All Forum Posts by: Tim Kaminski

Hello BP!

Have a 1923 duplex in Tampa, Fl with no attic insulation but 2,000 sq ft of attic space.  No big deal, but after learning that it will take around 80-90 bags of cellulose to achieve the minimum R-30 rating for Florida, ($1,000), I decided to look at other methods!

Have looked into other possible methods, Radiant Barriers and Spray Foam.  Both intrigue me but would love some input from ppl who have done these themselves or have other suggestions.  

Radiant Barriers would seem like a top frontrunner with Florida's heavy sun but wondering if it would be enough insulation and how much it would deteriorate the shingles on the roof.

Spray Foam is far too expensive to have others install but is still pricey for DIY.  Seals up airs gaps and blocks moisture but doesn't let house breathe and if applied wrong can have negative effects.

Obviously would want something I can do myself and achieve a price lower than the $1,000 for blow but want to make sure it is effective.  Have installed central AC and want it to not be overworked.  Any help is much appreciated!

I think I am going to look into forgoing replacing all the windows as they are in decent shape for the most part and instead look into putting on hurricane shutters that will protect my existing windows and keep the hot sun out of the house.  Would save a lot of money and protect my windows at the same time.

http://www.hurricaneshuttersflorida.com/bahama_shutters.php

@John Sortore @Jim Adrian  Thank you for the info.  Will take a closer look into Aluminum frames.

Ha now I'm confused as that life expectancy site has Vinyl windows lasting 20-40 yrs and aluminum only 15-20

@Sam Shueh I'm confused. Did you just find a different contractor to install at that low price?

@Jim Adrian I guess it just depends on which internet site you choose as I found a few that definitely push vinyl over aluminum.

That second link even says Vinyl comes with UV stabilizers that work to keep sunlight from breaking down material

https://www.stanekwindows.com/vinyl-vs-aluminum-wi...

I just see info that aluminum frames are prone to corrosion, cost more, and act like radiators.  I already have 2 large existing aluminum frames in one of the rooms and they really do boost the temperature by 5-8 degrees. 

I just installed Central AC so having something energy efficient makes more sense for me as I don't want the units working longer and harder to cool the space.

Got a bid from Window company in my area, WeatherTite Windows for supplying the windows only.  Vinyl windows that comes out to about $380/window.  I would still have to install myself and put up any exterior shutters myself.  

Does that number seem high?  Was hoping to get around $200-250/window

From some research, it looks like vinyl is the most affordable and most energy efficient.  Why move forward with aluminum?

@Jim Adrian Thanks for the reply.  So you believe Aluminum frames with laminated glass??  Can you explain what you mean by the extreme UV levels associated with Vinyl?

@John Sortore The shutters would be just for hurricanes and rough storms.  Do you have a link to what you are describing(Permanent Clear Shutters)?  And I can't have all fixed windows in my rental as egress is necessary and I can't really control whether they open windows.