Attic Insulation Vs Radiant Barrier

The foil surfaces of radiant barriers reflect the heat and prevent it from radiating into the attic space.

Attic insulation vs radiant barrier.

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. 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 ra diant barrier energy conservation heat pumps phoenix return to home page arizona insulation vs. It works differently than other types of insulation.

This in effect will reduce the amount of radiant heat that leaches into your home from your attic making is less comfortable for you and your family especially in the warmer months. When installed correctly a radiant barrier can provide a notable difference in attic and insulation temperatures especially in the summertime and in warmer climates. Radiant barriers are not the same as insulation. 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.

That means the home will be more comfortable and the efficiency of attic insulation and the ac system will be improved. This is because foil insulation reduces radiant heat gain rather than slowing conductive and convective heat flow. 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. Osb radiant barrier sheathing can reflect up to 97 of radiation and can significantly reduce attic temperatures.

Actually you need both but read below what we learned on two identical test homes built side by side in 1986 in phoenix arizona. Reduced temperature of insulation results in less heat transfer into the conditioned space of the home source. Today you ll learn about the benefits of radiant barriers and insulation and how both can reduce heating and energy costs.