Do I Need Attic Vents With Radiant Barrier

Radiant barrier is a home insulation type that is focused on reducing summer heat gain.

Do i need attic vents with radiant barrier.

I installed a gable fan and am also wanting to install a radiant barrier. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. Radiant barrier in such a way that it doesn t change the attic ventilation from its natural course. With the staple up method you create an air channel behind the foil between the foil and the roof deck.

Good roof ventilation can do this but shingle color sun exposure and insulation are exponentially more important to overall energy efficiency than ventilation. Radiant barrier rejects heat from ever entering the attic. Air enters low and then escapes out of the attic higher up near the peak of the roof usually via a ridge vent an attic fan which we do not recommend static roof vents or a high mounted gable vent fan. Radiant heat can affect the air ducts.

More info that here. Active ventilation and what you really need to do to have a well vented attic space that stays cool and dry. A radiant barrier discussed in further detail within this article will stop the radiant heat from reaching the attic. The key is to give the air a free clear path to flow in to the attic at the bottom via soffit vents and out the top via your exit vent.

Sure installing roof vents for older homes can reduce your hot air during the summer but there are probably more low risk cost effective ways to increase your home s energy. The insructions for the fan say to cover the vents closest to the fan so the fan can pull the air fron the other side of the attic. Remember it s a bad idea to mix exhaust vent types passive vents with active fans. If you live in a slab foundation home then your air ducts are probably located near the ceiling and attic.

Radiant barriers in an attic with dense pack insulation and sealed air vents. We take a look at how radiant barriers work the different types of radiant barriers and some of the. A radiant barrier can lower heat transfer from attics to the building below keep the attic space cooler and lower cooling costs by up to 17 in warmer climates. When installing the radiant barrier do i still need to plug the vent holes closest to the fan.

Elizabeth spencer radiant barriers are installed in homes usually in attics primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. Read on to find out what you need to know about attics soffit vents passive vs. The heat from the roof then travels into the attic. Unlike traditional thick layers of insulation radiant barrier is a thin reflective material.

Here are six of the most common misconceptions about attic ventilation. I would not do anything until the radiant barrier is installed. If only it were that simple. If i have roof vents i have good attic ventilation.

Using a radiant barrier.