Attic Radiant Barrier

Attic radiant barrier installation is a good idea if you are concerned about the energy efficiency of your home. When doing a remodel of an attic this can be a very smart investment to add to the plans. With an attic radiant barrier you will make the heating and cooling system in the home use less energy. This will in turn save money as well as help you do your part to keep the planet clean. Some people may have ideas about what they want in their attic, but installation of a barrier that reflects radiant heat should be something everyone considers.

How a Radiant Barrier Works

Attic radiant barriers work to reflect some of the heat from the roof. When the sun shines, it heats up the surface of the roof. The roof decking then radiates that heat into the attic. Most people have been in an attic at some point in their lives when it is hot outside. The space will feel stuffy and hot. Some areas are so hot it is almost unbearable to stay in them for any extended period of time. This heat in the attic comes from the sun beating relentlessly down on the roof. Most roof shingles will absorb the heat and transfer it to the decking underneath. This decking then puts out radiant heat into the attic.

If a home has the correct amount of insulation in the rafters and is well ventilated the heat should not warm inside of the house. The insulation will act as a barrier to prevent heat from reaching the inside of the house and raising the temperature, and can also help prevent attic mold. The problem arises when there are air ducts running above the ceiling. During hot summer months or in warm climates, the return air that is used for cooling the house often runs through attics. If the area is very hot and the duct is not insulated, the air inside will warm causing the air conditioner to have to work harder to cool the air to the correct temperature.

An attic radiant barrier acts to reflect some of the radiant heat from the roof decking. This kind of barrier works very well in warm weather to keep the cost of cooling down. The attic radiant barrier can be installed in a variety of different ways. The idea being that a reflective material in either a board or sheet form will be used to reflect the radiant heat from the roof deck back up so that it does not heat up the air in the ducts or rafter area. There has to be some air space between the sheet and the plywood in order for the attic radiant barrier to work properly. If you are planning to have a bonus room instead of just an empty area, an attic radiant barrier can be a smart part of the whole project.

Choosing a Barrier Installer

When choosing someone to install an attic radiant barrier, be sure to use our free online quote form to find local contractors. These types of barriers are becoming much more popular as people become more conscious of the need to be as energy efficient as possible. Contractors should be knowledgeable about the different kind of barrier that will work best in your home. Be sure to check on all references for each company to make sure they have successfully completed comparable jobs in your area. Do not choose a contractor based solely on the price. Make sure they use quality materials that will last.

Some contractors may have photos of their past work. This can be helpful when comparing different products. Sometimes a picture is easier to understand than just a description. Be sure to ask each contractor for a product specification that shows how much radiant heat the specific material will reflect. Once you have all the quotes, be sure to sit down and compare the proposed materials and installation techniques in order to find the perfect fit for your needs. Take into account all of these factors and you will find the right people to do the job.

When renovating attics most people think about what they will do with the new room or what paint colors they want. They wonder what furniture to move and what kind of carpet to buy. People often forget about the most important aspect of the project. Being as energy efficient as possible is not just good for the environment; it is good for your wallet as well. An attic radiant barrier can be part of your system to make your home clean and green. Once your renovation is complete you can rest in the knowledge that you have helped your home value as well as the earth.