When it comes to attic insulation installation in Broward County, FL, there are a few materials that stand out as the best options. Spray foam is the top choice for its impressive R-value of six to seven per inch. Other suitable materials include blown fiberglass, blown cellulose, and fiberglass blocks. Fiberglass is a popular choice due to its affordability, fire resistance, and ability to resist moisture, shrinkage, and insects and pests.
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper or wood and is usually composed of old newspapers. Blown insulation can also be made of polystyrene, fiberglass, and wool. When properly installed, both types of insulation fill every nook and cranny of a space and constitute a perfect air barrier. In two-story houses, floor beams are not always isolated from adjacent attic spaces rather than single-story spaces and attic air is right next to the roof. The effectiveness of an insulated wall or ceiling also depends on how and where the insulation is installed.
The overall R-value of a wall or roof will be somewhat different from the R-value of the insulation itself. Loose-filled fiberglass has an R-value of approximately 2.5 per inch and is commonly used in new construction homes. According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, fiberglass or mineral wool are the best options for insulating attics. If you're building a new home, you can consider installing insulation at the bottom of the roof covering and sealing the attic space. Recycled ground paper with cellulose, to which boric acid has been added to control insects and resist fire, offers a better attic insulation option than blocks. Make sure that the roof or walls can support any additional weight derived from the additional insulation before installation.
A study conducted by Oak Ridge Laboratories in 1991 found that fiberglass insulation for loosely filled attics loses much of its insulating value when temperatures drop below 20 degrees. It's important to understand that the way insulation is installed is almost as important as the R value. It's also important to know the type of insulation that was used and how much time has passed since the insulation was added. To ensure your attic is properly insulated, contact All Year Cooling online or by phone to schedule a professional consultation.
