Does Reflective Attic Insulation Work

The hot roof material then radiates that gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces.

Does reflective attic insulation work. Reflective insulation and radiant barriers work well in warm climates particularly in homes with. When utilizing osb radiant barrier sheathing you can reflect up to 97 of solar radiation which translates into an attic heat reduction of up to 30 f. While not a substitute for traditional attic insulation radiant barriers may reduce your air conditioning bill by 5 to 10 according to the u s. Dust accumulation on the reflective surface will reduce its reflective capability.

When the sun heats a roof its radiant energy makes the roof itself hot. Reflective insulation installed in the attic ceiling reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic. These thin highly reflective layers aren t designed to slow heat transfer they reflect it away before it radiates into your attic and home. The radiant barrier should be installed in a manner to minimize dust accumulation on the reflective surface.

Reflective insulation installed in the attic ceiling helps reflect sunlight and reduce the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic. It isn t the time tested fiberglass rolls of pink insulation. Through conduction the heat travels from the roofing material to the walls of an attic. Air ducts in the attic.

Radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems work by reducing radiant heat gain. A cooler attic space means less heat moving to the cooler space below the attic. Found in major outlets such as in home depot s insulation aisle reflectix comes in tightly spooled rolls of 25 by 2 feet of shiny reflective foil look bubble wrap texture insulation in plastic bags. Air ducts in the attic.

Reflective insulation systems work by reducing radiant heat gain. The idea is that this thin material can act as a type of insulation in tight spaces where you cannot put thick fiberglass insulation. Unlike fiberglass or cellulose insulation radiant barriers do little to prevent the conduction of heat or cold through the air and have no r value. This helps keep your home cooler and more comfortable.

Reflective insulation and radiant barriers work well in warm climates particularly in homes that have. Work from the perimeter of the attic toward the door or hatch so that you don t trample all over the insulation you just put in. Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and to prevent thermal bridging the heat loss that occurs through the wood framing. To be effective the reflective surface must face an air space.

With new types of technology and approaches to keep homes comfortable it s natural to wonder if attic radiant barrier works.