Radiant barrier is your first line of defense (against radiant heat) and traditional attic insulation (fiberglass or cellulose) is the second line of defense against conductive heat gain. Bottom line: you need a radiant barrier in addition to your traditional insulation.
Does radiant barrier really work?
Some studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation than to add a radiant barrier.
What is the difference between an insulator and a radiant barrier?
Insulation is there to simply slow down the loss or gain of heat in your house. In other words, it works to keep the temperature of your house the same. ... A radiant barrier, on the other hand, actually blocks and reflects heat back to where it came from, rather than just slowing down the process.Jun 25, 2015
Can you use radiant barrier and insulation?
Radiant barriers can be installed alongside insulation in the attic space, providing a heat shield that can lower cooling costs in the summer months. Today, you'll learn about the benefits of radiant barriers and insulation, and how both can reduce heating and energy costs!
Can you put Reflectix over insulation?
Reflectix can be used as basement ceiling insulation when precisely stapled to the centers of the floor joists above. The product must be applied tightly, with room for airflow. One benefit of using Reflectix over fiberglass insulation is that Reflectix resists mold and mildew well.Mar 23, 2021
Can you use reflective insulation with fiberglass insulation?
If you want to combine insulation types, using reflective insulation and fiberglass insulation in a wall space can boost the R-value by 3.9 points. ... To install, un-roll and cut the fiberglass insulation to length. Compress into the stud walls. To install the reflective insulation, unroll and cut to length.Jul 5, 2013
What is better insulation or radiant barrier?
While insulation absorbs this heat, a radiant barrier would reflect almost all of it. ... All in all, installing both insulation and a radiant barrier will have the strongest and most effective result for your house. But if you must decide between the two, there is likely a clear winner: the radiant barrier.Jun 25, 2015
Can you mix insulation types?
You can mix and match the various kinds of insulation. For example, if you have cellulose insulation, and more insulation is needed, you can add any type you wish. It is also acceptable to use batts over loose-fill material and loose-fill material over batts.
Can I put radiant barrier over 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.