Attic | Reflectix, Inc. (2023)

FAQs

What is the best blown-in attic insulation? ›

Fiberglass, cotton, and mineral wool can all work as loose-fill insulation material, but the far and away top choice for blown-in insulation is fiberglass. Contrary to batts insulation, blown-in fiberglass insulation is perfect for filling in tight voids around wiring, pipes, or any area with awkward framing.

Some studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation than to add a radiant barrier.

In general shiny surfaces reflect radiant heat energy. Shiny aluminum foil facing a heat source reflects over 90+% of the radiant heat that strikes it. So a foil like material draped over the trusses will reflect the heat energy back to the roofing materials as long as there is an air space between the two.

If you install 2 layers of a Reflective Insulation, does the R-value double? With multiple layers of product and airspaces between each layer, enhanced performance will be gained.

Using more insulation than required doesn't offer a significant advantage and can detrimentally affect how well your attic ventilates. If you've got well-installed attic insulation of a sufficient R-Value and still aren't pleased with the results, you may want to consider installing a radiant barrier.

It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That's when mold starts to grow.

Potential for moisture condensation

During cold weather, a radiant barrier on top of the insulation could cause water vapor to condense on the barrier's underside. Condensation of large amounts of water could lead to the following problems: the existing insulation could become wet and lose some of its insulating value.

The most obvious disadvantage is these roofs are meant for hotter temperatures. They aren't very useful in the winter, though they may provide some additional insulation against the cold. As a result, the expense of a radiant barrier roof for generally cooler climates likely won't be a good investment.

Does Radiant Barrier Affect WIFI? If you are wondering whether or not a new radiant barrier installation will impact your wifi, you are in luck. Generally speaking, if you install a radiant barrier in your attic or on your roof it will not impact your cell phone's signal.

What temperature should a radiant barrier attic be? ›

Ideally, after you install a radiant barrier the air temperature inside the attic should probably be within 10 to 15 degrees of ambient temperature.

The ideal attic temperature should be no less than 60 degrees in the winter and no more than 10 to 20 degrees above the outdoor temperature in the summer. If your attic temperature climbs above 130 degrees, you may start running into issues with your energy bill, as well as the integrity of your roof.

It's a sheet of plastic with air bubbles, not unlike what you might find in a package you got in the mail. The plastic is simply a waste of space, a filler. It has barely any thermal resistance (insulating value), and no conceivable purpose other than being something to stick the foil to.

So at the surface, the bubble insulation may look better with less material thickness. But, in reality, it is not an apples-to-apples comparison. When you compare both products and don't allow for assembly values foam board insulation is often the clear winner.

The reflective side of the board should be oriented to the exterior and the nonreflective white side should be oriented to the interior. EXCEPTION: If vinyl siding is to be installed over AP™ Foil-Faced sheathing, install foam boards with the white nonreflective side toward the vinyl siding.

Looking across your attic, if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add more insulation. Assumes R-3/inch. If you cannot see any of the floor joists because the insulation is well above them, you probably have enough, and adding more insulation may not be cost-effective.

Never place insulation close to water heaters, oil burners or anything hot. The backing is especially flammable and will be a major fire hazard for your home.

If your insulation is wet or damaged, we strongly recommend replacing it before applying a new layer. Otherwise, the problem will spread throughout the new insulation and could significantly damage roofing structures. If the insulation is in good condition, then a new layer can be placed on top without difficulty.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

If you need to cover exposed insulation to safeguard an occupied living space, you'll want to select a permeable barrier that won't trap moisture. You want your home to breathe somewhat, to keep your fiberglass aerated, and discourage moisture buildup that leads to insulation-destroying mold growth.

Should attic be fully insulated? ›

Here is how proper attic insulation can benefit your roof: Helps prevent ice dams: Heat from your home escapes through your ceiling into your attic if you don't have insulation. Therefore, during winter, your shingles are at a higher temperature. Warmer shingles may melt the snow sitting on top of them.

Is Radiant Barrier better than insulation? Radiant barrier has a higher R-value in terms of insulation when compared to fiberglass options. Because of that, it can be the better options for property owners in typically warmer climates, however, it's not the best option for every single homeowner.

It is essential to air seal the attic to prevent moist indoor air from getting in. If there is no air and vapour barrier, concentrate on comprehensive air sealing. Create an effective air barrier by using caulking, gaskets and weatherstripping to seal the joints between building components.

One common question or concern about installing a radiant barrier is whether it will cause the shingles to heat up and get damaged or shorten their life expectancy. The short answer is NO damage will occur.

How long a radiant barrier lasts is the question most often asked by customers. As long as homeowners or certified attic specialists install them appropriately, radiant barriers last anywhere from 80 to 100 years. They are built to last and won't cause you any major issues for decades.

Radiant barriers reflect radiant heat.

Then, the heat transfer method switches from radiant heat to conductive heat to move through the attic insulation and into your home. This is why you need both types of insulation. Traditional attic insulation and radiant barrier work together and each do their part.

The radiant barrier will reflect the absorbed heat from the thermal layer back down to the living area keeping the air on one side warm and the attic side, cool.

High initial cost: Radiant heating systems can be more expensive to install than traditional heating methods. However, this cost can be offset by energy savings over time.

Because the radiant barrier is typically the first material ignited and easily consumed by fire, many fire origin and cause experts unfamiliar with lightning induced radiant barrier fires fail to recognize it as a potential ignition source for the fire.

Typically we suggest you have an air gap between 1/2″ and 3/4″ for the radiant barrier to work. Air gaps larger than this work well too – they promote ventilation on the foil and help keep the air dry and the air temps lower. Insulation is technically a solid with a lot of air in it therefore, it is NOT an air gap.

Does attic radiant barrier help in winter? ›

Radiant Barrier Insulation Benefits

Works to keep warm air in during the winter and solar radiant heat out during the summer. Prevents up to 97% of solar radiation. Improves energy efficiency and lowers utility costs, especially if HVAC and duct systems are located in the attic.

Radiant Barriers in the Attic Can Prevent Heat and Humidity.

Barriers Have a High R-Value

The materials in a radiant barrier can reflect up to 97 percent of radiant heating, giving it a higher R-value than most attic or wall insulation types.

Note excessive heat – if it's 90 degrees outside, the attic temperature shouldn't be more than 110 degrees. More often than not, attic temperatures will be in excess of 125 degrees on a 90 degree day. This will overwork your air conditioning equipment, run up your utility bill and shorten the life of your roof.

Thanks to the radiant heat affect, attic temperatures on a 100-degree day can reach 170 degrees or more.

You may not realize it, but your attic can actually reach temperatures as high as 200 degrees during the summer, and that heat is capable of raising your utility bill by as much as 20 percent.

A quick way you check your attic's ventilation quality depends on the current season: In the Summer: On a hot day, touch your ceiling with your hand. If it feels warm, this is a tell-tale sign that your attic is storing hot air.

The laws of thermodynamics dictate that heat naturally rises. That means your attic is the last stop for hot or warm air in your house.

Heat in the attic can be a contributing factor to harmful mold growth. Mold growth happens particularly if the heat is accompanied by humidity. It can also damage your roof. This can subsequently result in costly repairs, and damage to items stored in the attic.

“Whether you choose to use bubble wrap packaging or foam packaging, both products offer superb protection. Bubble offers ease of use, economy, and effective protection, while foam offers characteristics that protect delicate surfaces and polished finishes, due to its ability to reduce scuffing, rubbing and marking.

Is aluminum foil a good insulator? ›

Most people understand that foil makes an excellent insulator. We see it used in so many different applications, not just in buildings and that's for a number of valid reasons.

What is the R-Value? R-value - 1.3 This 55mm insulation blanket provides excellent thermal insulation properties, keeping homes and buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter. When installing- the foil should face down into the roof space, and the blanket should face up against the underside of the roofing sheets.

The double bubble layer provides additional space for the two foil layers, increasing their effectiveness and reducing radiant heat transfer even more.

The R-value of bubble wrap insulation is very low (1.0 or 1.1) and it is affected by compression.

Cellulose insulation is another environmentally friendly option as it's made from about 80 percent recycled paper materials. The costs of these insulation materials will also be more wallet-friendly than spray foam.

Installing it

The reflective side must be facing downwards when in roofs, upwards when installed underneath a floor and inwards when installed in walls.

So the foil side should face the slates. So, any time you use a single side foil insulation, the foil needs to be facing toward the living space. So in a loft the foil faces downward.

At 3.5 per inch of material, the R-value of blown-in cellulose is 23% better per inch than fiberglass batts! According to research done at the Oak Ridge National Lab, fiberglass loses up to 50% of its R-value in very cold conditions; making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates.

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

Recommended R-Value Varies by State

You need exactly as much as the area you live in determines. Here, where temps get pretty hot for much of the year, attics should have from R30 to R60 (average is R38). Those living up north want anything from R49 to R60. This helps insulate against the extreme cold weather.

Is blown-in attic insulation worth it? ›

Blown-in attic insulation is worth the cost for most homeowners. Heat is primarily lost through the roof, so insulating your attic better traps your heat within your home, keeping your living space more comfortable and reducing your energy bills in the winter.

Disadvantages of Blown-In Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose's ability to settle into any shape or area can actually cause a problem as the insulation can pack down easier than other insulation types. As insulation settles or compacts, it may leave gaps at the top of spaces or its effectiveness may be reduced.

Cellulose insulation is heavy, and compacts any underlying insulation. Because cellulose insulation is paper, it absorbs moisture when it rains, and in areas of high humidity. Cellulose insulation degrades over time and has to be replaced. Cellulose insulation promotes the growth of mold & mildew in your attic.

Spray foam insulation is completely rodent proof due to the air tight barrier it creates, but also because it does not act as a breeding ground or source of food. This makes spray foam insulation the number one choice for mice or rat proofing your home.

How Often Should You Put New Insulation in Your Attic? In general, it's a good idea to have your attic insulation checked every 5-10 years to ensure that it's still in good condition. Replacing attic insulation should be done by a professional.

Why remove attic insulation? Expert contractors that specialize in insulation advise that removing old fiberglass insulation is best before installing new cellulose insulation because of possible mildew, mold, or rodent excrement.

R 60: Thickness that oscillates between 19 and 22 inches.

Cellulose rated at R-60 is about 16 or 17 inches deep. Cellulose rated at R-100 is about 27 or 28 inches deep.

R-38 is Fall & Spring protection. > R-49 gives you Winter & Summer protection. During Atlanta's hot sunny days, you might squeak by with R-38 if you have plenty of mid-day and afternoon shade and a lighter colored roof.

How Long Does Blown in Attic Insulation Last? Regardless of what kind of insulation you choose, blown insulation is a permanent solution. Cellulose insulation lasts 20-30 years because it is made from recycled natural materials, whereas fiberglass materials will last much longer because it does not degrade.

Which is better attic insulation blown or rolled? ›

Rolled fiberglass insulation scores an R-value of 3.7. So overall, rolled fiberglass insulation is slightly more effective at blocking in and out heat than its blown counterpart.

Conclusion. Attic insulation can last 80 to 100 years, though it loses its energy efficiency benefits with time. Certified attic specialists' professional advice is to upgrade it every 15 years to ensure that it is still performing the job.