Insulation ratings can be improved by adding more layers of insulation.
Best insulation for florida attics.
Here s what you need to know about insulation requirements in florida.
I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course.
There are other materials and systems that you can use to insulate your attic.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
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.
Most insulation you buy will have a sq ft number for easy reference.
Insulation requirements in florida.
The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost.
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.
For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
It s generally 3 to 4 times what you ll pay for blown cellulose or fiberglass.
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.
For block walls interior insulation must meet or exceed r 7 8 and exterior insulation must be r 6.
Achieving greater r values in attics.
The florida building code identifies two distinct climate zones.
Heat rises which means it ends up in the attic.
Residential requirements for insulation are divided by the location in the home.
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.
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.
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.
You can mix the type and material of insulation too.
Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.
So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.
Why should you care about insulation for attics.
Make sure your home is properly insulated in all these locations.
Climate zone 1 consists of the following south florida counties.
Typically current best home building practices indicate an r 30 to r 38 for attic insulation.
