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.
Attic fan vs radiant barrier.
We typically recommend radiant barrier in addition to attic fans as a two prong approach in optimizing energy efficiency in your home.
Our superperf radiant barrier is an excellent choice especially in cold climates where moisture is a significant concern.
A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic.
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.
In most cases it is not difficult to air seal and insulated an attic.
Radiant barrier is a metallic foil used to create a thermal shield that blocks radiant heat from any direction.
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.
Our services include home energy audits energy efficient retrofits blower door tests custom attic ventilation attic insulation foam insulation garage insulation solar attic fans electrical attic fans gable mounted fans seal and insulate radiant barrier solar sky lights attic tents led and cfl lighting infrared imaging combustion.
A radiant barrier works best when it is perpendicular to the radiant energy striking it.
Get the basics in your attic right and you will not need to invest in radiant barriers attic fans or more insulation.
Also the greater the temperature difference between the sides of the radiant barrier material the greater the benefits a radiant barrier.
Total diy radiant barrier comparison cost vs savings.
Total diy radiant barrier installation costs w attic fan.
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 should always be installed to work with the soffit and ridge.
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.
We recommend and install radiantguard radiant barriers.