Attic Insulation & Air Sealing in St. Petersburg, FL

Attic insulation and air sealing is usually the best value in a St. Petersburg home. On a summer afternoon the attic under a dark roof gets far hotter than the outside air. That heat soaks down through thin insulation into the ceilings, and hot, humid attic air leaks into the house through every gap in the ceiling. Sealing those gaps and adding insulation to the right depth cuts both.

How deep

The 2023 Florida energy code lists R-38 for ceilings in Zone 2. The Department of Energy suggests R-49 to R-60 for an empty attic and adding R-38 to R-49 where 3 to 4 inches already sit on the floor. In many older St. Pete homes we find a few inches of settled material, disturbed by cable and electrical work, well short of either target.

Air sealing first

We seal around recessed lights, bath fans, plumbing vents, wiring holes, the tops of interior walls, dropped soffits and the attic access. Baffles go in at the eaves so the new insulation does not block the soffit vents. Then we blow cellulose or fiberglass to the agreed depth and leave rulers so you can see it.

When roof deck foam is better

If the air handler and ducts are in the attic, foaming the roof deck may be the better investment, because it moves the ducts into conditioned space. We compare both options on the quote.

Duke Energy Florida rebate

Duke Energy Florida's posted prerequisites for attic insulation include a Home Energy Check within the past 24 months, an existing attic averaging R-19 or less, and a Duke-approved contractor. Multifamily and manufactured homes are not eligible. Check the program page before the job.

Signs the attic needs work

Upstairs or back rooms that never cool, an air conditioner that runs all afternoon, high summer bills, or insulation you can see the joists through all point to the attic.