How Much Attic Insulation Do I Need In Florida

Climate zone 1 consists of the following south florida counties.

How much attic insulation do i need in florida.

Energy star s map of recommended home insulation shows that the majority of florida is within zone 2. Existing 3 4 inches of 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. 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.

To measure the heat resistance ability of insulation the r value must be determined. For block walls interior insulation must meet or exceed r 7 8 and exterior insulation must be r 6. So if you re thinking of adding insulation to your florida home s attic you need to ask yourself these three questions to ensure the project is successful. Residential requirements for insulation are divided by the location in the home.

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. Ceiling insulation must be much higher at r 30 and a raised floor must be at least r 13. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. This can be approximately 10 to 14 inches of insulation but still depending on the type of insulation.

Broward collier hendry lee miami dade monroe and palm beach and require a minimum r 30 attic insulation. Homes should have between r 22 and r 49 insulation in the attic. Inspecting your attic insulation. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings.

Think of when you go grocery shopping. Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live. Attics are ideally insulated with r 38 insulation. How much attic insulation is already there.

The attic is one of the most important areas in your home to insulate. 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. The florida building code identifies two distinct climate zones. All other florida counties are considered to be in climate zone 2 and require a minimum r 38.

Insulation requirements in florida. Most insulation you buy will have a sq ft number for easy reference. Add insulation to attic.