Attic Insulation Vs Radiant Barrier

Radiant barrier installed right under the roof radiant barrier insulation isn t meant for soundproofing or keeping warm air from leaking up into the attic and out of the house.

Attic insulation vs radiant barrier.

If installed on top of attic floor insulation the foil will be susceptible to dust accumulation and may trap moisture in fiber insulation so it is strongly recommended that you not apply radiant barriers directly on top of the attic floor insulation. Radiant barrier insulation can reflect up to 97 of radiation and reduce attic temperatures dramatically. Reduced temperature of insulation results in less heat transfer into the conditioned space of the home source. That means the home will be more comfortable and the efficiency of attic insulation and the ac system will be improved.

Unlike fiberglass cellulose and other traditional thermal insulation radiant barrier isn t installed on the attic floor instead it s installed in the attic ceiling just below the roof. It works differently than other types of insulation. Today you ll learn about the benefits of radiant barriers and insulation and how both can reduce heating and energy costs. The foil surfaces of radiant barriers reflect the heat and prevent it from radiating into the attic space.

The cost to do it myself was roughly the same in both cases so the resulting roi was 4 times faster for the radiant barrier. When installed correctly a radiant barrier can provide a notable difference in attic and insulation temperatures especially in the summertime and in warmer climates. Attic insulation ra diant barrier energy conservation heat pumps phoenix return to home page arizona insulation vs. Osb radiant barrier sheathing can reflect up to 97 of radiation and can significantly reduce attic temperatures.

Radiant barriers are not the same as insulation. Radiant barriers can be installed alongside insulation in the attic space providing a heat shield that can lower cooling costs in the summer months. Actually you need both but read below what we learned on two identical test homes built side by side in 1986 in phoenix arizona.