Best Insulation For Florida Attics

Insulation requirements in florida.

Best insulation for florida attics.

So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there. There are other materials and systems that you can use to insulate your attic. 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. 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.

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. Typically current best home building practices indicate an r 30 to r 38 for attic insulation. You can mix the type and material of insulation too. Make sure your home is properly insulated in all these locations.

For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. Climate zone 1 consists of the following south florida counties. The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

The florida building code identifies two distinct climate zones. Most insulation you buy will have a sq ft number for easy reference. 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. The cost to add attic insulation to a florida home ranges from 2 000 to 6 000.

Residential requirements for insulation are divided by the location in the home. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Here s what you need to know about insulation requirements in florida. For block walls interior insulation must meet or exceed r 7 8 and exterior insulation must be r 6.

The ideal attic insulation r value is different than the ideal wall insulation r value. Because the foam fills space so well it eliminates almost. I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course. It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass.

Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Insulation ratings can be improved by adding more layers of insulation. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. 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. The attic is in general the more important space to install thermal insulation in a south florida s homes.