R-value only fixes one-third of the problem
Heat moves three ways, and insulation R-value only resists conduction. In a Boca Raton home, convection — hot, humid air pouring in around can lights, plumbing, top plates, and the attic hatch — adds up to the equivalent of an open window year-round in zone 1A.
What we seal in Boca Raton
- Ceiling penetrations: can lights, wiring, plumbing, bath and range fans
- Top plates, chases, and dropped soffits
- The attic hatch — weatherstripped and insulated
- Ductwork — mastic on every joint, then R-8 wrap, recovering the 20–30% of cooled air most Boca homes lose
Sequence matters
Air sealing comes before insulation, and duct sealing before loose fill. Reversing it buries the leaks. Done first, air sealing is what turns your Boca Raton insulation investment into measurable savings on a Palm Beach County power bill.
Insulation costs in Boca Raton
Installed pricing depends on square footage, target R-value, attic access, roof type, and whether old material has to come out first. Here is where installed pricing generally lands in Palm Beach County — 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 |
| 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 |
Boca Raton is in Palm Beach County — IECC climate zone 1A, the hottest zone in the continental U.S. The recommended attic target here is R-38 to R-49, roughly 12 to 15.5 inches of blown fiberglass at settled depth. Many older East Boca homes still sit at R-11 to R-19 under a hot tile or flat roof.
Air Sealing FAQs for Boca Raton
Is air sealing worth it in Boca Raton?
Very. Boca's leaky attics and ducts drive a big share of cooling costs in zone 1A, and air sealing usually pays back faster than any other envelope upgrade.
How much does air sealing cost?
It is usually bundled into a Boca attic project rather than priced alone; ceiling and duct sealing appear in the written scope after inspection.
Do you test air leakage?
We seal the major leakage paths during the attic project and can arrange blower-door testing to quantify before-and-after leakage on request.