Insulating your attic
No matter if it is winter and you’re trying to keep your house warm or summer and you’re trying to keep it cool, getting your home insulated is one of the best ways. An attic barrier is relatively new, yet not so new.
The application of the original radiant attic barrier came in rolls and was applied to the ceiling of the attic. In this manner, this highly reflective aluminum foil type of material was perpendicular to the sun’s UV rays. Homeowners could use it in conjunction with other types of attic insulation like a bat or blown-in insulation.
While that type of attic barrier insulation was helpful in keeping homes cooler in the summer, improvements were found by using a spray on liquid foil attic paint barrier. One of the biggest benefits for contractors is the ease of installing the spray on versus the roll out and fasten of the original attic barrier material.
How does attic radiant barrier work?
To explain how this attic energy barrier thermal-reflective insulation works, we offer the following example: The transfer radiant heat occurs sandwiched between objects that are at different temperatures, moving from hot temperature to cold temperature. The reason we feel cold while standing next to the window on a winter’s day is because we radiate heat to the colder window. So, when we walk from the cold window to a source of heat, the radiant heat warms us.
If the same material that is used as an attic barrier is made was placed between us and that window or the woodstove, we wouldn’t feel the cold or heat. Why? Because the reflective surface of the attic barrier would prevent heat from being absorbed and what may get absorbed couldn’t emit back as radiation.
Where should attic barrier be placed?
The radiant attic barrier is best when installed as a barrier attic ceiling directly to the roof’s interior framing. At this position, both sides will have the needed airspace. If that isn’t possible, attic barrier can be applied against the sheathing directly.
Attic barrier material isn’t just for attics though. It can be used as a barrier on exterior walls with ventilated airspace between the attic barrier material and the cladding, which will act as in a rainscreen. This will reduce any heat flow, but in a cold claim, care must be practiced assuring there isn’t a collision of the vapor barrier and the wall assembly. For the purpose of using this attic barrier type material inside the wall, there is a perforated material in the radiant barrier format but care still is recommended to keep condensation from creating.
What is attic barrier effectiveness?
There is some misunderstandings about attic barrier coatings, just a with anything new on the market in any industry. With this energy-saving technology, when a homeowner is told it will reduce up to 90% of the radiant heat, it is often thought by the homeowner, attic barrier will reduce their energy bill by 90%, which is not the case.
Radiant attic barrier is a reflective material and will reflect up to 90% of the sun’s radiant heat away from the roof and attic of your home. This means that your HVAC system has 90% less heat to battle, taking some of the workloads from that unit. This in turn will reduce your energy bills, but not necessarily by 90%.
If you’re still not sure whether you should have attic insulation barrier or not, take a look at these benefits:
- The radiant attic barrier will reflect as much as 90% of the sun’s radiant heat from the roof and attic. During a Texas summer, the attic temperature is reduced by as much as 45 degrees in some cases.
- Your electric bill could be reduced by as little as 17% and up to 40% during summer and winter.
- By controlling the temperature in your home, it will become more comfortable.
- Energy Radiant Attic Barrier will become a permanent fixture and doesn’t require being reapplied to maintain its efficiency.
- Having radiant attic barrier installed will add value to your home if you decide to sell in the future. New home buyers are always looking for ways to save money.
- The workload on your HVAC system is eased and will extend its lifespan.
- Energy Radiant Attic Barrier conserving energy helps the environment by eliminating CO2 emissions and saving 6,400 gallons of water annually.
- Attic barrier is fire rated, non-carcinogenic, and non-toxic.
- Attic barrier is bacteria, fungi, and mold resistant as well as insect and rodent resistant.
- Overtime, attic barrier will pay for itself by saving money on utilities.
- Works with other insulation materials, making them more effective.
- A plus for new home construction as a wrap around the walls and in the attic.
- Works for commercial structures and doesn’t require inspections or maintenance.
Need help with an attic barrier in your home in Arlington, TX? Call American Insulation, LLC today at (817) 588-2050.