for insulation installers. Ask to see proof of both at your inspection.