
Installation Summary:
- Install unfaced mass insulation between rafters ensuring a minimum of 1" ventilation space between the mass insulation and the underside of the roof decking. ...
- Unroll and staple reflective insulation to the under side of the rafters.
- Seal all seams with aluminum foil tape.
- Install furring strips to the underside of the radiant barrier every 16" perpendicular to the rafters.
- Install drywall to the furring strips as usual.
How effective is reflective insulation?
Reflex-AIR® bubble insulation products are very effective when used in:
- Walls and roofs in Metal, Steel and Commercial Buildings, Pole Barns, Post Frame, Agricultural and Poultry Barns
- Concrete slabs and under flooring with or without radiant heating/pex tubing,
- Crawl Spaces, Basement / Concrete Block Walls and Ceilings, Wine Cellars, Garage Doors, and Storm / Storage Shelters,
How to safely install insulation?
Installing the insulation on empty joist spaces is quite straightforward. Pick a batt and tuck it into the joist spaces. Push it up straight to the ceiling wall and then pull it back slightly so that the fiberglass fluffs accordingly. Tuck it in tightly into the space where the ceiling meets the walls.
What you should know about installing insulation?
- It can boast a much cleaner and pollution-free production process when compared with other alternatives
- When it is removed from a building as the result of a renovation or remodel, it degrades without contributing harmful chemicals or off-gassing into the soil, water, or air.
- It has high energy-efficiency ratings
How much insulation should be installed?
To achieve this standard, you will normally need at least 70mm of high-performance foam insulation, or 150mm of mineral wool, but this will vary depending on floor type, shape and size. If you are replacing at least half of a floor then you have to insulate to these standards whether you planned to or not.

How do you install reflective insulation in walls?
0:162:30Installing Radiant Barrier Insulation in a Shed, Barn or Garage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe ran the foil across the face of the studs. And then they apply to fiberboard siding. And thenMoreWe ran the foil across the face of the studs. And then they apply to fiberboard siding. And then just tilted the walls up this works great do you feel the siding right behind it a fast easy install.
How do you install reflective roof insulation?
4:287:26Metal Building Insulation - How To Install Radiant Barrier - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd really all you're doing is you're stapling the foil to that wood framing. And you can either goMoreAnd really all you're doing is you're stapling the foil to that wood framing. And you can either go horizontally. Or vertically. You can take the measurements. And decide whatever's best for you.
Where do you put reflective insulation?
3:434:57How To Install Radiant Barrier - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn summary probably the best advice for installing atticfoil radiant barrier is to not to overthinkMoreIn summary probably the best advice for installing atticfoil radiant barrier is to not to overthink it really all you're doing is stapling the foil to the bottom of the rafters.
Can I install radiant barrier myself?
0:202:31Radiant Barrier Questions - Can I REALLY Install It Myself? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe've got hundreds of positive reviews. From customers just like you who've installed it in theirMoreWe've got hundreds of positive reviews. From customers just like you who've installed it in their own attics. They've also posted some tips and tricks.
Does foil insulation need an air gap?
You MUST have an air gap in order to get either the emissivity quality or the reflectivity quality that you're looking for, otherwise the foil will not work as a radiant barrier.
Does reflective insulation really work?
Reflective insulation can block 95% of radiant heat and provides superior thermal performance. Reflective insulation reflects escaping heat back in the direction of your home's interior. By harnessing the loss it lowers your heating bills.
Does reflective insulation keep heat in?
Unlike mass insulation, reflective insulation is able to keep heat in and reflect heat away. Mass insulation material like fiberglass and foam merely slow down the transfer of heat; they do not reflect heat away, nor do they keep heat in. Reflective insulation has the ability to control the transfer of radiant heat.
How much does it cost to install a radiant barrier?
The cost to install radiant barrier insulation runs from $740 to $2,840 or $1,700 on average. Materials for this project run as low as $0.10 per square foot, up to $0.95. Professional installers typically charge $30 to $80 per hour for this job.
What is the R value of reflective insulation?
In short, reflective insulation can have an R value anywhere from R-3 all the way up to R-17.
Is reflective insulation better than fiberglass?
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that reflective insulation is the most effective at preventing downward heat flow, making it a better choice for roof insulation where keeping heat out is the most important factor.
Is aluminum foil a good radiant barrier?
Aluminum foil has the radiant barrier properties of high reflectivity and low emissivity. That means the foil reflects much of the roof's heat back upward. The low emissivity property of the foil reduces the amount of heat that the foil radiates on through to the attic insulation below.
How long does radiant barrier last?
between 80-100 yearsRadiant barriers can last between 80-100 years if installed correctly.
How do you install a reflective foam board?
1:243:08How To Fix HOT Exterior Walls When Doing A Remodel. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you really want to do it the way you do is you're going to put some foam strips in then you'reMoreAnd you really want to do it the way you do is you're going to put some foam strips in then you're going to staple your foil up so the foil is going to go.
How do you install a Reflectix attic?
1:592:53Attic - Radiant Barrier - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNo taping is required staple. The product to the rafters at three to four inch intervals ensure atMoreNo taping is required staple. The product to the rafters at three to four inch intervals ensure at least a one inch to two inch gap. All vents. Leave a gap on each side of the roof peak.
How do you install a foil vapor barrier?
Start with the ceiling then the walls. Staple the foil vapor barrier to all interior surfaces; the wall and ceiling, not the floor. Overlap your wall foil over the 3" of the ceiling, helping to keep rising heat near the ceiling.
How do you install radiant barrier roofing sheathing?
0:432:11LP® TechShield® Radiant Barrier Installation Process - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace a skid resistant side up with the APA trademark stamp side the foil side facing down againstMorePlace a skid resistant side up with the APA trademark stamp side the foil side facing down against the structural supports install with the long strength access dimension of the panel across supports.
What Is Reflective Insulation?
Reflective insulation, also known as foil insulation, is a material with reflective facing. In most cases, this is aluminum foil or aluminized polyester.
Why is reflective insulation important?
Standing out among dozens of diversified insulation options, reflective insulation is one of the best choices to ensure lower bills, increase your return on investment and protect the people, animals, goods and equipment that may be inside your structure.
What is Prodex insulation?
Prodex is a modern type of reflective insulation which serves as an all-in-one solution to various problems in houses, pole barns, warehouses and metal buildings.
Which insulation is most efficient when installed close to the source of heat?
Thanks to its ability to reflect heat, reflective or foil insulation is most efficient when it is installed close to the source of the heat.
What is the E value of low insulation?
Low E-value ( 0.03) in comparison to other insulation options like fiberglass (0.8)
Why does installation require leaving air space?
Installment requires leaving air-space to increase the R-value and provide the best results.
Can you use insulation in a retrofit?
Foil insulation can be applied in both new and retrofit constructions.
How to make reflective insulation?
Cutting this material requires a sharp blade in a utility knife and a straight edge. Place the insulation on a hard, flat surface before you cut. A scrap piece of plywood is perfect for this job. Mark the foam board on the rear of the insulation. Place the knife at the top of the piece and cut straight. This will cut through the foam and score the aluminum underneath. Run the knife again on the aluminum sheet and you will have cut through.
How does reflective insulation work?
Reflective insulation is a great product that can be used to help save money on heat ing bills by placing it behind hot water radiators. This type of insulation is built with reflective properties that do not absorb heat but direct it in another direction. Radiators are a common sight in many older homes. They provide a lot of great heat, but they lose a lot in the direction of the wall. With reflective insulation installed behind the radiators, you can keep your room heated more efficiently and save money in the process.
How to measure radiator for insulation?
Use a tape measure and find the measurements for the length and width of the radiator. Then add another 8 inches to the length and the sides of the radiator. This will give the insulation enough room behind to continue reflecting the heat 8 inches away.
Can you use a caulking gun to install reflective insulation?
The adhesive that is commonly used for installing a reflective insulation piece is one that can be used with a caulking gun. However, once you have applied the bead, use a scraper to smooth it out over the entire surface area.
How To Install Reflective Insulation?
If a property is already completed and not insulated, it can still be insulated through a process known as retrofitting . In essence, retrofitting is a way to install insulation in the roof, walls and floors of a building after it has been built. The process is more tricky than installing foil insulation during the construction of a property, but can be undertaken if need be.
How To Install Foil Insulation On Walls?
This is because it is difficult to get into the plaster once it is set, without cutting through . As a matter of fact, if you install insulation during the construction phase, it actually speeds up the whole building process. This is because it protects the inside from rain, meaning work can carry on without bricking or cladwork being complete.
What Is Foil Insulation Used For?
Foil insulation is used as a means to maintain high levels of thermal efficiency within a property. The purpose of installing the foil insulation panel in your home or office is to ensure that internal temperatures stay at a comfortable level all year round, regardless of whatever volatility occurs in the outdoor climate.
How Much Does Foil Insulation Installation Cost?
The cost of foil insulation will depend on the quantity purchased, the R value, and the installation costs. To get an accurate quote for your property, contact us on 1800 354 717.
Why is foil insulation called reflective insulation?
The reason it is sometimes referred to as reflective insulation is, because on hot days, the reflective surface of the insulation panels literally reflect the sun rays back out, stopping them from entering your property.
Why use foil insulation?
Basically, a foil insulation panel works to reduce the heat transfer effect that occurs during thermal radiation. The reflective surface acts as a barrier to reflect the heat from one side of the panel, preventing it from transferring to the other side.
Why do you need insulation during construction?
This is because it protects the inside from rain, meaning work can carry on without bricking or cladwork being complete.
How does radiant barrier insulation work?
RadiantGUARD® radiant barrier foil insulation installed in an attics can reduce attic temperatures by up to 30 degrees when stapled with a staple gun to the underside of roof rafters by REFLECTING up to 97% of the radiant heat that strikes its surface thereby reducing heat transfer from the attic to living spaces resulting in lower utility bills. This method also reduces the heat subject to attic mounted AC duct work thereby allowing them to work more efficiently.
How to keep your attic cool?
Start early in the morning when your attic is at its coolest. Carry all of your radiant barrier and tools into the attic to avoid unnecessary trips to and fro. Keep plenty of water on hand and drink even if you don't think you're thirsty; especially in the summer months.
How effective is radiant barrier?
A radiant barrier can be very effective at BLOCKING radiant heat when installed in conjunction with roofing and siding material, however, the radiant barrier MUST be installed with an air space on at least one side of it. As long as there is at least a 3/4" air space on either side of the radiant barrier, the application will be effective at BLOCKING radiant heat. For more information on why a radiant barrier must have an air space on one side of it to be effective, please see our What is Radiant Barrier page.
What is radiant barrier on counter?
The picture below shows a batten/counter batten system with a slate/tile material with a radiant barrier on top of the counter battens. The radiant barrier is installed on the top of the counter battens in non-watertight applications. This allows the radiant barrier to remain dry while also achieving the 3/4" air space requirement.
What are some examples of radiant barrier roofing?
Metal, tile, and slate roofing systems are examples of such roofing systems where a radiant barrier can be easily incorporated. Equally as important as the air space on a radiant barrier is the requirement that a radiant barrier remain clean and dry in any application.
Where to staple radiant barrier?
Staple the radiant barrier to all knew walls located in your attic space overlapping each piece by 2".
How much space between rafters?
Install unfaced mass insulation between rafters ensuring a minimum of 1" ventilation space between the mass insulation and the underside of the roof decking. Check with local codes to determine if you must maintain a larger air space. If necessary, you can install vent chutes or baffles to ensure the proper air flow channel.
