Reflective Optimizing Attic Insulation

If you re looking to improve your energy use check out these five different ways to make your attic more energy efficient.

Reflective optimizing attic insulation.

Reflective insulation also known as foil insulation is essentially a barrier usually made from aluminum foil or aluminized polyester. Despite this it s easy to overlook the benefits of proper attic ventilation radiant barriers and energy efficient insulation. Much like other forms of insulation reflective insulation may help reduce energy costs by blocking the heat that radiates from the sun onto your roof through your attic and on into your living space. What are the right types of insulation for an attic.

An r 1 1 is provided from the product itself for the reflective double bubble material. Spray foam batt fiberglass blown in fiberglass loose fill cellulose and radiant barrier insulation can all be installed. The rubber meets the road on reflectix s website where it says no air space no reflective insulation benefit. It s easier to incorporate radiant barriers into a new home but you can also install them in an existing home especially if it has an open attic.

The easy to use material is designed to stop 95 of radiant heat. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. For use in attic spaces exterior and interior walls interior masonry walls radiant floors metal and steel buildings crawl spaces and garage. Always check labels for specifics on.

When installed properly a reduction of up to 10 in the home s air conditioning usage can result. What insulation to use in the attic. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. The reflective insulation trade association also offers installation tips.

Installation instructions and illustrated drawings are recommendations only while proper local construction methods are the responsibility of the installer. Over 90 percent of us homes are improperly insulated. This reduction however is limited to solar gain from the attic about 22 of a home s cooling load. In a new house an installer typically drapes a rolled foil radiant barrier foil face down between the roof rafters to.

So even though research has found radiant barriers can deflect 40 of incoming attic heat the net savings represents only 8 to 10 of a building s total cooling costs. Reflectix products are an excellent energy efficient choice for upgrading your attic system. How to install reflective foil in an attic. A low cost energy saving improvement to your home this silvertanium reflective attic insulation roll is non laminated and pliable.

Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Blown in loose fill insulation such as fiberglass and cellulose is ideal for attics.