--- title: Blown-In vs Spray Foam vs Fiberglass for Florida Homes description: "Blown-in vs spray foam vs fiberglass in Florida: R-value, humidity, lifespan and cost side by side, from a SW Florida installer since 2013." --- [Skip to content](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/spray-foam-vs-fiberglass-vs-blown-in-which-is-best-for-florida-homes#main-content) [IDEALINSULATION](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/) [Services](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/#services)[For builders](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-contractor-for-builders-naples-fl-swfl)Explore [Home](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/)[Spray foam](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/services/spray-foam-insulation-naples-fl)[Attic insulation](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/services/attic-insulation-naples-fl)[Insulation removal](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/professional-insulation-removal-naples-fl-emergency-service-ideal-naples-swfl)[For builders](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-contractor-for-builders-naples-fl-swfl)[Service areas](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/areas-served-swfl)[Insulation guides](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog)[Contact Ideal](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/contact-us-ideal-insulation) [(239) 455-2002](tel:+12394552002) [Home](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/) / [Insulation guides](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog) Ideal Insulation · Southwest Florida # Blown-In vs Spray Foam vs Fiberglass: Which Fits Your Florida Home? ![](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e)[Ideal Insulation](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/author/ideal-insulation) March 15, 2026 Leaning toward foam? See [spray foam insulation in Fort Myers](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/services/spray-foam-insulation-fort-myers-fl) or [Naples](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/services/spray-foam-insulation-naples-fl). Prefer blown-in? See [blown-in insulation](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/blown-in-insulation-naples-swfl/). Every Florida homeowner shopping for insulation hits the same fork: spray foam costs more upfront, fiberglass is cheap, and blown-in is in the middle. Which one actually makes sense when you live in a state where humidity tries to destroy everything? We've installed all three across Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties since 2013. Here's the honest comparison. ## The Quick Comparison | Factor | Closed Cell Spray Foam | Open Cell Spray Foam | Blown-In Fiberglass | Fiberglass Batts | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | R-Value Per Inch | R-6.5 | R-3.7 | R-2.5 | R-3.1 | | Air Sealing | Yes | Yes | No | No | | Moisture Barrier | Yes | No | No | No | | Relative Upfront Cost | Highest | Moderate | Lower | Lowest | | Lifespan | 20+ years | 20+ years | 10-15 years | 10-15 years | | Mold Resistance | Excellent | Good | Poor | Poor | | Hurricane protection | No insulation type supplies a hurricane rating by itself. Check the approved building assembly. | | | | ## Why This Comparison Is Different in Florida ### 1. Humidity Is the Enemy Southwest Florida averages 74% relative humidity. In summer, it's 85-95%. When warm, humid air hits a cool surface (your air-conditioned ceiling), condensation forms. Inside fiberglass insulation, that means mold growth, R-value collapse, and structural damage over time. Spray foam — especially closed cell — doesn't absorb moisture. It seals the building envelope so humid air can't reach cool surfaces. ### 2. Your Attic Is an Oven Southwest Florida attics run 130-140°F in summer. Your ductwork is up there, pumping 55°F air through ducts surrounded by 130-140°F air. Blown-in fiberglass on the attic floor tries to block heat, but your ducts still cook. **Open cell spray foam on the roof deck** brings the attic inside the conditioned envelope, so it runs much closer to indoor temperature instead of 130-140°F. Ducts stay cool. Homeowners commonly report their AC cycling off in the afternoon instead of running until sundown. For an unvented roof assembly, establish the required R-value from the approved plans and energy calculations, then use the selected foam product's published thickness table. Open-cell foam does not have a universal five-inch R-30 rating. Coordinate moisture control and ventilation with the assembly design. ### 3. Hurricane Season Is Real Insulation is not a hurricane-protection system. Any claimed structural contribution must be documented for the exact product and assembly and accepted in the project design. It does not replace roof repairs, structural connections, opening protection or water-control details. ## When Each Type Makes Sense ### Closed Cell Spray Foam — The Premium Choice **Best for:** Crawl spaces, coastal homes, flood zones, garages, exterior walls. At R-6.5 per inch with a moisture barrier, it's the gold standard when moisture is the primary concern. ### Open Cell Spray Foam — The Smart Middle Ground **Best for:** Attic roof decks, interior walls, soundproofing, most residential applications. Excellent air seal with less material cost than closed cell. This is what we install in the majority of Naples attics. ### Blown-In Fiberglass — The Budget Option **Best for:** Supplementing existing insulation, flat attic floors on a tight budget, rental properties. Quick and cheap but doesn't air seal, settles over time, and holds moisture. ### Fiberglass Batts — Economy Choice **Best for:** Interior partition walls for soundproofing, and frame walls in new construction at R-13. Not recommended as a standalone attic solution in Florida — gaps at every stud, wire, and pipe let humid air through. ## Relative Install Cost and Service Life | | Blown-In | Open Cell Foam | Closed Cell Foam | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Relative install cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest | | What drives the price | Attic floor area and depth | Roof deck area and thickness (board feet) | Board feet and thickness for the target R-value | | Needs replacement? | Yes (10-15 yrs) | No | No | Blown-in is the least expensive to install. Open cell costs more, seals air instead of just slowing heat, and doesn't come back around on a replacement cycle — which is why it's what goes into most of the Naples attics we do. Your actual number comes off your county property-appraiser record, in writing, before anybody drives out. ## Energy Savings: What to Actually Expect We're not going to throw out made-up percentages here. What we'll tell you is this: the biggest driver of energy savings is how well your home's envelope is sealed. Both products can contribute to that — spray foam more dramatically because it's also an air barrier, not just insulation. In SWFL, where AC is the dominant energy cost, a well-insulated and air-sealed home will run the system less and maintain temperature more consistently. If your house currently has minimal or degraded insulation, upgrading to either product (or a combination) should have a noticeable impact on your electric bill. ## Which Do Builders Prefer and Why? The builders we work with regularly in Collier and Lee County increasingly spec spray foam for new construction — especially in the mid-market and luxury segment. The reasons are practical: - Lower HERS scores help with energy code compliance - Reduced HVAC sizing requirements (smaller, quieter systems) - No callbacks related to comfort complaints - Vapor management in this climate reduces long-term risk That said, blown-in still has a role in production building where speed and cost per unit matter above all else. ## Our Recommendation for Most SWFL Homes 1. Attic: Choose a vented attic-floor or an approved unvented roof assembly for the project. Specify the required R-value and the selected product's installed thickness; a generic open-cell thickness is not proof of R-30. 2. **Crawl spaces:** Closed cell spray foam 3. **Exterior walls (new construction):** R-4.1 board on block walls, R-13 batts in frame walls, mineral wool at garage framing and wet areas 4. **Interior walls:** Fiberglass batts for sound dampening 5. **Coastal/flood zone:** Closed cell throughout ## FAQ: Spray Foam vs Blown-In in Florida **Q: Is spray foam worth it in Florida?** A: For many applications, yes — especially new construction, crawl spaces, and conditioned attic assemblies. Florida's humidity makes vapor control more important than in most other climates, which is where spray foam earns its price. **Q: Can I add blown-in on top of existing insulation?** A: Usually yes, as long as the existing insulation is dry, undamaged, and not contaminated by mold or pests. We can assess your current attic before recommending a top-up. **Q: What R-value do I need in my Florida attic?** A: Florida Building Code (8th Edition) requires R-30 minimum for vented attics in Climate Zone 1 (Naples/SWFL). Unvented spray foam assemblies under the roof deck can qualify with R-20. **Q: Does spray foam hold up in hurricanes?** A: Insulation is not a hurricane-protection system. Any claimed structural contribution must be documented for the exact product and assembly and accepted in the project design. It does not replace roof repairs, structural connections, opening protection or water-control details. **Q: How long does blown-in insulation last in Florida?** A: Fiberglass blown-in can last 20+ years if it stays dry and free of pest activity. It doesn't degrade quickly on its own, but water intrusion or rodent activity can shorten its effective life significantly. **Ready to figure out what's right for your home?** Call us at **239.455.2002** or visit [idealinsulationinc.com](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com) to schedule your free consultation. We serve Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and surrounding Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties. Need help in person? Our [**spray foam insulation specialists**](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/services/spray-foam-insulation-naples-fl) offers free estimates across Southwest Florida — call (239) 455-2002. ## Still Not Sure? Send us the address. We size the job off your county property-appraiser record and send back a written price — no site visit, no sales pitch at your kitchen table. You get a free pre-visit before we install, and most installs happen the same week, often within 48 hours. **[Get your written price →](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/contact-us-ideal-insulation)** Want someone to walk the house first? [Book a free energy audit](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/free-energy-audit). ### Related Insulation Resources - → [Spray Foam Insulation Cost Guide](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/spray-foam-insulation-cost-in-naples-fl-2026-price-guide) - → [Open Cell vs Closed Cell Explained](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/open-cell-vs-closed-cell-spray-foam-the-complete-comparison-guide) - → [Blown-In Insulation in Naples](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/blown-in-insulation-naples-swfl/) - → [Batt Insulation Services](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/batt-insulation-naples-swfl/) - → [Get a Written Insulation Price](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/contact-us-ideal-insulation) --- ### Ready to Lower Your Energy Bills? [Ideal Insulation](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com) is a Naples-based insulation contractor serving Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties since 2013 — Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero, Marco Island, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. Whether you need [spray foam insulation](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/services/spray-foam-insulation-naples-fl), [blown-in attic insulation](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/blown-in-insulation-naples-swfl/), or insulation removal, we run 9 trucks and our own installers — all on payroll, no subcontracting. **[Get a written price from your county property record](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/contact-us-ideal-insulation)** or call **(239) 455-2002**. Se habla español. Put the guide to work ## Get an estimate for your property Send the address, project details and any plans or photos. We can discuss the insulation scope, existing conditions and scheduling. [Request an Estimate](https://clienthub.getjobber.com/hubs/d0e0f91b-8c25-49dd-9fb4-6813040a7759/public/requests/4221726/new)[Call (239) 455-2002](tel:+12394552002) [Spray foam options in Naples](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/services/spray-foam-insulation-naples-fl) · [Builder bids and plan review](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-contractor-for-builders-naples-fl-swfl) Prefer email? [estimates@idealinsulationinc.com](mailto:estimates@idealinsulationinc.com) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idealinsulationinc.com%2Finsulation-blog%2Fspray-foam-vs-fiberglass-vs-blown-in-which-is-best-for-florida-homes)[Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idealinsulationinc.com%2Finsulation-blog%2Fspray-foam-vs-fiberglass-vs-blown-in-which-is-best-for-florida-homes) ## More insulation guides ### [Insulation for Marco Island Beach Homes: Salt Air and Moisture](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/insulation-company-marco-island-fl-closed-cell-spray-foam) August 16, 2026 [Read guide →](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/insulation-company-marco-island-fl-closed-cell-spray-foam) ### [Retrofitting Insulation in Older Bonita Springs Homes: What to Know](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/insulation-contractor-bonita-springs-fl) August 16, 2026 [Read guide →](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/insulation-contractor-bonita-springs-fl) ### [Estero FL Home Insulation Guide: From Coconut Point to Miromar](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/insulation-contractor-in-estero-fl-spray-foam-blown-in) August 16, 2026 [Read guide →](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/insulation-contractor-in-estero-fl-spray-foam-blown-in) **Ideal Insulation** 4950 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples, FL 34116 [(239) 455-2002](tel:+12394552002) [estimates@idealinsulationinc.com](mailto:estimates@idealinsulationinc.com) © 2026 Ideal Insulation Enterprises Inc. ## Plan your next project [Spray foam](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/services/spray-foam-insulation-naples-fl)[Attic insulation](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/services/attic-insulation-naples-fl)[Builder bids](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-contractor-for-builders-naples-fl-swfl)[Service areas](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/areas-served-swfl)[Contact](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/contact-us-ideal-insulation)[RSS feed](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/rss.xml)[Privacy Policy](https://www.openphone.com/policies/OR2nl3hy3W) [Get an Estimate](https://clienthub.getjobber.com/hubs/d0e0f91b-8c25-49dd-9fb4-6813040a7759/public/requests/4221726/new)[Call Ideal](tel:+12394552002) Chat with us ## Related insulation resources - [Spray Foam Insulation Naples & SWFL →](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/services/spray-foam-insulation-naples-fl) - [Blown-In Insulation Naples →](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/blown-in-insulation-naples-swfl/) - [Batt Insulation Naples →](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/batt-insulation-naples-swfl/) - [Spray Foam Insulation Cost Guide (2026) →](https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/spray-foam-insulation-cost-in-naples-fl-2026-price-guide) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Ideal Insulation", "url" : "https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/author/ideal-insulation" }, "dateModified" : "2026-08-16T05:22:29.666Z", "datePublished" : "2026-03-15T12:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Blown-In vs Spray Foam vs Fiberglass for Florida Homes", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/insulation-blog/spray-foam-vs-fiberglass-vs-blown-in-which-is-best-for-florida-homes", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.idealinsulationinc.com/hubfs/Untitled%20(1).png" }, "name" : "Ideal Insulation Enterprises Inc" } } ```