Insulating your attic is an essential part of keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient, especially in Florida's hot and humid climate. To get the most cost-effective and efficient insulation, you should use blown fiberglass, which has an R-value of 2.2 per inch. Other suitable options include blown cellulose, fiberglass blocks, and spray foam. The R-value is a measure of the insulation's ability to resist heat transfer.
The higher the R-value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The Department of Energy's insulation fact sheet provides information on how to determine the R-value using this technique. Table 1 may also be useful in determining what levels of insulation are cost-effective for different climates and home locations. Closed-cell spray foam has an impressive R-value in the range of six to seven per inch, making it the best type of attic insulation for Florida's hot, humid climate. However, its high cost makes it less attractive to homeowners looking to insulate their attics on a budget.
Open-cell insulation is still an excellent insulator for attics, although not as dense as its closed counterpart. When selecting an insulation option, you should consider the space you have available, the apparent density of the materials (weight by volume) so that the ceilings do not sink with the additional weight, the ease of access to the space, your budget, how easy it would be to replace the insulation if you had a leak in the ceiling or wall, and whether you are building a new house or improving an existing one. If you're constructing 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. It is very important to understand that proper installation is almost as important as selecting an insulation with a high R-value. You don't need to have experience insulating attics or walls to install your batch of fiberglass blocks.
When it comes to spray foam insulation, however, it's highly recommended to hire experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of attic insulation. For more information on insulating materials, if applicable, installation methods and benefits, see Types of Insulation. With proper research and planning, you can choose an insulation option that meets your needs and budget.
