Spray Foam Roof Insulation Vs Radiant Barrier

All manufacturers of radiant barrier sheathing say not to spray against their product it will render it useless.

Spray foam roof insulation vs radiant barrier.

I typically spray enough foam 5 lb open cell to achieve r 38 in our roofs. When installing attic insulation a case can be made for both radiant barrier sheathing with typical types of insulation as well as spray foam insulation. Unlike fiberglass cellulose and other traditional thermal insulation radiant barrier isn t installed on the attic floor instead it s installed in the attic ceiling just below the roof. The radiant barrier foil product line offered by innovative insulation inc.

The question arises with the use of spray foam. It has increased r values that make your attic space cooler in the hotter months. A radiant barrier insulation system can reduce your attic temperature by as much as 30 f providing cooler attic spaces and more beneficially more comfortable living spaces within your home without the extra load on your cooling system. Radiant barrier sheathing radiant barrier sheathing can reflect back up to 95 of the heat absorbed and can consequently reduce attic temperatures by up to 20 degrees f.

That means more than 95 of radiant heat is reflected. Radiant barrier sheathing is inexpensive and reflects thermal radiation to keep attic spaces cool. This is because foil insulation reduces radiant heat gain rather than slowing conductive and convective heat flow. It works differently than other types of insulation.

For summer cooling the radiant barrier may be better than the spray foam most of the attic s heat gain is through radiation in our sunny climate in denver colorado a well vented attic with a radiant barrier helps our clients keep their cool prolong their shingle life while reducing their conditioned space. And that means quite simply radiant barrier foil is a far more efficient option than spray on coatings. A number of factors should be taken into consideration when choosing between these two especially the climate zone that you re building in. Spray foam may be a good option in small homes where space is essential or in areas that are difficult to insulate.

This means that radiant barrier sheathing keeps your home comfortably insulated against outside heat and saves energy your power utility bills up to 17. If you are more concerned with energy efficiency spray foam. Positioning a radiant barrier in the. Benefits of installing spray foam insulation.

Installed right under the roof radiant barrier insulation isn t meant for soundproofing or keeping warm air from leaking up into the attic and out of the house.