Attic Radiant Barrier Fact Sheet

Attics heat up when the sun s radiant energy heats the shingles and the heat is transferred to the interior attic space through the roofing materials via conduction.

Attic radiant barrier fact sheet. April 19 2019 posted in. While i have been unable to locate any studies on the effects of increased humidity levels of attics with this type of application specifically in hot and humid climates it does raise concerns about the trapping of humidity in the attic insulation. For homes with air conditioning ductwork in the attic in the deep south such as in miami in zone 1 or austin in zone 2 in the map below radiant barriers could reduce your utility. They don t however reduce heat conduction like thermal insulation materials.

Radiant barriers are installed in homes usually in attics primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. Radiant barriers are utilized to reduce summer heat gain in attics. 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. The latest barrier attic fact sheet from the department of energy says the floor installation method is a poor solution.

Radiant barriers usually consist of a thin sheet or coating of a highly reflective material usually aluminum applied to one or both sides of a number of substrate materials. The potential benefit of attic radiant barriers is primarily in reducing air conditioning cooling loads in warm or hot climates. The temperature of the attic space increases and that heat is transferred to the building below. Increasing summer energy consumption and cooling costs.

It is meant to supplement insulation not replace it.