R-value only fixes one-third of the problem
Heat moves three ways — conduction, convection, and radiation — and insulation R-value only resists conduction. Convection is hot, humid air pouring in through gaps around can lights, plumbing chases, top plates, and the attic hatch. In a Florida home those leaks add up to the equivalent of leaving a window open year-round.
What we seal
- Ceiling-plane penetrations: can lights, wiring, plumbing, bath and range fans
- Top plates, chases, and dropped soffits
- The attic hatch — weatherstripped and insulated to match
- Ductwork — mastic on every joint, then R-8 wrap, recovering the 20–30% of conditioned air most Florida homes lose
Sequence matters
Air sealing comes before insulation, and duct sealing comes before burying the attic in loose fill. Reversing the order buries the leaks you were supposed to seal. Done first, air sealing is what turns your insulation investment into real, measurable savings.
Insulation costs in Southwest Florida
Installed pricing depends on square footage, target R-value, attic access, and whether old material has to come out first. Here is where installed pricing generally lands locally — and we itemize every quote so you can compare honestly.
| Material | Installed cost | R-value / inch | Service life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blown-in fiberglass | $1.10–$2.00/sq ft | R-2.2–R-2.7 | 20–30 yrs |
| Blown-in cellulose | $1.20–$2.40/sq ft | R-3.2–R-3.8 | 20–30 yrs |
| Fiberglass batts | $0.90–$2.10/sq ft | R-3.1–R-4.3 | 25+ yrs |
| Open-cell spray foam | $1.50–$3.20/sq ft | R-3.6–R-3.8 | 80+ yrs |
| Closed-cell spray foam | $2.40–$4.90/sq ft | R-6.0–R-7.0 | 80+ yrs |
| Insulation removal | $1.10–$2.90/sq ft | — | One-time |
Southwest Florida is IECC climate zone 2A. The recommended attic target here is R-49 to R-60 — roughly 15.5 to 19 inches of blown fiberglass at settled depth. If you can see your ceiling joists across the attic, you are well below that.
Frequently asked questions
Is air sealing worth it in Florida?
Absolutely. In our climate, unsealed attics and leaky ducts drive a large share of cooling costs. Air sealing typically pays back faster than almost any other envelope upgrade, and it makes your insulation and AC work as designed.
How much does air sealing cost?
It is usually bundled into an attic insulation project rather than priced alone. Duct sealing and ceiling-plane sealing are quoted as part of the written scope after inspection.
Do you test for air leakage?
We identify and seal the major leakage paths during the attic project and can arrange blower-door testing to quantify before-and-after air leakage on request.