Wall Insulation in Fort Myers, FL

Wall insulation in Fort Myers usually rides along with another project. Many homes here have concrete block exterior walls with furring and a thin layer of insulation behind the drywall. Florida's energy code treats those as mass walls: the Insulation Institute's summary of the 2023 code lists R-6, or R-4 continuous, for mass walls in Climate Zone 2, and R-13 for wood-frame walls. Opening finished block walls just to insulate rarely pays off. But after Ian, a lot of walls are already open.

When it makes sense

• Flood repairs where drywall and batts were cut out of the lower wall
• Remodels that strip rooms to the block or studs
• Additions and lanai enclosures framed in wood or steel
• Garage conversions turning unconditioned space into living space
• Hot west and south walls that make a room hard to cool

Closed-cell in flood-prone walls

In walls that flooded once, closed-cell spray foam is a strong choice. It does not absorb water the way batts do, and it seals air leaks at outlets, windows and the wall-to-slab joint. Fixr lists spray foam at $3.15 to $7.50 per square foot in existing walls and $2.75 to $6.50 in new construction. The framing or block must be dry first.

Open-cell in interior and upper walls

Where water is not a concern, open-cell foam is a cheaper way to fill frame walls, and it dampens sound well. It is often used in interior walls between bedrooms and in upper-floor frame walls.

Dense-pack in closed frame walls

Under-insulated wood-frame walls that are still closed can be filled with dense-packed cellulose or fiberglass through small holes, then patched. HomeGuide lists blown-in exterior walls at $1,900 to $7,800. This does not work for block walls.

Permits and flood rules

Remodels, additions, garage conversions and flood repairs often need permits. Lee County requires permits for repairs in its Special Flood Hazard Area. Check with the county or your city before starting.

Timing with other trades

Wall insulation fits between the framing or drying stage and drywall. We schedule around your contractor so the walls are ready to close up when we leave.

Choosing between foam types in walls

In lower walls that have flooded, closed-cell is the safer pick. In upper walls and interior walls that will stay dry, open-cell costs less and dampens sound. We note which foam goes where on the quote.

Tell us which walls are open or what you are planning, and we will look and send a written quote. Get a free estimate