How To Install Radiant Barrier Foil?
There are two basic methods to install radiant barrier.
For cold climates, laying across the floor of the attic is best and for warm
climates, stapling to the bottom of the roof rafters or laying over existing
insulation are both good install methods.
Floor Application (warm OR cold climates):
- Make sure you have good lighting in the attic.
- Existing insulation should be level and have
no bare spots.
- Start
in the far corners of the attic and work towards the exit
- Roll out foil in sections and cut around supports,
penetrations etc.
- Overlap foil approx 3-4 inches. You can secure
the pieces with foil tape.
- If air ducts are on the attic floor, cover
them too.
- Use a pole or a "grabber" to push foil
under hard to reach areas.
Rafter Application (warm climates):
- Make sure you have good lighting in the attic.
- Measure out long pieces of foil and run across
the rafters. A helper works best!
- Start at the bottom near the soffits and work
up.
- Use 3 - 5 staples for each 48" section of rafter.
- Cut around electrical connections.
- Leave a gap / opening at the top of each rafter for ventilation.
See pictures
- Leave at least 12" area around wind turbines, static vents and attic
fans.
Sidewall Application:
Radiant Barrier Foil works great for eliminating "Hot
Walls".
These are walls that you can see from walk-in attics or drop down walls inside
the attic. Often, you can see the batt insulation. This is common in 1 1/2 story
homes.
The heat
from
the
roof is radiating into the insulation on the floor AND the sidewalls of the second
floor walls. By installing Radiant Barrier Foil on the sidewalls these rooms
tend
to be instantly more comfortable.
- Make sure you have good lighting in the attic.
- Start at the bottom and have a helper pull
the foil across the entire length of the wall to keep it level.
- WATCH OUT FOR ELECTRICAL WIRES!! Be carful not to staple into them!!!
- Staple the top edge along the entire length
of the wall. The foil should how "hang" down.
- Use 3 - 5 staples on each wall stud to attach
foil. You can "feel" where the wall studs are.
- Repeat until you reach the top of the wall. Fold excess foil over
the top of the wall to help contain insulation.
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