Which Is The Best Type Of Attic Insulation To Use In Florida?

Is blown-in cellulose or spray foam better? 

This is one of the questions you might have as you look for the best one to insulate your attic.

Insulation is crucial in Orlando and Central Florida for the comfortability and safety of your home. It prevents rotting from moisture and helps control the temperatures of your house. Also, it is a requirement in the building code.

Here are three types of attic insulations available and effective in Florida:

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam has two types:

1. Closed-cell

Closed-cell insulation for the attic is the best type on the market, and this is why:

• It has the highest R-value of R6 to 7
• It is airtight, which means it seals the attic completely
• Moisture resistant
• Fire-resistant. Fire spreads faster when there is air presence. Since closed-cell spray foam is airtight, it prevents the penetration of fire and its spread. 
• Closed-cell insulation lasts a lifetime; therefore a one-time installation is enough. No repairs or replacements are needed. 
• This insulation strengthens the roof. The foam’s density makes the roof stronger, excellent in challenging weather conditions such as strong winds.
  
  

With that said, closed-cell spray foam is not perfect; it also faces some challenges, including:

• It hardens once it settles, and if not correctly installed, pipes and wires might be caught up in the foam. 
• You need to keep checking if there are any leakages on your roof. Because no moisture will be able to penetrate, it might hide moisture and damage the roof. You have to check for leakage constantly; otherwise, it could be rotting away.
  
  

2. Open-cell 

The differences between the closed and open-cell foam insulation are:

• Open-cell has a lower R-value of 3.5 
• Unlike closed-cell, it is not moisture-proof, which eventually leads to water damage to the house
• It does not stand to harsh weather as well as the closed-cell

However, it has benefits too:

• It is cheaper than closed-cell and still does an excellent job as an insulator
• Open-cell spray foam is more flexible. It makes it easier to spot hard to reach places in the attic, unlike the closed which is stiff
• It helps minimize noise 

So is blown-in cellulose or spray foam better? Spray foam insulation is better than batts and blown-in cellulose for home insulation. It costs more upfront but you save more on your power bill and enjoy a lifetime of comfort.

Blown-in Cellulose Insulation 

Blown-in cellulose insulation is one of the types that are popular among homeowners. It has an R-value of 3.5, an excellent rate to keep your home comfortable. 

Advantages:

1. Manufacturers treat the cellulose material in borates
   Borates help make the insulation fire-resistant and help keep rodents off the attic. 
2. Eco-friendly
   Manufacturers make Cellulose from recycled paper. 
3. Effective
   It is the best option for hard-to-read areas of an attic. 
4. It’s a noise buffer

The downside of cellulose insulation

• Water retention

Blown-in Cellulose can absorb and retain water, which is not what you want in your attic insulation. It could lead to a damaged roof. The insulation also starts to sag because of the weight, creating spaces. Overall the insulation stops serving its purpose.

So far the question ‘is blown-in cellulose is better or spray foam?’, is clear. Spray foam stands as the best attic insulation.

Fiberglass batts Insulation
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Fiberglass insulation is the most commonly used in Florida homes because it costs very little than the other insulation types. It has the lowest R-value of 2.5. However, it is practical, fire and water-resistant, and easy to install. 

The downside to fiberglass batts is the airtightness of attics with distinctive designs. It can leave spaces where air can sip through, reducing the R-value. 

 In Conclusion

When it comes to choosing which type of insulation to install for your attic, it comes down to your preference and the cost. With the options and information above, you will be in a better position to make a decision.  

At All Florida Insulation, we offer all the above insulation options and more. Is blown-in cellulose or spray foam better? That depends on your specific needs. We service Orlando, Windermere, Longwood, Winter Park, Lake Nona, and the surrounding areas.

Visit our website and get in touch with our experts who will walk with you through the project. 

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