Fl Residential Attic Insulation Options

Installing spray foam insulation is a complex process so it s easiest to perform on new construction homes during the building phase.

Fl residential attic insulation options.

This type of insulation. Typically fiberglass or cellulose are the material choices. Spray foam is great for any home new or not so new. Open cell is the less expensive option.

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. But if you have an existing home in need of attic insulation don t worry. However it does not provide any vapor barrier. Its properties make it an excellent choice for attic insulation.

Energy star s map of recommended home insulation shows that the majority of florida is within zone 2. Blanket insulation is available as batts or rolls and is the easiest diy insulation material. It s available in fiberglass mineral wool plastic fibers and natural fibers. Broward collier hendry lee miami dade monroe and palm beach and require a minimum r 30 attic insulation.

Most homes are insulated in the attic and any floors located above unfinished basements or crawl spaces. Often installed into wall cavities as a way to retro fit walls lacking insulation it can also be blown into unfinished attic spaces. But increasingly the materials we put inside our walls and ceilings are turning a deeper shade of green with old standbys like fiberglass and foam cleaning up. Climate zone 1 consists of the following south florida counties.

This zone has a recommended r value of 30 to 60 for an uninsulated attic r25 to r38 for an attic with existing insulation and r13 to r19 for the floor. Whether it s pink white yellow or blue all insulation is at least a little bit green after all anything that saves so much energy gets high marks for environmental friendliness. Spray foam insulation is the most expensive insulation and it is available in open cell and closed cell options. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

All other florida counties are considered to be in climate zone 2 and require a minimum r 38. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Insulation decreases the amount of heat entering from outside when it s hot and traps warmth inside when it s cold. Most insulation you buy will have a sq ft number for easy reference.

Closed cell on the other hand is more dense and it provides an excellent barrier against air and water. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices. R value for loose fill per inch is between r2 and r4 higher value with fiberglass.