Florida is a wonderful place to live, and residents enjoy warm weather year-round. While homeowners don’t have to worry about problems that come with cold climates, that doesn’t mean Florida homes don’t face any climate challenges.
Rain and humidity are two top considerations when selecting insulation for homes. Humidity in the home can lead to mold, poor indoor air quality, and impact your home’s energy efficiency. That’s why it’s important to select an insulation material that works well and protects your home from excess moisture.
Here are the best kinds of insulation for Florida homes.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is much different than traditional insulation materials that come in batts. When the chemicals used in spray foam insulation combine, they produce foam and expand when applied to a surface. This expansion means that the insulation will take on any shape and fill in any crack or crevice it comes in contact with.
Spray foam insulation is a good option for Florida homes because it can cover all areas of your attic, no matter how oddly shaped the infrastructure is. Covering every crack creates a moisture-proof barrier that will keep the elements out of your home.
Florida attics are vulnerable to rain and humidity as well as leaks that can let in unwanted allergens and other particles. The barrier created by spray foam insulation will never lose its shape and will last for years.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is one of the most common types of insulation. As its name suggests, it is made from fine glass fibers and can be molded and folded to fit a variety of spaces. It is a good material for Florida homes because it does not absorb moisture.
This is a critical feature because the hot and humid summers pose a real threat to insulation that is not moisture resistant. In addition, mold cannot feed off of the material, so it is unlikely to spread throughout your attic and home.
Due to the flexible nature of fiberglass insulation, it can be an effective way to seal off your attic, keeping external weather, humidity, and particles out. Fiberglass is also a cost-effective solution for homeowners.
Mineral Wool
Your attic insulation could still be vulnerable to moisture even if your home was built with an air-tight exterior seal.
Homeowners keep their windows and doors open occasionally, and some level of humidity will always end up inside and eventually make its way to your insulation. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose an insulation material that is moisture-resistant, like mineral wool.
Mineral wool will not absorb moisture or become damaged or lose its shape when it comes in contact with humidity. It tends to dry out, which prevents mildew and mold from developing.
Mineral wool is also especially heat resistant and will not pose a fire hazard until it reaches 1800 degrees Fahrenheit! With the hot Florida summers, having heat-resistant insulation is critical.
Select Your Insulation Carefully for Your Florida Home
If you are building a new home or re-insulating your existing home, it’s best to work with an insulation contractor to select a material that will work best for you. The age of your home, attic design, and budget all impact the insulation that will ultimately be the best fit.
Taking the time to carefully consider your options will give you peace of mind that your attic is insulated and your home is protected from the elements. Simply search “insulation contractors near me” to find an expert to help with your insulation project.