#Installing radiant barrier insulation install#

If this is true, the cost of installing a radiant barrier is irrelevant given you stay in your home long enough to recoup your investment. Since all buildings and there uses are different, this is a very difficult question to answer but according to research done by the Florida Solar Energy Center, you could save between 8-12% on annual cooling costs. A 2-5° F increase in peak temperatures that normally reach 160-190° F should have no adverse affect. Since roofing materials are manufactured to withstand the high temperatures to which they are frequently exposed. Depending on the color of the shingles, their peak temperatures are only 2-5° F higher than the temperature of shingles under the same conditions without a radiant barrier. I have had this question asked many times and I see no evidence that a radiant barrier damages shingles. The Florida Solar Energy Center has measured the temperatures of roof shingles above attic radiant barriers on hot, sunny summer days. Will a radiant barrier damage my shingles? If you decide to apply a radiant barrier to the floor of your attic make sure you air seal the attic floor with a closed cell spray foam prior to installation. Damp Insulation may support mold growth and eventually will lose some of its R Value.

#Installing radiant barrier insulation install#

It may be an easier way to install radiant barrier but it can trap moisture between itself and the attic floor and cause the insulation to become damp. Should I apply radiant barrier to the attic floor?Īccording to the Department of Energy installing radiant barrier on the floor of the attic can cause problems. The proportion of the total heat gain the ductwork represents, compared to heat gain to the interior of the house, varies depending on the amount of attic and duct insulation you have. Roof-radiated heat also warms ductwork or mechanical equipment (air handler) found in your attic.

A properly installed radiant barrier can block 95 percent of the heat radiated down by the roof so it can't reach the insulation.

This heat transfer makes your home less comfortable and can cause your air conditioner to run longer and consume more energy. The insulation absorbs the heat and gradually transfers it to the material it touches, principally, the drywall ceiling. If your home or office are in the direct sun your roof radiates solar-generated heat to the insulation below it. The benefits of radiant barriers are both monetary as well as increased comfort. Passes newest fire codes - make sure the radiant barrier passes all of the current codes including the ASTM E84 fire test under the new mounting method (ASTM 2599).

If it continues and oxidizes all the way through, it will eventually turn clear. As the surface of the foil begins to oxidize, it turns cloudy. Protective coating installed - Without this protection, aluminum will oxidize loosing its ability to reflect heat. With some products you can peel the foil off the plastic right out of the box, with others you have to leave it in the attic for several years before you can easily peel it off. Both of these processes will eventually fail.

Non-laminated radiant barrier - In a lamination process, the foil is either simply glued on or heat laminated to the plastic lining. Here are some tips to make sure you are using a good product: There are many brands of radiant barrier available. 'Installing a radiant barrier is like putting a shade tree over your attic.' The best way I have seen to describe this effect is it's like putting your home or office under a shade tree. When installed properly, radiant barriers can reflect up to 95% of the radiant heat off the attic. Radiant barriers are made of aluminum and designed to reflect radiant heat from the sun. If you are moving in a year, only go with the basics that will improve the sale of your home.' Click Here Purchase Radiant Barrier What is Radiant Barrier? 'Remember, with all properly installed insulation, the payback is certain.if you give it enough time. With all the different products available how do you know which is right for you? Here is some information to help you decide if installing a radiant barrier is a good idea for your home. Properly insulating your home is a great way to improve energy efficiency and comfort especially if you add a attic stairs cover. Radiant barrier is a great addition to attic insulation.

Is a Radiant Barrier Right for Your Home?