Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.
Best insulation for florida attics.
Most insulation you buy will have a sq ft number for easy reference.
Residential requirements for insulation are divided by the location in the home.
The florida building code identifies two distinct climate zones.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
There are other materials and systems that you can use to insulate your attic.
During the day the heat goes inside the house through the roof deck into the attic space and down into the living space through the ceiling.
Insulation requirements in florida.
For block walls interior insulation must meet or exceed r 7 8 and exterior insulation must be r 6.
You can mix the type and material of insulation too.
So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.
I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course.
This option is generally the most expensive but it s also the best insulator because the foam expands up to 100 times its volume to fill in cracks and crevices blow in insulation doesn t expand.
Climate zone 1 consists of the following south florida counties.
Why should you care about insulation for attics.
Framed wall insulation must meet or exceed r 13.
Broward collier hendry lee miami dade monroe and palm beach and require a minimum r 30 attic insulation.
Make sure your home is properly insulated in all these locations.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
The cost to add attic insulation to a florida home ranges from 2 000 to 6 000.
It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass.
Heat rises which means it ends up in the attic.
Achieving greater r values in attics.
The ideal attic insulation r value is different than the ideal wall insulation r value.
Here s what you need to know about insulation requirements in florida.
According to the florida department of agriculture and consumer services attic insulation is the most important location and best return on investment okay but why.
Typically current best home building practices indicate an r 30 to r 38 for attic insulation.
Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.
Insulation ratings can be improved by adding more layers of insulation.
The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost.
Because the foam fills space so well it eliminates almost.