Do you live in a warm climate? Do you want to increase the efficiency of cooling your home? Are you looking for a way to make the second story of your home more comfortable?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, you probably need radiant barrier insulation.
Do I Need a Radiant Barrier?
As a Sacramento resident, you should take steps to reduce attic heat gain so you can help lower cooling costs and make your home more comfortable. An effective way to do this is to install a radiant barrier (one of the best types of attic insulation in warm climates).
A radiant barrier is a substrate—usually kraft paper, cardboard, plastic films or oriented strand board—covered with a reflective material, such as aluminum foil. The reflective quality of radiant barrier insulation allows it to reflect 95% to 97% of the sun’s heat rather than absorbing it, which helps reduce attic heat gain.
Picture your roof in the summer. When the sun beats down on it, radiant energy is primarily what causes the roof to heat up. Then, the heat travels through the roofing material via conduction where it radiates into the attic space. As the temperature climbs in the attic, it can begin to warm up the attic floor and therefore the ceiling of your home.
Adding a radiant barrier reduces attic heat gain. Coupled with a thick layer of insulation on the attic floor, the heat transferred to the living area of your home is greatly reduced. That’s how radiant barriers and insulation work together to help keep cooling costs down in the summer.
Types of Radiant Barriers
Radiant barriers are easiest to install in new construction projects, but they can also be added to existing homes. They come in a variety of forms, including:
- Reflective foil
- Reflective laminated roof sheathing
- Reflective metal roof shingles
- Reflective chips placed on top of loose-fill insulation
- Reflective insulation systems, a combination of radiant barrier and blanket insulation installed on the attic floor
Now that you’ve answered the question, “do I need a radiant barrier,” you should rely on an experienced, licensed technician to complete the installation for you. After all, a radiant barrier is just what you need to reduce attic heat gain in your Sacramento area home. To work with a professional insulation company in your area, contact Gold Star Insulation today.
