According to an article published by the Guardian, 25% of heat loss in your home occurs through the roof, which leads to high energy costs in the long run. Installing roof insulation is one of the most effective ways to maintain ideal temperatures in your home or commercial property to realize energy savings. Read on to find out what exactly roof insulation is and the importance of having it in your building.

What Exactly Is Roof Insulation?
Roof insulation refers to a thermally insulated protective barrier that is installed directly under the roof, in order to prevent heat transfer through the roof. Some of the most common insulation materials to choose from include: fiberglass, cellulose and rock wool. For your roof, fiberglass is the best option, as it has excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing abilities.

Insulation keeps your attic and living spaces cool during summer, as no heat can seep in from the exteriors; whereas warm in the winter as it prevents the warmth in the room from escaping. Insulation is installed at joist level to prevent warm air from escaping, as well as between rafters and under the beams to keep rooms at a comfortable temperature.

Insulation materials vary in R-Values and materials. R-Value refers to the efficiency of insulation material to resist heat from flowing through it. Higher R-Values mean better insulation ability. However, every location has different R-Value requirements depending on factors like climate and age of the building. The current ideal R-Value for your roof insulation in Las Vegas is 49 for new homes. 

Why is Roof Insulation Vital?
If your property’s roof insulation has outlived its usefulness or you haven’t installed any, below are the reasons as to why having roof insulation in your building is crucial.

1. Lower Energy Bills
Without insulation, the ductwork’s temperatures will correspond to that of its surroundings. This results in the HVAC system failing to work efficiently, leading to high energy bills. Roof insulation ensures that your rooms remain cool during summer and warm during winter.

By helping maintain ideal temperatures in, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home or office comfortable, which translates to lower energy costs. While your cost savings are dependent on factors such as your lifestyle and the design of your building, insulating your roof will contribute to more savings on utility bills.

2. A Safer Structure
A building without adequate roof insulation is at risk of moisture damage and fire hazards. This is due to the condensation of warm moist air, resulting in water droplets that may ruin not only your ceiling, but your walls and paint too. What’s more, when warm moist air gets trapped, it leads to mold development, which damages your walls and valuables, on top of putting the health of your building’s occupants at risk. This is because mold is known to triggers respiratory problems and allergies.

Installing roof insulation keeps your property safe from moisture damage and subsequent problems. Roof insulation also helps protect buildings in case of fire hazards, as insulation materials usually have fire-resistant properties.

3. Comfort
Typically, heat flows towards cooler spaces. With this in mind, your home or office can experience rapid temperature fluctuations when it is under-insulated - regardless of how modern your HVAC system is. This leaves your rooms with inconsistent temperatures and causes them to be hot or cold much faster, pending the temperature outside. 

Roof insulation keeps your living and working spaces at ideal temperatures, even during extreme seasons like summer and winter. It ensures that the temperature outside doesn’t affect those inside your building, keeping it comfortable for the building’s occupants. Roof insulation will also give you more comfort—especially at night and in the morning—if your bedroom is situated on the upper floor of your house.

4. Long-Lasting HVAC System
A building without roof insulation leads to the HVAC system overworking, as it will keep running to meet the temperatures desired. By constantly running your AC, you pre-dispose it to early wear and tear, which shortens its lifespan. Insulating your roof minimizes temperature fluctuations, thus reducing the reliance of your HVAC system. By insulating your roof, you ease the work of your HVAC system, which enhances its efficiency and longevity. Also, with no lingering fresh air around your ductwork, you minimize the damage that may be caused by condensation.

5. Attic Usability and Sound Proofing
An attic space can add to your home’s value as a livable or storage space, pending the correct installation of roof insulation. A poorly insulated attic can lead to fluctuating temperatures during extreme seasons, making the place uninhabitable. As such, storing valuables like furniture not made of wood in such conditions may cause them to warp, while liquids will freeze during winter.

Insulating rafters makes your attic space a temperature-controlled environment, giving you the freedom to turn your attic into an extra living space, such as a bedroom. You can even make your attic a storage space, as you will be assured that your temperature-sensitive valuables will not be damaged. What’s more, roof insulation is the best way to keep the noises out, whether it’s from cars or your noisy neighbors. By installing insulation between the studs in your roof, you can enjoy the peace and quietness you desire.

6. Environmental Sustainability
If you are concerned about the environment and its sustainability and you are always looking for ways to help, roofing insulation is a great option. When you insulate your roof, you not only lower your energy costs, but reduce pollution. 

When you lower your energy consumption, you are making a positive impact on the environment, as it reduces your property’s carbon footprint. If you run a business, adhering to environmentally friendly practices makes it more appealing to customers and can contribute to revenue growth in the long term.

Hire World-Class Roofing and Insulation Experts for Your Next Project

You should always have your roof insulation assessed to ensure that your home or commercial property is not under-insulated. With the benefits discussed above, it is evident that having roof insulation in your building is a significant investment, as it can improve the overall value and comfort of your property. For premium roof and attic insulation services, contact First Quality Roofing & Insulation today!