How To Install Radiant Barrier On Attic Floor

The first is stapling foil to the bottom of the roof rafters the second is laying it out over the existing attic ceiling insulation.

How to install radiant barrier on attic floor.

Stapling it up to the rafters or laying it on the attic floor. Properly installed radiant barrier is stapled to the rafters of your attic. The goal of adding a radiant barrier in your attic is to cover as much of the underside of the roof as possible. This method leaves a 6 8 inch air barrier allowing the foil breath and reducing the chance of any radiant heat being conducted into your attic.

Many homeowners are tempted to try to save money and lay it directly on the attic floor. There are several factors that determine the best installation method for your home. Use a stick 1 4 furring strip with nail in the end works well to help push the barrier into the tight spaces of your attic. For the majority of installations there are basically two different methods used to install radiant barrier foil in an attic.

There are two main methods of installing radiant barrier. Unroll the radiant barrier hold in place and staple to bottom of roof joists. Starting at one end of your attic install our ultima foil breathable radiant barrier over across attic floor joists plywood decking or existing insulation. By installing a radiant barrier in your attic you can reduce radiant heat transfer from the roof to your attic by absorbing that heat.

In a new house an installer typically drapes a rolled foil radiant barrier foil face down between the roof rafters to minimize dust accumulation on the reflective faces double faced radiant barriers are available. Radiant barriers lower heat transfer rates and keep the attic space cooler lowering cooling costs by up to 17. In an open framed attic it is generally easiest to install the strips of radiant barrier roof material across the attic perpendicular to the direction of the roof joists overlapping each run by about 2 inches. You want to add the foil on all surfaces that make up the roof but you also need to keep vents open and clear of the foil.

Staples should be placed 14 to 18 inches apart. Where you put your radiant barrier will have an impact on how well it works over time. It s easier to incorporate radiant barriers into a new home but you can also install them in an existing home especially if it has an open attic. Radiant barrier foil loves air let it breathe.

Most effective radiant barrier installation.