Insulation With A Radiant Barrier Attic

It s versatile and will save energy throughout your home.

Insulation with a radiant barrier attic.

It isn t the time tested fiberglass rolls of pink insulation. They don t however reduce heat conduction like thermal insulation materials. A radiant barrier is designed to increase the effectiveness of your thermal envelope. 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.

Radiantguard radiant barrier foil insulation installed in an attics can reduce attic temperatures by up to 30 degrees when stapled with a staple gun to the underside of roof rafters by reflecting up to 97 of the radiant heat that strikes its surface thereby reducing heat transfer from the attic to living spaces resulting in lower utility bills. Radiant barriers are installed in the attic by stapling the material to the underside of the roof deck normally on the rafters. Damp insulation may support mold growth and eventually will lose some of its r value. Radiant barriers are installed in homes usually in attics primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs.

Unlike thermal insulation like fiberglass batts or blown cellulose radiant barrier insulation has no r value and is usually made of foil. Installing radiant barrier under the roof decking is the preferred method versus on top of the insulation because it gives an air gap for the heat to escape to the ridge vent without creating a potential moisture problem between the radiant barrier and the attic floor. Radiant barrier should always be installed to work with the soffit and ridge. These thin highly reflective layers aren t designed to slow heat transfer they reflect it away before it radiates into your attic and home.

By reducing the amount of radiant heat reaching the insulation in your attic the insulation remains cooler and is able to keep your home more comfortable. This method also reduces the heat subject to attic mounted ac duct work thereby allowing them to work more efficiently. According to the department of energy installing radiant barrier on the floor of the attic can cause problems. It is meant to supplement insulation not replace it.