Attic Radiant Barrier Cold Climate

But here something most people are not aware of that radiant barrier helps by making your existing attic insulation even more efficient and effective.

Attic radiant barrier cold climate. During cold weather a radiant barrier on top of the insulation could cause water vapor to condense on the barrier s underside. Installing a perforated radiant barrier over the existing attic insulation acts similar to the outer wind layer on a winter jacket. However using the same theory applied to warm climates and reversing it does not necessarily have the same benefits. During cold weather water vapor from the interior of a house may move into the attic.

The problem quite honestly is that there is not that much radiant heat loss to begin with. It is meant to supplement insulation not replace it. This type of installation is easier than the conventional staple up method but it also has some precautions. In most cases this water vapor will not cause any problem because attic ventilation will carry excess vapor away.

Radiant barriers in mixed and cold climates. Combining cold temperatures and air movement dramatically decreases the effectiveness of traditional attic insulation. By reducing the amount of radiant heat reaching the insulation in your attic the insulation remains cooler and is able to keep your home more comfortable. A radiant barrier is designed to increase the effectiveness of your thermal envelope.

This method also keeps heat in during cold months. Installing a radiant barrier in the walls is done just like the cathedral ceiling method. Installing a radiant barrier directly over the attic insulation will help reducing radiant heat loss. In extremely cold climates or during prolonged periods of cold weather a layer of condensed water could build up.

With an average outside temperature of 89 degrees during the day an attic with r 19 about 6 inches of fiberglass and a radiant barrier outperformed r 30 about 10 inches of fiberglass without a radiant barrier. What about installing a radiant barrier in cold climates. In mixed and cold climates the living space can be the source of radiant heat compared to the attic. In more moderate climates the condensed water could evaporate and pass through the radiant barrier into the attic space.

When you staple radiant barrier foil insulation to the bottom of the rafters you combine the benefit of having a cooler attic by putting your duct work in a less hostile environment with the reduction in radiant heat flow through the insulation. When you are trying to block heat from coming in it is best to have the foil closest to the outside layer as possible while still maintaining an air space on one side of the foil.