Radiant Heat Barrier Vs Attic Fan

When utilizing osb radiant barrier sheathing you can reflect up to 97 of solar radiation which translates into an attic heat reduction of up to 30 f.

Radiant heat barrier vs attic fan.

Installing radiant barrier under the roof decking is the preferred method versus on top of the insulation because it gives an air gap for the heat to escape to the ridge vent without creating a potential moisture problem between the radiant barrier and the attic floor. This would be like blowing a giant fan on your sunny driveway and expecting it not to be hot. Here is where many people screw up attic ventilation. Keep in mind in order to get this price you must be very savvy with electrical and active venting solutions.

Total diy radiant barrier installation costs w attic fan. This is really what drives heat flow the top surface temperature of the insulation. If you install a radiant barrier it will drop the surface temperatures inside the attic compared to the air temperature in the attic. Meanwhile the radiant barrier foil will reflect 97 of the radiant heat transfer.

More is not always better. Radiant barrier should always be installed to work with the soffit and ridge. 95 of homeowners will not be able to install a roof mounted attic fan with temp switch or proper venting. The hotter it gets the better radiant barriers work.

For the record both the radiant barrier spray paint and the radiant barrier foil will reflect i e. Not emit radiant heat. Air temperatures would drop but surface temperatures would not drop much due to the radiant heat gain. However the fine print exists when the best available radiant barrier paint can only reflect about 75 of the radiant heat transfer.