Insulation With A Radiant Barrier Attic

Radiant barriers are installed in the attic by stapling the material to the underside of the roof deck normally on the rafters.

Insulation with a radiant barrier attic.

Radiant barriers are installed in homes usually in attics primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. These thin highly reflective layers aren t designed to slow heat transfer they reflect it away before it radiates into your attic and home. Damp insulation may support mold growth and eventually will lose some of its r value. Radiant barrier should always be installed to work with the soffit and ridge.

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. 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. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. They don t however reduce heat conduction like thermal insulation materials.

It is meant to supplement insulation not replace it. It s versatile and will save energy throughout your home. Use the fiber free insulation from reflectix insulation in use the fiber free insulation from reflectix insulation in crawl spaces radiant flooring attics or walls. This method also reduces the heat subject to attic mounted ac duct work thereby allowing them to work more efficiently.

Unlike thermal insulation like fiberglass batts or blown cellulose radiant barrier insulation has no r value and is usually made of foil. It isn t the time tested fiberglass rolls of pink insulation. With new types of technology and approaches to keep homes comfortable it s natural to wonder if attic radiant barrier works. A radiant barrier is designed to increase the effectiveness of your thermal envelope.