[DangeloInspections]

I have heard some folks say they thought adding insulation over the Lanai might minimize this cracking....but personally I do not think it would, or would be worth it.

I cannot really advise spending money to insulate unconditioned space....there is no payback.

In a well ventilated home there should not be too much difference between attic temps and outside temps....but we know that there is, especially in Florida.

The average summertime attic temperature in The Villages seems to be about in the 120's. My highest I have found, (and I am in over 400 attics a year) has been 142 degrees.

So...basically I advise anyone who encloses their Lanai to always insulate the Lanai ceiling....and I do not advise anyone to do this for an open Lanai.

The other problem here is we are all talking about Lanai's without acknowledging that there are vastly different sizes of Lanai's in The Villages. Some are barely 8x10 foot, while others have been HUGE. Some have peaks and ceiling transitions and some are flat. Generally the larger ones seem to have more cracking.....rarely do you see a courtyard villa Lanai with cracks in it.

Not sure what the answer is here...I would think the 24" o.c. trusses may contribute....perhaps adding strapping between the drywall and the trusses might help.....easier during the build.

I am familiar with Certainteed Exterior Soffit board. It is thicker 5/8 drywall made for the ceilings of Lanai's and porches, etc. It is not supposed to touch vertical surfaces, so a trim piece should be installed around the vertical junction. Certainteed states that cracking is minimized if installation guidelines are adhered to. I have not seen this product used in this area, although it might be, and I just have not seen it yet.

Hope that helps! Frank