The unique climate of Miami-Dade County, Florida brings with it a range of unique challenges when it comes to construction and building design. With such a large cooling load, high humidity, and coastal considerations, the structures in this area require special attention. Under the Florida Building Code, homes in Miami-Dade County must have a minimum R-30 attic insulation. Adding insulation to an unfinished basement or one that is always cold and drafty will improve its ability to retain heat. It will also help protect the basement from moisture, mold, mildew, and pests.
The Federal Trade Commission has a rule in place to protect businesses and consumers from misleading advertising, improper installation, and other insulation-related problems (Title 16, Business Practices, Part 460, Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation Materials). The Florida Building Code requires that floor insulation have a minimum of R-13 and be significantly lower than the required roof insulation values. If you're not sure what type of insulation is already in your home, take a sample to an insulation expert for evaluation. If the insulation levels are low or minimal, you may be eligible for state and government tax incentives and reimbursement offers that can help cover part of the cost of insulation improvements.
If you are building a new house, you may want to consider installing insulation on the bottom of the roof and sealing the attic space to create an “unventilated attic”. Different types of insulation influence the amount of insulation needed. This resistance, or R-value, refers to the insulation performance when measuring the resistance to heat flowing through the insulation over time. It is very important to understand that how the insulation is installed is almost as important as its R value.
Floor insulation is particularly important if it is installed above tight spaces, garages, and other parts of the house that may not be heated. The effectiveness of an insulated wall or roof also depends on how and where the insulation is installed. If your attic insulation is insufficient, it's time to consider hiring a professional to improve it. If your home needs help with its insulation situation, Installed Building Products of Miami can provide expert solutions.
Make sure that the roof or walls can withstand any additional weight derived from additional insulation before installation. The recommendations are to have at least 14 inches of insulation; the total cost will depend on the current depth of attic insulation. For more information on insulating materials, installation methods, and advantages, see Types of Insulation.
