The Institute for the Building Envelope (IBE) is applauding the efforts of the Florida state legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis for their roles in getting a key proposal passed that is a win-win for both builders and homeowners around the discussion of home energy efficiency, savings, and comfort.
HB 267 incentivizes the construction of unvented attics, a design that adds to a home’s energy efficiency and resiliency, particularly in hurricane-vulnerable areas where roof uplift is a major concern. When used in conjunction with spray foam insulation, unvented attics, which is created by using air impermeable insulation, like spray foam insulation, on the underside of the roof deck to seal the attic, strengthens a home’s building envelope by creating a “conditioned space” for duct work and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanical equipment. This design ensures a home’s HVAC system is running optimally, increasing efficiency and reducing energy usage.
Last year, Florida passed a measure IBE supported, HB 799, which now requires insurance companies to provide premium reductions for homes with uplift prevention solutions.
“Florida continues to be a leader in building resiliency construction, signing into law a measure that further incentivizes the use of unvented attics in homes throughout the Sunshine State,” said IBE Board Member Ian Hughes. “This law will go a long way to minimize housing damages that could occur during natural disasters, not to mention the financial and environmental benefits homeowners stand to gain from strengthening their home’s building envelope.”
IBE commends Governor DeSantis and the Florida state legislature for their diligent work to improve public policy that promote the innovative properties of building materials like spray foam insulation, which reduce energy bills, increase resiliency, and improve home comfort.
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