#RADIANT BARRIER INSULATION STYROFOAM HOW TO#
#RADIANT BARRIER INSULATION STYROFOAM INSTALL#
#RADIANT BARRIER INSULATION STYROFOAM PROFESSIONAL#

But since spray foam expands, it can fill the air gap and prevent the proper functioning of the radiant barrier.Ĭlosed-cell spray foam has an R-value of up to 7 per inch. However, they should not be used together since spray foam will render the radiant barrier useless.Ī radiant barrier needs an air gap to work properly. Therefore, the latter is better for tight spaces such as in attics and walls.īoth open and closed-cell insulation can be used in place of a radiant barrier. While open-cell foam can expand up to 3 inches, closed-cell foam only expands an inch. Spray foam tends to expand with the application. It is commonly used in attics, basements, and other areas where there is a risk of moisture or water damage. Closed-cell spray foam is denser since the cells are encapsulated. Open-cell spray foam is less dense and is often used for insulating walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces. Spray foam insulation is available in two types: open-cell and closed-cell.

The barrier can also help to reduce noise levels and prevent roof leaks and moisture from entering a home or building. Spray foam insulation works by creating a barrier between the inside and outside of a home or building. The foam can be used to insulate walls, ceilings, and other areas of a home or building. It is made from polyurethane and other chemicals that are sprayed onto a surface to create a foam. Spray foam insulation is one of the most popular insulation materials on the market today.

#RADIANT BARRIER INSULATION STYROFOAM HOW TO#

Learn about 6 Undeniable Problems With Radiant Barriers And How to Avoid Them About Spray Foam Insulation

#RADIANT BARRIER INSULATION STYROFOAM INSTALL#

On the other hand, you can install spray foam insulation yourself if you know how to work a spray gun.

Difficult to Install: Radiant barriers are difficult to install.

It can reduce the reflectivity of the material.

Prone to Dust: Although not as bad as fiberglass insulation, radiant barriers can be dusty.

Here are some downsides of using radiant barriers:

Doesn’t Settle: Opposed to conventional insulation materials, such as spray foam, a radiant barrier does not settle or compress over time.

That’s because they don’t provide a food source or a nesting ground for pests.

Pest Resistant: Radiant barriers are pest resistant.

On the other hand, spray foam insulation installation requires several safety precautions to avoid irritation.

No Irritants: Radiant barriers do not release harmful particles that irritate the skin, eyes, and throat.

That’s because it doesn’t absorb moisture.

Not Affected by Humidity: Unlike spray foam insulation, a radiant barrier is not affected by humidity.

Here are the advantages of radiant barrier over spray foam insulation: Since you have to get the installation done by a professional, the labor costs can be up to $80 an hour. Most materials range from $0.10 to $0.95 per square foot. The cost of installation depends on the type of material.

#RADIANT BARRIER INSULATION STYROFOAM PROFESSIONAL#

Instead, a professional contractor should do it.Ĭost: On average, it can cost $740 to $2,840 to install a radiant barrier. Installing a radiant barrier is not a do-it-yourself project. It can be done either during construction or during a remodel. The second way is to place the radiant barrier between the insulation and the drywall. In this way, the radiant barrier will reflect heat away from the house. The first is to staple the foil to the roof rafters’ bottom. Typically, there are two ways to install radiant barriers. Since radiant barriers reflect heat rather than absorb it, they don’t have an R-value. That’s because R-value is a measure of how much a material slows conductive heat flow. It’s important to note that radiant barriers do not have an R-value. Radiant barriers with a lower emissivity tend to be more effective at reflecting heat. Radiant barriers also exhibit a phenomenon called emissivity, which is the ability of a material to emit heat. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), a product is called a radiant barrier if it has a reflectance of 90% or higher and an emittance of 10% or less. Radiant barriers are made from several materials, including aluminum foil, metalized plastic film, and fiberglass.

Radiant barriers are most effective in hot climates and can help reduce cooling costs by up to 10%. The purpose of a radiant barrier is to reflect heat away from the house, which can help keep the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. About Radiant BarrierĪ radiant barrier is a reflective material typically installed on a home’s roof.

Here’s an overview of both insulation types and their use. The answer depends on a few factors, including your budget and the climate you live in. On the other hand, spray foam is more expensive and difficult to install, but it is a much better insulator. While a radiant barrier is less expensive and easier to install, it is not as effective at insulating as spray foam. When choosing insulation for your roof, both spray foam and radiant barrier have their pros and cons.

Radiant barrier insulation styrofoam