Attic insulation is usually “out of sight, out of mind,” but it can provide important benefits to help you save money while protecting your home.

The following are some frequently asked questions about Las Vegas attic insulation:

Why is having enough insulation important?

Quality insulation that’s properly installed provides the following ongoing benefits to your home:

• Lowers heating and cooling bills
• Increases the comfort level in your home
• Protects the structure of your home from moisture
• Reduces the need for repairs and extends the life of your heating and cooling system, since it won’t have to work as hard
• Benefits the environment by saving energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions

How do I know if I have enough insulation?

The amount of insulation your home needs depends on the climate in which it’s located, as well as the type of insulation used. Insulation has an R-value that measures its ability to resist heat flow. A higher R-value indicates the material will do a better job of insulating your home.

Currently, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends an R-value of 49 for Las Vegas attic insulation. Many homes, particularly those that are older, don’t have insulation with a higher enough R-value. Although it may look as though you have enough insulation, it may not do a good enough job of resisting heat flow.

Many homes built in the ‘50s to ‘60s have an R-value of 11-13, and those built in the late ‘70s to late ‘80s often have an R-value of 19. Homes built in the late ‘90s to early 2000s fare better, but still often only have R-30 insulation.

First Quality Roofing & Insulation can inspect your attic to determine if your insulation is properly installed and providing good coverage. We’ll also check the amount of insulation to make sure you have enough, that it’s the best type for your home, and that it has an appropriate R-value.

Do I need attic insulation in warm climates like Las Vegas?

You may think insulation is only important for homes in cold climates, but that’s not the case. If you go up to your attic in the summer, you’ll quickly realize how hot it is. Insulation in Las Vegas homes helps keeps this heat from reaching the living areas of your home.

What’s the best type of insulation for my home?

The cost of the Las Vegas insulation you need should be weighed against its benefits and how long it will take you to recoup your costs as your heating and cooling costs are lowered. Blown-in fiberglass insulation provides the perfect balance of cost and performance. It’s able to get into the cracks and crevices in your attic where air can leak through, and it fills in around beams and other obstacles.

When compared to cellulose blown-in insulation, fiberglass is more economical yet doesn’t settle as much over time.

For more information about Las Vegas attic insulation, download First Quality Roofing & Insulation’s free Facts About Insulation offer.