The big disadvantage with spray foam is cost.
Best insulation for florida attics.
The attic is in general the more important space to install thermal insulation in a south florida s homes.
Broward collier hendry lee miami dade monroe and palm beach and require a minimum r 30 attic insulation.
Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces.
Then this is the perfect time to think about your insulation.
Climate zone 1 consists of the following south florida counties.
Heat rises which means it ends up in the attic.
Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
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.
There are other materials and systems that you can use to insulate your attic.
Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer.
For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
Cost of spray foam 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.
So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.
Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.
Typically current best home building practices indicate an r 30 to r 38 for attic insulation.
As time moves on electricity prices have increased and the cost of attic insulation has decreased.
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.
But if you ve done research into insulation types you may be wondering.
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.
Is spray foam insulation worth it.
I d blow insulation on the attic floor after air sealing of course.
Why should you care about insulation for attics.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.