How Much Attic Insulation Do I Need In Florida

Can i have too much insulation.

How much attic insulation do i need in florida.

October 12 2016 by cindy hastings. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. You want your insulation to reach an r value of around 38 49 here in florida to be effective. Homes should have between r 22 and r 49 insulation in the attic.

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. Insulating the attic above a home is one step to ensure these costs are kept low but what about the attic over a garage. Do i need to insulate the attic area over my garage. Residential requirements for insulation are divided by the location in the home.

Ceiling insulation must be much higher at r 30 and a raised floor must be at least r 13. The main factors that impact the cost are. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Contractor or insulation installer s fee.

Insulation level are specified by r value. For block walls interior insulation must meet or exceed r 7 8 and exterior insulation must be r 6. Type and material of your insulation. Inspecting your attic insulation.

Square footage of your attic. Where on that scale you lie depends on your home and the heating system you use electric furnaces need more in home insulation. Framed wall insulation must meet or exceed r 13. Energy star s map of recommended home insulation shows that the majority of florida is within zone 2.

All other florida counties are considered to be in climate zone 2 and require a minimum r 38. Most insulation you buy will have a sq ft number for easy reference. Climate zone 1 consists of the following south florida counties. Insulation requirements in florida.

Would adding insulation there affect heating and cooling costs. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Broward collier hendry lee miami dade monroe and palm beach and require a minimum r 30 attic insulation. 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.

This is a more expensive measure that usually requires a contractor but it may be worth the cost if you live in a very hot or cold climate. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Homeowners are always looking to save money on heating and cooling costs. If your attic has enough insulation and your home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls as well.