Fiberglass or cellulose insulation for Tucson?

5 years ago

I live in Tucson so our summer weather gets very hot.

Want to install new insulation in my attic. The house is 20 years old. Not sure which insulation is better in a hot climate. So far, i contacted one company. He uses fiberglass and can raise the R value to about R-38. He said he could use cellulose, but the cost would be higher due to using more material and extra labor.

I recently had the ducts cleaned and also sealed to reduce leakage to 3%.

All the vents were removed and gaps and corners sealed.

One concern is the possibility of fiberglass getting into the house via the attic, as i've heard it can be unhealthy to breathe.

What other issues should i be concerned with using either material?

Thanks.

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Comments (6)

Bruce in Northern Virginia
5 years ago
Is your A/C unit and ducting also in the attic? If it is, also get a price for having the underside of your roof insulated with spray foam. It will put your A/C ducting inside the conditioned envelope and should increase its efficiency.

Bruce
jslazart
5 years ago
Back when I was researching this, I think the primary factor I looked at was environmental impacts. I don't think either one is better or worse for the desert, specifically. It's just what R value you make it to.

Could I ask who you used for your vent sealing, if you're happy with their work? I need to have that done desperately.
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apple_pie_order
5 years ago
Loose fill cellulose is a real mess when disturbed, say, if you are looking for where to install a new ceiling fixture, or if you think there may be termites or dead rats, or if strong winds blow through your attic vents. Fiberglass batts are much, much neater to move around and look under.
Robert Sherman
Original Author
5 years ago
My A/C unit is in my patio. The ductwork starts in the garage through the furnace and goes in through the attic and the house.

In answer to jslazart, A company called ArrowSeal in Tucson did the duct sealing. I don’t remember the product that they use but it’s some kind of a sealant they put into the machine which runs through the tubing and then seals all the tiny holes that might be in the flex duct throughout the house. Before they did the seal I was at 17% leakage, but they brought it down to 3%.
I believe ArrowSeal has companies in different cities and states
sktn77a
5 years ago
Fiberglass.
Mini-Split Warehouse
5 years ago
So what is better, fiberglass or cellulose?

https://www.minisplitheat.com/

Fiberglass Insulation Material

Made up of sand and recycled material

Can be batts or blown

Most common/cost-effective

Highly effective as thermal insulation

Resists both mildew and mold

Can last 30 years

Often comes with a lifetime warranty

Comes in a range of R-Values

Nonflammable

Cellulose Insulation Material

Made up of recycled newspaper, magazines & cardboard

Itch-free insulation material

Comes in a range of R-Values

Resists insects

Highly effective as thermal insulation

Resists both mildew and mold

Needs just 8.1” to achieve an R-30

Provides soundproofing

Soft material for insulation

Fire-retardant