Radiant Barrier Vs Attic Fan

Next i compared adding an additional r 19 to my existing r 19 level of attic insulation vs installing radiant barrier and the results actually surprised me a little.

Radiant barrier vs attic fan.

Our superperf radiant barrier is an excellent choice especially in cold climates where moisture is a significant concern. Radiant barriers are utilized to reduce summer heat gain in attics and help to improve the efficiency of green building envelopes. Finally if you re trying to reduce heat loss from the home into the attic you need to consider adding a radiant barrier over your insulation on the attic floor to help the home from radiating heat into the attic space. April 19 2012 at 10 23 am.

Instead of spending money on radiant barriers attic fans or levels of insulation above an r 40 investing duct sealing and shade screens would make more sense. Most customers find that whatever attic ventilation they have is usually adequate after they install a radiant barrier. 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. Total diy radiant barrier comparison cost vs savings.

Daniel the number one thing you can do to reduce heat in the attic is to install a radiant barrier. A radiant barrier can lower heat transfer from attics to the building below keep the attic space cooler and lower cooling costs by up to 17 in warmer climates. We take a look at how radiant barriers work the different types of radiant barriers and some of the. Radiant barrier should always be installed to work with the soffit and ridge.

When installing attic insulation a case can be made for both radiant barrier sheathing with typical types of insulation as well as spray foam insulation. The radiant barrier resulted in roughly 4 times more savings than the added insulation. 95 of homeowners will not be able to install a roof mounted attic fan with temp switch or proper venting. Keep in mind in order to get this price you must be very savvy with electrical and active venting solutions.

Radiant barrier sheathing is inexpensive and reflects thermal radiation to keep attic spaces cool. In most cases it is not difficult to air seal and insulated an attic. I am considering solar attic fans or radiant barrier or both if needed. Your plan will likely require a completely sealed ceiling a very thick layer of insulation radiant barriers reflective foil layers above the insulation preferably between the rafters to block the radiation and isolate your hot attic from your cool house additional ventilation openings and possibly a powered attic fan to remove warm air.