Radiant Barrier Paint vs. Foil - What's The Difference?

http://www.atticfoil.com/install-questions/paint-vs-foil.html - Radiant Barrier Paint vs. Radiant Barrier Foil - Which is better?

How to compare radiant barrier foil insulation to radiant barrier paints. The paints technically are not "Radiant Barriers" since they do not reflect over 90% of the radiant heat.

Radiant Barrier Attic Foil ALWAYS reflects 97% of the radiant heat. Different radiant barrier paint reflect between 15-75%. Plus variables like painting the rafters, how thin the paint is applied or if water is added to the paint can affect the final effectiveness. This video goes through the different variables with installing radiant barrier spray paint so you can get a good understanding of the differences between radiant barrier paint and radiant barrier foil insulation.

Order Radiant Barrier Online: http://AtticFoil.com

Visit http://AtticFoil.com for complete information on Do-It-Yourself Radiant Barrier Foil installations, tips and trricks.

http://AtticFoil.com

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Howto & Style

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[boogerchamp]

What if you used both foil and paint?

[AtticFoil]

@boogerchamp Why? Foil will reflect 97%. If you use both, assuming the paint stopped 60%, then the foil would reflect 97% of the 40% that got through. - Still about 97%. It's like wearing having two umbrellas - if the first one works, you don't need a 2nd one.

[dogfan4lyfe]

I am looking to put some radiant barrier foil in both my garage and in my attic. My garage doesn't have any insulation or ventilation whatsoever. Would it be a good idear to install a ridge vent with some soffit vents first? 

[AtticFoil]

@dogfan4lyfe Yes, any "hole" in the top will work. I'd go with a simple wind turbine. Then add some soffit vents. If you have a pull down staircase or a scuddle hole, leave/prop it open and then adjust the sensor on the garage door opener to stop about an inch before the concrete. This will allow air to come into and out of the actual garage. Combined with radiant barrier the garage will be significantly cooler.

[dogfan4lyfe]

@AtticFoil You think a wind turbine would be better than a ridge vent? I live in the midwest with both hot and cold. Is it going to make my garage freezing cold in the winter? Thanks for your videos and reply.

[AtticFoil]

@dogfan4lyfe It depends. You basically need a "hole". One wind turbine equals about 5-15 of ridge vent depending on the type. I like ridge vent for low-pitched roofs with lots of ridge. For higher pitched roofs or hip style roofs wind turbines work great and are cheap and easy to install.

Cold garage? The roof is supposed to be cold to prevent ice dams. Yes, an unheated, uninsulated garage will be cold in the winter. If you want to keep it warmer, add insulation and/or a heat source.

[AtticFoil]

Gary, you cannot put foil directly between shingles and the sheathing.

Go to my YouTube channel and look for the video "Radiant Barrier Under Shingles Won't Work Without An Air Space" Or here: atticfoil(dot)com/radiant-barr­ier-shingles.htm

It will work under/behind siding IF there is an air space. This can be done with furring strips. If the siding overlaps and has gaps behind, it will still work but will loose some if it's effectiveness where there is no space.

[jeevespreston]

I am sold on the concept of attic foil. If I am re-siding my house, can I use this as a barrier underneath the new siding? Would it be effective, any downsides? If I am having my roof re-done, can I have the roofers place this on top of the sheathing and underneath the shingles rather than crawling into the attic to mount it?

Thanks,

Gary

[MrGreenvision]

If the Radiant Foil was only installed on top of the bedrooms and not over the hallways, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, closets etc, then that a problem cause the hot air is still coming through "Conduction Heat" in those places. Insulation should be place all over the attic to have a greater effect. Also, like Mr. AtticFoil said, Poor Attic Ventilation can be another problem. Adding "Baffles at the eves, more fans, and more vents can help with this problem. Hope this help. Foil Rules!

[AtticFoil]

My guess is lack of attic ventilation. You say the attic is hot? Radiant barrier is really about reducing the top surface temp of the insulation. IF you have bad ventilation the AIR can STILL be 130º or more. So, your top surface temp will be 130º If you can get air temp down (more holes in your attic) you should see a difference. Same thing happens with ducts in poorly vented attic. Can't stay cool. Call me if you want some more tips. Ed