radiant foil insulation
 

Does anyone know who does the radiant foil insulation for the attics in the garages?

My home inspector said to call SECO. They will give you the info

Thanks. I have already been talked out of it and into regular insulation and solar fans. :)

These things, insulating your garage, not sure about how insulation in the lanai would help, but those things aren't something you need immediately. It might be a good idea to move in, talk to people, see how hot the garage gets and whether it matters or not and then look for someone to do the upgrades. We haven't added either on either of the homes we have here.

Graciegirl: While we will be waiting to do any landscaping for a solid year to learn the plants and requirements and will wait for some other upgrades, we would like to be able to use the attic space for storage so would like it done before the movers show up. My recently acquired understanding on the heat situation is that using regular insulation is better than heat foil but you need to complement it with a solar fan to pull out the moisture which builds from the insulation.
Do you use your uninsulated attic for storage? And if so, for what? I have been told it is wicked hot up there and insulating along with the solar fans can reduce the temperature as 30 degrees.

Yes we do use it for storage and obviously don't put candles or other heat sensitive things there. I understand that even with solar fan it still is hot as hell up there. Someone posted how hot and I bet they will read this and post again. I was astonished how hot it is in an attic even with solar fan. I suppose moving the air could help with the humidity but not sure how that would work.

My husband has added a lot of shelving in garage. I see your point and think it is a very good idea to do it right away. It is so helpful to share information on here because again, you have made a valid point that I wouldn't have thought of.

Hope you enjoy every day in your new home and that I will meet you soon to welcome you in person.

Kindest wishes,
Gracie

Another couple months and it should be done and then we are in! I am sure we will meet and am looking forward to it as well :)

We had it installed in the whole house two years ago and it hasn't helped a bit. We expected to see a change in electric usage and our bill but it hasn't happened. Waste of money.

Wow. Was that blown in or the foil? Talk about a let down. Maybe we will just forget the garage attic and get storage outside.

insulation
 

I worked for a major electric utility for 38 yrs...Of all the items on the market,there are three that are proven effective and cost beneficial...In order of cost payback they are:

1- foil radiant barrier,typically installed at time of construction..Very difficult to retrofit and I'm not sure if it would pay.

2- Thermostatically controlled,whole house attic fan...

3- ceiling insulation,typically blown in..

Simple rule for electrical useage, if it produces heat, don't have it powered by electricity..ie hot water heaters,ovens/stoves, clothes dryers...AC's you really don't have a choice..

Solar panels are very effective and actually have been in use in Fl for over 50 yrs..However, the current cost payback time is long..

hope this helps

Go out and buy a 20" box fan lay it in the opening in the attic access in the garage blowing up and the air will exhaust out your vents works good and cheap.

Hmmn. So we are having a gas stove but dismissed the idea of the gas dryer because it seems it is more of a pain for maintenance. Wonder if the amount you use a dryer pays to get gas versus electric. Also you have to pay to have the gas dryer vented outside.

I fully agree rp001. I have been in many an attic throughout the Villages and I see many retrofit radiant barrier systems installed incorrectly. Unfortunately the "all mighty dollar" brought out the scammer looking to make a buck on the radiant barrier boom. The product is very very effective if installed correctly. Department of Energy states approximately 10% reduction in cooling costs can be attributed to the use of properly installed radiant barrier. Radiant barrier should be in stalled on the backside of the roof trusses with proper aluminum tape to encapsulate the entire roof area. The gist of the story is the product works effectively when properly installed. Read up on any product you buy and ask questions. The internet is a wonderful tool to find out the truth behind many products you may see out there.

You will have to vent your dryer outside regardless of electric or gas. You are probably thinking about the CO and fumes from the gas flame but those get exhausted with all the hot air - yep out the roof or maybe out the side but I can't recall seeing any through the wall vents here. But you will have to vent any dryer to keep the humidity out of your house - that is one of the biggest battles (humidity + heat = mold) you will have in any house here in central Florid. As far as outside storage: that will be a no go here in almost all areas of TV, particularly new areas. Can't have sheds installed - part of the restrictions you will be given when you purchase.

Yes, I meant getting a storage unit. :) We have too much "stuff".