Best Insulation For Attic In Florida

The florida building code identifies two distinct climate zones.

Best insulation for attic in florida.

Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. 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. Insulation requirements in florida. Broward collier hendry lee miami dade monroe and palm beach and require a minimum r 30 attic insulation.

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. 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. Framed wall insulation must meet or exceed r 13.

Typically current best home building practices indicate an r 30 to r 38 for attic insulation. The attic is in general the more important space to install thermal insulation in a south florida s homes. For block walls interior insulation must meet or exceed r 7 8 and exterior insulation must be r 6. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.

Climate zone 1 consists of the following south florida counties. The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course. Why should you care about insulation for attics.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Residential requirements for insulation are divided by the location in the home. Heat rises which means it ends up in the 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.

If you do not have at least 10 to 12 of insulation in your attic you need more insulation. It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass. We recommend that every home owner in florida check their attic to see if you need more insulation. As time moves on electricity prices have increased and the cost of attic insulation has decreased.

The cost to add attic insulation to a florida home ranges from 2 000 to 6 000. Let s say you measured your attic and you realize your attic has about 9 inches r 30 of insulation and your attic is about 40 sq feet you d need at least 3 inches of extra insulation that covers 40 sq ft to get an r value of r 38. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. Ceiling insulation must be much higher at r 30 and a raised floor must be at.