Everyone is familiar with insulation, but they often have some ideas about it that aren’t necessarily accurate.

The following are some common myths and misconceptions that insulation contractors in Las Vegas frequently hear:

You only need insulation in cold climates

Many people think of insulation only as a blanket against cold weather. Cold climates do benefit greatly from insulation, but so do hot climates such as Las Vegas. Insulation serves as a buffer against outside air, so it can help make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable in the summer as well as winter.

Putting code-level insulation in about a million homes saves approximately 150 times the electricity consumed in Las Vegas in an entire year. It also helps keep your air conditioner from working as hard, increasing its life span and cutting down on repairs.

R value is the only thing that matters

R-value represents the ability to resist heat flow. In general, the higher the R-value, the greater the amount of insulation a product provides. While this number is important, it’s not the only consideration. In order for your insulation to perform at its best, it needs to be properly installed by insulation contractors in Las Vegas.

In addition, the area must be properly sealed against moisture to prevent condensation. This can occur when warm indoor air makes its way into wall cavities or your attic, eventually releasing tiny droplets of moisture.

More insulation is always better

Once you have the amount and appropriate R-level of insulation that your home needs and the area is protected against moisture, adding more insulation isn’t necessary. It won’t provide additional benefits to warrant to the cost.

You need properly installed, efficient insulation, but there’s no need to put more in than necessary.

Insulation for wall spaces is just for new homes

Many people think that the time to have insulation installed is when a home is being built. That’s because fiberglass batting is usually installed between the joints when a new home is constructed. However, insulation isn’t just for new homes – it’s for all homes. Many older homes were built when less-stringent building codes were in place, so they may lack sufficient insulation and fail to meet today’s codes.

Now there are two newer types of products that insulation contractors in Las Vegas can use  – blown cellulose insulation and spray foam insulation. These can be blown into attics, wall spaces, and crawl spaces in homes that have already been built.

Insulation eventually expires

Insulation doesn’t “expire” or stop being useful after a particular number of years. It needs to be periodically checked to make sure it hasn’t shifted placement or gotten wet, but otherwise it doesn’t stop working or become less effective over time. This makes it an excellent investment in your home’s energy-efficiency and comfort.

Contact First Quality Roofing & Insulation today to discuss the benefits of up-to-date insulation and to schedule your appointment. You can also take our quiz to see if you would benefit from updated insulation.