Types of Attic Insulation Best Suited for Phoenix Weather Conditions

Types of Attic Insulation Best Suited for Phoenix Weather Conditions

Phoenix, for instance, is characterized by very high temperatures during summer and relatively low temperatures during winter. During summer, the temperatures can rise to above 100°F; hence, adequate attic insulation in Phoenix is important in regulating temperatures indoors, as well as the costs of power within the house. 

Therefore, some of the factors to consider when choosing attic insulation for Arizona homes are insulation R-value, material used, installation method, and cost.

Blown-In Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose blown-in is widely regarded as one of the best types of attic insulation in Phoenix, Arizona. This type of insulation is made of very small paper or fiber pellets obtained from reused waste material such as newspaper. Loose fill material is then blown to the attic area to fill the available voids.

Benefits of blown-in cellulose attic insulation include:

• High insulation – Cellulose maintains an R-value between 3.2 and 3.8 per inch of thickness. This is actually higher than fiberglass batt insulation.

• Air sealing – Cellulose plugs provide a barrier to the airflow by filling and blocking the gaps. This further enhances its capability in providing insulation.

• Cost – Cellulose insulation is cheaper than other types of insulation with the same R-value levels. The cost of building a commercial structure can be estimated to range from $1.15 – $1.50 per square footage.

Spray Foam Insulation

Professional installers deliver Spray foam insulation to the specified area via a pressurized sprayer to the attic area. It grows rapidly to occupy the spaces between structures with irregular surfaces.

Benefits of spray foam attic insulation:

• Conventional installation – The liquid foam can go to areas a conventional insulation may not.

• Air sealing – As the name suggests, spray foam comes as a liquid and then expands into a foam with the ability to close any gaps and cracks that could allow air through.

• R-value – Closed-cell spray foam insulation has an R-value of approximately 6.0 to 6.5 per inch of thickness.

• Durability & Moisture Resistance – The attic does not trap moisture due to its resistance to closed-cell foam.

Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Fiberglass batt insulation is made from rolled strips of spun glass fibers. Fiberglass batts are used to dominate the attic insulation in Phoenix market. Still, today, they are half as popular as blown-in cellulose insulation, which offers a higher R-value per inch, better sealing properties, and is cheaper.

However, fiberglass batt insulation still offers a few benefits:

• Familiarity – Fiberglass batts have been used in construction for years, and contractors are already familiar with them.

• Cheap price for moderate R-value – Fiberglass batts with an R-value of R-30 are cheap.

• Locality – Fiberglass batt insulation is easily purchased in home improvement stores.

Proper Installation Matters Most

It is imperative to note that regardless of the insulation type you choose, the installation must be done right to realize the benefits fully. Here are the best HVAC in Phoenix AZ practices homeowners should require from insulation installers:

• As much as possible, attain a grade I installation and attic insulation R-30+.
• Let us reduce the space and avoid the formation of air pockets.
• Regarding attic ventilation, it should be noted that proper and sufficient ventilation is a must.
• Do not block the soffit vents, which are located at the sides of the attic floor.
• Ensure that accessibility to equipment in the attic is not compromised.

Proper installation lets your insulation provide the greatest effectiveness in keeping the Phoenix heat out while maintaining your home’s comfort and keeping your HVAC expenses low.

In the choice of the attic insulation, factors that should be considered include:

• The R-value and the correct sealing of the attic
• The cost, among others
• The climate

Fire-resistant types of materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam, and radiant barriers each have their own special characteristics, which are ideal for Phoenix’s extremely hot summer temperatures.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, attic insulation in Phoenix is a vital element for Phoenix homes as it ensures that there is minimal transfer of heat and, therefore, less cost on cooling. If only for comfort and energy saving, it is worth investing more in a proper type of attic insulation suitable for extreme temperature fluctuations in Phoenix.