When it comes to insulating an attic in Florida, there are several options available. The most suitable for this hot and humid climate is spray foam insulation, which has an impressive R-value of six to seven per inch. Other options include blown fiberglass, blown cellulose, and fiberglass blocks. It is important to note that open-cell foam attic insulation may not be the best choice in a humid climate, as it does not block moisture.
To determine the insulation rating, measure the thickness of the attic insulation with a ruler and multiply the number of inches by the R-value of that particular insulation. The Department of Energy's insulation fact sheet provides information on how to calculate the R-value using this technique. Additionally, table 1 may be useful when considering different types of insulation. If you are building a new home, you can consider installing insulation at the bottom of the roof covering and sealing the attic space, creating an “unventilated attic”. This method is much cheaper than spray foam insulation and works well if you're looking to insulate on a budget.
However, keep in mind that the overall R-value of a wall or roof will be somewhat different from the R-value of the insulation itself, as some of the heat flows around the insulation through studs and beams in wooden or steel structures (thermal bridges).When properly installed by certified experts, spray foam insulation fills every space in the attic, making it an effective air barrier. It is also important to note that your home will need to ventilate for a few days to remove fumes after installing spray foam insulation. If you're not sure what type of insulation already exists in your home, take a sample to an insulation expert. If it is time to rethink your attic insulation, contact Energy Monster to schedule a free consultation on spray foam insulation today. We offer other types of insulation for your home, such as rigid foam panels, particle-filled insulation, and blown fiberglass insulation.
