Summary: Radiant barriers can cool your
home by reflecting infrared energy waves away from it. Radiant barriers work best
with the highest amount of reflectivity. For the attic, new roof trusses now
come with radiant foil underneath. Keep radiant barrier foils dust-free,
otherwise their effectiveness diminishes.
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Comments
Erik
21 Jan 2008, 12:37
Tim, I have been browsing around and came across your site. I was thinking
about having my attic space blown with insulation. Now I am thinking about
using the radiant chips you spoke of. Do you know of any companies that do
this work? I am located in New Hampshire. Thanks.
Erik
Jon Berger
16 Feb 2008, 15:34
Tim,
I live over in Oakley in a 1920 house. I have rock wool that has compressed
itself over the years.
I was going to add blown-in cellulose and then saw information about RBS.
Is there anyone locally that could help balance the additional insulation
(since I have the 1920 standard) and the RBS that would be applied on top
of this.
Thank you,
Jon Berger
513 631 1898
3774 Hyde Park Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45209
AsktheBuilder
16 Feb 2008, 15:39
Jon,
I don't know of anyone in town. Go to www.savenrg.com for more info.
Jon Berger
17 Feb 2008, 15:10
I see that you made that film in 2006, has your experience confirmed your
expectations? (I believe I have uncovered a product that holds enormous
promise for real long-term energy savings.)
Thank you
AsktheBuilder
17 Feb 2008, 15:24
Jon,
They work really well. I would use them again or some other radiant-barrier
technology.
Travis Fowler
16 May 2008, 07:22
I installed radiant barrier in my attic a few years ago and it seems to
work well.
I had to be creative to get in in there cause it was finished space.
The chips sound like a great idea.
CJ Folse
17 May 2008, 07:07
Foil Barriers are effective in conjunction with a good Thermal Barrier.
Make sure all hot walls(next to attic)cathedral ceilings, tray ceilings,
drop ceilings and chases(especially chimney and mechanical)have a air
sealed thermal barrier(foam board,caulked or foamed with insulation
touching entire area) and all wire and pipe protrusions are air sealed with
fire retardant caulk or foam and I reccomend at least R50 in any attic.
Then put in a foil barrier. Hot air washes through insulation so the
barrier is the key.
CJ Folse
17 May 2008, 07:27
Test before you invest. An energy audit by a Certified HERS Rater or BPI
Building Analyst can do a blower door on the building to detect air leaks
and make recommendations. Zone pressure checks can isolate areas such as
living area to attic or basement. Care should be taken not to compress
blown insulation rendering its R-Value ineffective, so a qualified
installer should be used. Over time blown insulation can settle and
moisture in the attic should be kept to a minimum so adequate ventilation
is necessary.
Charlotte, NC
First Time Home Owner
19 May 2008, 13:38
Are Radiant Barrier Chips used alone or in conjunction with other
insulation. I'm confused when you say 10 - 15 layers of this stuff. Is this
used between regular insulation? A bit vague for me but I'm very interested
in getting this but would like to know more.
Thank you!
Minneapolis, MN
CJ Folse
20 May 2008, 13:09
Do the chips allow for moisture from the living area to escape? Even when
air sealing is attempted (better than nothing) there are still ways for air
to get between the drywall and top plate carrying moisture.
Freddi T
27 May 2008, 17:02
Hi, I was wondering if it would be beneficial to install Radiant Barrier
sheets to the trusses (or between the trusses) in the roof? THen add the
chips on top of the insulation. Also, should I wait until the insulation in
the attic has compressed before adding the chips?
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