How is Radiant Barrier Applied?
Radiant Barrier Spray Paints are sprayed on the underside of the roof deck and Radiant Barrier Foil Insulation is either stapled across the rafters or layed out over the existing blown-in insulation.
Why is it Applied to the UNDERSIDE of the roof?
At first it does not make sense, but think about this. If you hold a mirror up to the sun and reflect the light on your arm you would SEE the light, but you would FEEL the heat. The sun emits both visible light and invisible infrared energy. It is the infrared energy that is being reflected that you feel, NOT the light. Radiant barrier has two qualites that make it work: Reflectivity and Emissivity. Reflectivity is the ability to “reflect” radiant heat while Emissivity is the abiltiy NOT ro “Release” heat in the form or radiant energy. Want more info? Polar-Ply (a radiant barrier roof deck material designed for new construction has a good website) So, even thought radiant barrier is installed underneath the roof it will still reflect the radiant heat flow.
What about A “Radiant Barrier Rebate”?
Some companies use a “Rebate” as a sales gimmick. If they raise their price and then give a “rebate” do you really get a “deal?”
Can I really install radiant barrier myself?
Yes you can! And now is the time to do it. All you need is a pair of scissors, a staple gun and some good lighting in the attic. The size of your home, the “pitch” of your roof and how “open” your attic is, will determine how long it will take.
Remember, “PART of something is BETTER than ALL of NOTHING”. What this means is that essentially you are installing “Shade” in your attic. Try to get as much as you can, but don’t worry about every little corner. The radiant barrier foil I sell is second to none. It’s ultra durable and is virtually impossible to tear. This means it will take fewer staples (time) to install. Look at these radiant barrier installation pictures!