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Spray Foam vs Fiberglass Insulation — What's Best for Florida Homes?

Updated for 2026 · Insulation · verified Florida pricing + warranty details

The 30-Second Verdict

For Florida attics, spray foam on the roof deck (conditioned attic) is the premium upgrade that genuinely pays back over time — it keeps ducts in conditioned space and cuts AC bills. It costs $3,000–$6,000 more than fiberglass blown-in but reduces energy bills 15–25%. Fiberglass blown-in meets code and is the cost-effective standard. For walls, fiberglass is typically fine in Florida.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Spray Foam Insulation

Pros

  • Conditioned attic dramatically improves HVAC duct efficiency
  • Air seals gaps while insulating — dual function
  • Lifetime performance — doesn't settle or degrade
  • Best moisture barrier option (closed-cell)

Cons

  • 2–4× more expensive than fiberglass
  • Requires professional installation
  • Off-gassing during installation requires ventilation
Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Pros

  • Much lower cost — meets FL energy code affordably
  • DIY-friendly installation in accessible areas
  • Easy to add more layers to increase R-value

Cons

  • Poor air sealing — requires separate air sealing work
  • Can absorb moisture in humid FL conditions if improperly installed
  • Fiberglass in unconditioned attic leaves ducts in extreme heat

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spray Foam InsulationFiberglass Batt Insulation
Attic Application (FL)Open-cell spray foam on roof deck creates conditioned attic — excellent for FLBlown-in fiberglass on attic floor — common, lower cost, but leaves attic unconditioned
R-ValueOpen-cell: ~R-3.7/inch; closed-cell: ~R-6.5/inchR-2.9–3.8/inch; need R-38+ in Florida (10–13 inches)
Moisture ControlClosed-cell acts as vapor barrier; open-cell permits some moisture movementCan absorb moisture if vapor barrier is improperly installed; mold risk in FL humidity
Air SealingExcellent — expands to fill gaps; dramatically reduces air infiltrationPoor standalone air sealing — requires separate air sealing work
HVAC ImpactConditioned attic with spray foam can cut AC sizing by 20–30%Unconditioned attic; HVAC ductwork in 140°F+ attic loses efficiency
CostOpen-cell: $1.00–$1.50/sq ft; closed-cell: $1.50–$3.00/sq ft$0.30–$0.70/sq ft installed (batts); $0.40–$0.80 blown-in
LongevityLifetime — does not settle, degrade, or lose R-valueCan settle 5–10% over time; may need top-off after 15–20 years
FL Code ComplianceFlorida Energy Code compliant; conditioned attic pathway approvedCompliant at proper depth; standard approach for most FL builders

Frequently Asked Questions

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