Insulation With A Radiant Barrier Attic

Damp insulation may support mold growth and eventually will lose some of its r value.

Insulation with a radiant barrier attic.

They don t however reduce heat conduction like thermal insulation materials. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. 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. A radiant barrier is designed to increase the effectiveness of your thermal envelope.

It isn t the time tested fiberglass rolls of pink insulation. 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 barriers are installed in homes usually in attics primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. 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. With new types of technology and approaches to keep homes comfortable it s natural to wonder if attic radiant barrier works. 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. 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.

Radiant barrier should always be installed to work with the soffit and ridge. Radiant barriers are installed in the attic by stapling the material to the underside of the roof deck normally on the rafters. 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. These thin highly reflective layers aren t designed to slow heat transfer they reflect it away before it radiates into your attic and home.