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How Much Does Thinsulate Cost Per Foot?

Last Updated on October 6, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

Thinsulate insulation by 3M provides flexible, effective thermal and soundproofing capabilities across diverse applications, ranging from residential home building to performance winter coats and gloves. But how much does this versatile and innovative insulation material realistically cost per linear or square foot?

In this guide, we’ll break down the current pricing per foot for Thinsulate based on insulation thickness, R-value, specific project type and scale, installation method, and other key cost factors. You’ll also learn about professional installation charges, energy savings benefits, and the properties that make Thinsulate an advantageous choice over traditional insulations like fiberglass.

How Much Does 3M Thinsulate Cost Per Foot?

Thinsulate costs anywhere between $1 and $10 per linear foot depending on the type of project you’re working on, as well as other important factors.

“While moderately pricier than basic fiberglass per square foot, Thinsulate offers dramatically better thermal performance, moisture control, and breathability that more than justifies the slightly higher investment in climates where warmth is a priority,” advises home insulation contractor Dylan Hayes.

Residential and commercial building insulation

Typical Cost Range: $1 to $3 per linear foot

The most common and affordable application option, Thinsulate here is used within walls, attics, crawlspaces, and roofs to enhance energy efficiency and insulation in new construction and existing homes or buildings. Installation is quick and effective.

Performance clothing and fabric insulation

Typical Cost Range: $5 to $10 per linear foot

Thinsulate excels at providing lightweight warmth and thermal regulation when integrated into the fabric of jackets, gloves, hats, boots, and other cold weather gear. The thin, moisture-wicking design traps body heat exceptionally well.

Acoustic soundproofing insulation

Typical Cost Range: $2 to $5 per linear foot

With advanced sound dampening capabilities, Thinsulate works great for reducing noise transmission when installed in walls, floors, ceilings, and other structures. An ideal solution for home studios, theaters, and offices.

Automotive and RV insulation

Typical Cost Range: $2 to $4 per linear foot

Thinsulate is also commonly found providing temperature control and acoustic dampening within cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles when integrated into door panels, flooring, firewalls, and liners.

According to Lemke Climbs, a 5-foot wide by 50 linear foot roll of 3M Thinsulate costs approximately $575, which breaks down to about $11.50 per linear foot. This price includes shipping from Hood River, Oregon to Seattle.

On Amazon, the 3M Thinsulate Acoustic/Thermal Insulation SM600L is listed at around $372 for a 40′ x 60″ roll. This translates to about $9.30 per linear foot when considering the width of the material. The product is designed for use in vehicles and provides both thermal and acoustic insulation.

According to an article on Home Depot, Thinsulate insulation is available for about $49.95 per roll, which covers a specific area depending on the dimensions of the roll purchased. This pricing can vary based on promotions and availability at local stores.

As noted by BuildDirect, Thinsulate is often priced between $0.75 to $2.00 per square foot depending on thickness and type, which can be useful for estimating costs based on your specific project needs.

Factors That Influencing Thinsulate Pricing

The final installed cost per foot of 3M Thinsulate insulation can vary substantially based on:

  • Insulation thickness and rated R-value – Thicker Thinsulate with higher R-value insulation ratings generally ranges from $3 to $5 per linear foot, while standard thin variations are $1 to $3 per foot. The higher the thermal resistance, the better the performance.
  • Project size and quantity of material required – Bulk insulation purchases for large-scale building projects often qualify for discounted pricing per linear or square foot. Smaller one-off purchases may pay retail costs.
  • Specific application type – Using Thinsulate in residential or commercial building insulation represents the most affordable per foot cost application. Performance apparel, automotive, and acoustic dampening uses that require specialized forms of Thinsulate will be pricier on a per foot basis.
  • Installation method – Opting to install Thinsulate insulation yourself as a DIY homeowner or clothing manufacturer can reduce project costs by 50% or more versus hiring professional installers, especially for easier to access applications like attics.

Thinsulate Cost vs Other Insulation Types

Fiberglass batt or blown-in insulation

Typical cost per square foot: $0.50 to $2

Spray foam insulation

Typical cost per square foot: $1 to $3

Loose-fill cellulose insulation

Typical cost per square foot: $1 to $2

Insulation Type Cost per Sq. Ft. R-Value Noise Reduction Water Resistant
Thinsulate $1.00 – $5.00 Up to 5.0 Excellent Yes
Fiberglass $0.50 – $2.00 2.2 – 4.3 Fair No
Spray Foam $1.00 – $3.00 5.0 – 6.5 Very Good Yes
Cellulose $1.00 – $2.00 3.2 – 4.0 Good No

When looking at cost per total area covered, Thinsulate represents a moderately priced insulation material, generally 30-50% higher in price per square foot than basic fiberglass, but with dramatically enhanced thermal performance, moisture control, and breathability.

You might also like our articles on the cost of attic insulation, Acoustifence, or crawl space encapsulation.

For extreme cold conditions and applications where weight and space are at a premium, Thinsulate easily justifies the modest price premium over fiberglass. The innovative layered structure maximizes heat retention in a thin, flexible format.

DIY vs Professional Installer Pricing

3M ThinsulateProfessional installation

Typical Cost Range: $1 to $3 per linear foot in labor

Skilled insulation contractors charge per linear foot installed based on project specifics.

Do-it-yourself installation

Typical Cost Savings: 50% or more compared to hired installers

For accessible applications like walls, attics, or garments, DIY installation lets homeowners or manufacturers save substantially on project costs but requires proper training.

For challenging or dangerous to access areas like crawlspaces, cathedral ceilings, or cramped automotive cavities, paying a professional installer is highly recommended unless you have extensive experience.

Answers to Common Questions

How warm is 3M Thinsulate?

With an industry-leading R-value up to 5.0 per inch, Thinsulate insulation can provide excellent thermal insulation even in ultra-cold conditions down to -60°F when used in high-performance winter outerwear garments according to extensive testing by 3M scientists. This makes it far warmer than standard cheap fiberglass insulating at low temperatures.

Is Thinsulate a good insulation?

For anyone living in colder northern climates where warmth and energy efficiency are priorities, Thinsulate’s layered proprietary structure and up to 300% greater thermal insulating power compared to standard options easily justifies the minor additional cost per square foot in order to save substantially on heating bills and stay warmer.

The improved effectiveness and durability outperforms traditional bulk insulations.

How much does fiberglass insulation cost per foot?

Fiberglass insulation remains one of the most budget-friendly options, typically ranging from just $0.50 to $2 per square foot installed depending on the type, thickness, and location specifics. However, it lacks Thinsulate’s structural performance and struggles in extremely cold weather.

Professional Insights

“Thinsulate provides one of the highest insulation R-values per inch of any material, creating more warmth with less thickness for buildings or coats,” says insulation pro Theresa Iverson.

“The moisture-wicking layered structure resists mildew and retains insulation properties longer than soggy fiberglass,” explains home builder Martin Hayes.

“Upgrading to Thinsulate insulation often raises property resale value by making homes more attractive to buyers wanting energy savings,” advises real estate agent Alicia Thompson.

“Thinsulate requires less bulk to achieve effective sound dampening and insulation versus traditional heavy options,” says recording studio owner Max Taylor.

Final Words

For those needing top-tier cold weather insulation for buildings in frigid climates, performance outerwear, or acoustic dampening applications, Thinsulate’s innovative structure and up to 300% greater insulating power justifies the moderately higher cost over standard fiberglass to provide lasting performance.

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