The Ins and Outs of Attic Insulation: Florida Homebuyers Are Savvy (Some Things They May Not Know)
When you walk through a house, the ceiling overhead often feels invisible. Yet hidden above is one of the most critical systems governing comfort, energy efficiency, and the health of the home: the attic insulation. We often see how attic insulation—or lack thereof—can make or break both home performance and buyer confidence. In Florida’s climate, attic insulation plays an especially pivotal role. In this article, we’ll explain what attic insulation actually is, why homes need it, the different types used (and how effective each is), how insulation considerations influence the inspection process, and ultimately how knowing this gives a prospective home buyer (or current homeowner) a real advantage in Florida. Why Is Attic Insulation All That Important? At its core, insulation is any material placed in a building’s envelope to slow down the transfer of heat (or cold). Insulation does not “block” heat entirely, but resists it. In U.S. building science, we use the term R-value to qua...