At Grahame Family 30A Custom Home Builders, our approach to homebuilding goes far beyond the visible. We focus on every layer—especially the ones you’ll never see after move-in day. One of the smart, behind-the-scenes strategies we use? Slab perimeter insulation.
In a recent video, Tony Grahame explains how this upgrade plays a powerful role in long-term home comfort and energy efficiency.
Why Insulate the Slab from the Stem Wall?
Concrete may be strong, but it’s also a great conductor of heat. That means when your home is warm inside and it’s cold outside—especially during North Florida’s winter nights—your foundation can actually siphon heat from inside the home and release it into the colder ground.
By installing insulation between the slab and the stem wall, we create a thermal break that blocks this heat transfer. The result? A more comfortable interior and lower heating bills, with improved performance throughout the seasons.
The Material We Use: Foam Glass Insulation
Tony and the team use a material called foam glass—a below-grade insulation product specifically designed for durability and performance in Florida’s demanding conditions.
Here’s why we love it:
- R-Value of ~R7 at just 1.5 inches
- Waterproof and termite-proof
- Completely fireproof
- Built to last and support structural integrity
Installed correctly, this foam glass creates a strong, continuous insulation layer along the slab perimeter, boosting your home’s energy efficiency and contributing to better long-term performance.
Better Homes Start Below the Surface
Tony says it best: “When this is installed correctly, it will improve the comfort and energy efficiency performance of the house.”
At GF30A, we don’t wait for the inspector to tell us what’s required—we build beyond code from day one. Slab perimeter insulation is just one of the many advanced practices we use to build homes that are smarter, stronger, and more comfortable for years to come.
📩 Want to learn more about our custom building process or energy-efficient home features?
Contact Kris at kris@gf30a.com or (850) 220-1850.
