How To Install Radiant Barrier Foil Insulation AtticFoil - Part 1

[@leatherrock9107]

What if i dont have a ridge vent? Can i still get any benfit form attic foil ?

[@AtticFoil]

Yes, any type of topside roof vent will work. Whether it's ridgevent, wind turbines, static vents etc. they are all just "holes" in the top of your attic. The hot air will find it's way to the top and out. Just leave a clear path for the air to flow through the attic and not hit a "dead end".

[@hockeydios]

@@AtticFoil What kind of benefit does radiant barrier have on an unvented attic? No ridge, static vent or fans and no soffits. Will it still kept the insulation cooler?

[@AtticFoil]

@@hockeydios Absolutely it works. Think of a solar screen you put in the windshield of a car to reflect the heat. Does it work if you DON'T crack the windows? Are the leather seats cooler? Yes, it works. But, it does work better if vented. It's the difference between good and best.

[@3joewj]

@@AtticFoil This makes me think, if its about the Delta T, why not place this over the attic insulation? Will it cause the attic insulation to maintain moisture if placed directly on top of it?

[@AtticFoil]

@@3joewj Yes, it's called the "Over-Insulation" method: atticfoil.com/index.php/installation/over-the-insulation-install/ Use the SuperPerf product.

[@eduardochinchilla2198]

After years of wondering they answered and explained in an awesome and understandable way how it works!!! He was right I learned more in 15 minutes than in hrs of useless KZbin videos that want you to call them because they have "the right and only way". Great job!!!

[@AtticFoil]

Thanks for the comment! Ed.

[@jimadamstv]

Attic foil rocks. I'm a do-it-yourselfer that is cost conscious. The KZbin videos were convincing for me. I did it just like the videos showed. Without the videos, I wouldn't have known what the hell to do. I installed the foil on my primary house and it's amazing how much longer the house stays cool into the day. I live in Southern California in the medium high desert. I used to have to turn my AC on by 10a-11a in the summer. With the foil installed, that AC turn on time changed to between 1-2p. A HUGE DIFFERENCE! I just made my second purchase of foil for my second house. Thank you!!

[@AtticFoil]

Jim, Thanks for the nice comments!! We appreciate your business!

[@AndeaMcDonald]

Such GREAT information! Believe it or not, my son and I are on the installation part and never thought about AtticFoil Radiant Barrier... I have an 1923 year old home without an air conditioner! It's pretty cool during the day, however when night falls we experience a hotter inside when it's cooler outside! The heat really never "catches up" with the cooler weather... Now, I know it's the installation that is very hot inside our attic, caused by how much the heat collects up there.

[@AtticFoil]

Did you ever install www.AtticFoil.com to fix this? Never too late.

[@scottcheffey2571]

This guy does such a good job of explaining this entire process. Very informative videos from Atticfoil

[@AtticFoil]

Thanks. I'm that guy. Once we move into our larger location we will make more content with full scale demos/models etc. Especially for our new foam and foil products for metal buildings at www.BlueTexInsulation.com

[@scottcheffey2571]

@@AtticFoil btw, I placed an order after watching your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@AtticFoil]

@@scottcheffey2571 Thank You SO Much! Honestly, I'm grateful for every customer and even people who just mention our product to a friend or neighbor. It pays the bills and lets me live the American Dream! Ed.

[@RDSZ]

I just installed my radiant barrier here in California and it works as advertised. Thanks for your videos.

[@AtticFoil]

Thanks for your comments about installing www.AtticFoil.com We really appreciate the business!

[@andym9955]

this is great. Almost ready to pull the trigger and try this. I live in North Alabama and need some relief to my huge electric bills.

[@robertfarquhar2780]

I just started doing this in my cabin.

[@AtticFoil]

How did the www.AtticFoil.com turn out?

[@teacherlynn671]

Where is your video with the heat lamps and the bricks, please and thank you We are fans of you and your work

[@AtticFoil]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipWzfaCYoM17aNE

[@danielanderson222]

that was the quickest 15 minutes of my life

[@AtticFoil]

Thanks, lots of info to cram in there!

[@FBall-im8ui]

i was going to add reflect to th ensile wall panels in my sprinter Van. After seeing your video i WANTED to know if your product might be better than reflect? I am going ti glue and insulation to th evan outside walls and foil to the inside wall allowing an air barrier in between. If this works it can be advertised for such a use as many people are looking for a better way to insulate their Vans, Thank you

[@AtticFoil]

For vans check out our products for metal buildings: www.BlueTexInsulation.com great for van/bus conversions, shipping containers etc.

[@pipi7731]

Excellent explanation. Thanks it answered several questions I had. I do have one question based on the idea that the insulation will heat up in the attic regarding the Delta T. Wouldnt it be better to have some insulation in the barrier material that you are attaching to the roof joists?

[@AtticFoil]

No, in a ventilated attic all you really have is radiant heat from the roof to the insulation. Making it "thicker" would be like using a "thick" umbrella or holding a jacket over your head. Not additional benefit.

[@teacherlynn671]

Thank you Ed and I will be buying foil next year, God Willing, and I thank you for your customer service so I will definitely be using your company. My question is this year my walls were over 150 F degrees in the Summer. I live in Southern California. Stucco outside and sheetrock inside-so is there a way to diminish that heat load?

[@AtticFoil]

Stucco walls are tricky and not a lot you can do for them. Some type of "shade" is your best bet. IF the home is a remodel and you can get inside the walls form the inside, there is the wall install method shown here: atticfoil.com/index.php/applications/inside-exterior-walls-hotmixed-climates/

[@KevinsHeaven]

Does the heat that is being bounced back from the foil through the roof make the roof shingles that much hotter than they already are?

[@AtticFoil]

Short answer is NO. This video should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXnTqqmVoN2gpas

[@KevinsHeaven]

@@AtticFoil thank you

[@harriusk4u]

Is the other video, you guys said we should lay the radiant barrier on the insulation. In this video you hang the barrier to the roof. I get confused on which is the right way.

[@AtticFoil]

This page and video should help: atticfoil.com/index.php/installation/best-install-method/

[@ronherkey148]

I live in Louisiana. My home is a 1970 2story. I have a crawlspace(very challenging) above the second story. I recently found serious duct work issues under the 2' of pumped in insulation. To properly address ALL leaks, I intend to vacuum out all the insulation and properly seal everything. I understand the radiant barrier should be applied across the rafters(roof tresses) above everything, ductwork and insulation. Is the radiant barrier better than having open cell foam sprayed on the roof decking? Or is it better to put the radiant barrier up, then have the foam sprayed below it on crawlspace floor? Or am I better to pump that insulation back as it was with the radiant barrier above it? I appreciate your time.

[@AtticFoil]

I love spray form for NEW CONSTRUCTION. For existing homes, sealing the attic shut with foam can create the "law of unintended consequences". Seen it many times. For an existing home I would take out insulation, seal ducts, seal any holes/penetrations in ceiling, install www.AtticFoil.com on bottom of roof trusses and then blow back in insulation. Had many customers do exactly this with amazing results. Ed.

[@danhle1032]

Hi Ed, I couldn't find any videos discussing windows but this seems like your product is strong enough and useful for window applications since supposedly a lot of heat can come in and escape easily and not everybody can afford triple pane windows.. Has anyone used attic foil as curtains or placed it directly on the window? From my increasing understanding with your videos and communications, it'd seem like curtains would be better because of the airgap. It'd also seem like having the curtains outside would be better than inside but do you think the convenience of having inside curtains would still make it worthwhile to have? another potential video discussion idea.

[@AtticFoil]

Yes, you can either make curtains or put directly on the back of glass. Glass is one of the circumstances where an airspace is NOT required since the glass is transparent it will let the radiant heat through and truly be reflected by the foil. This is just like a mirror. The glazing is on the back of the glass. As for curtains/drapes/outdoor awnings? AtticFoil will work great, but I would say for a "low usage" product. Not something like a roller shade that you would roll up/down every day. The aluminum is laminated to the internal scrim, but with enough bending/folding etc, the foil will start to wear and flake off in tiny pieces. For normal "staple it up and forget about it" attic installations, this is never an issue.

[@claude77573]

Looking at the example at 3:25, is it safe to say that if the attic temperature is above the outdoor air temperature on a sunny day, that delta is due solely to radiant heat?

[@AtticFoil]

Yes, exactly true. This is why we may have to run our AC on a 65 degree SUNNY day but it may barely run on an 85 degree cloudy day. www.AtticFoil.com is like shade from the heat inside your attic.

[@thomasb7821]

How do I attic foil a cape cod knee wall? if I do the rafters do I take it all the way to the knee wall? If I do the knee wall do I take it from the floor to the top of the knee wall (roof) creating a completely sealed roof to knee wall. I guess the question is do I have to leave a gap for air flow at the bottom and top of the knee wall, and also at each end of my rafter. There is also the ceiling of the stairway that leads to the attic above the 2nd floor. This is very hard to explain what I'm talking about with out using a photo of my situation. I live in NE Pennsylvania. Thanks Tom

[@AtticFoil]

Tom, please use this form and send us your question along with some pictures. We can help you better that way: www.atticfoil.com/contact-us.html

[@Zendog500]

I am being told by Taylor Morrison Builders (winner of 2012 Energy Star for housing) for Esplanade development Naples FL that the radiant barrier hurts cell phone service inside the house. True? What is the barrier made from?

[@AtticFoil]

Video on Radiant Barrie and cell phone reception: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3_TeHiujbqef7M

[@dperson7763]

Hi Ed, I was just wondering has your product (or foil barriers in general) have been used in the top ceiling of buildings for radiant heat reflection? If yes, do you have a video of this? I always recommend it to clients and architects. (Who are in hot climate areas) But I would love a video or two showing the effects of using a radiant barrier with insulation in the top floor of a building.

[@AtticFoil]

I'm not quite clear what you are asking? Are you asking if Radiant Barrier can be used on TOP of the roof? As in outside? or below the insulation on the top floor of a building? Generally, using below traditional insulation won't yield great results. If possible, you want radiant barrier to be to the "outside" or first layer in the structure to reduce radiant heat. Then, traditional insulation to reduce conductive heat flow.

[@dperson7763]

Sorry I wasn't clear. I have watched your videos on using Radiant Barrier between the insulation above the ceiling and below the roof. So in this same senario, but instead of the house roof, Radiant Barrier would be under the top concrete roof of a building. And perhaps sitting on the insulation in the ceiling of the top floor. (basically the same situation as the house) So I wanted to know if Radiant Bariier has been used like this in a building and do you have any video on it. I would love to see some film as I would like to show it to high rise building architects in the near future. Thank for your time

[@AtticFoil]

I don't think it would be good fit. A building with a concrete roof will typically have some type of roofing system on top. There are highly reflective products like PVC and TPO membrane products that are "cool roofs". I'm a big fan of www.Duro-Last.com These roofs are usually installed over some type of cut/angled foam to direct drainage and provide R-Value. Putting radiant barrier to the inside really is not going to be effective.

[@openmind2161]

so under concrete roof radiant barrier won't be effective ?

[@AtticFoil]

Concrete roof can mean a couple of things. If you mean concrete tiles then yes, it would work great. Just like under clay tiles or a metal roof. If you are talking about a concrete ceiling (as in top floor of a building as mentioned above), This is also the ROOF of the building. There are other methods like the Duro-last roof combined with ISO board etc. to properly insulate and waterproof a roof like this.

[@fubarlife7776]

Thank you ✌️

[@jdsnapp]

Is there a shinny side up or dull side up. Does it make a difference?

[@AtticFoil]

Both sides are the same. Sometimes one side is a little shiner because of the milling process. But same effect. www.AtticFoil.com

[@joehussam6204]

Hi have questions. So if radiant barrier reflecting heat . Can we uesd radiant barrier on top celling but with out insulation. Because that time we have air between ceiling and roof and I'm set up fan in side roof for both side one for vacum air and other one push air . It's that make sense..

[@AtticFoil]

Normally NO, you would need insulation. About the only time when you don't need insulation is when you are NOT heating and air conditioning. And you are ONLY looking for the shade effect. www.AtticFoil.com is for radiant heat and traditional insulation is for conductive heat. Think of the space like a refrigerator. The regular insulation is the refrigerator and the AtticFoil is like putting it in the shade from the heat.

[@joehussam6204]

@AtticFoil Radiant Barrier Foil Insulation Ty for you advice

[@smallblockfuelie]

What is the expected life of your product? A local fella suggested we only buy something at has protection from oxidation or the product would break down in 10-12 years.

[@AtticFoil]

+smallblockfuelie Oxidation is not a real concern with using pure aluminum. The pure aluminum forms an invisible protective layer called passivation that will protect against oxidation: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passivation_(chemistry) Here is our page with complete information comparing AtticFoil to the less reflective metalized film products: www.atticfoil.com/index.php/technical-info/metalized-radiant-barrier-film-oxidation/ AtticFoil should last indefinitely in a typical attic.

[@smallblockfuelie]

+AtticFoil Radiant Barrier Foil Insulation thank you.

[@rosanachavira3289]

I am doing a new construction, If I install OSB sheating with a radiant barrier and also install insulation on my roof rafters how much air space should I have between foil side and insulation for it to work properly?

[@AtticFoil]

Are you doing a "Ventilated" or a "Sealed" attic?? Normally, you would not put insulation between the roof rafters unless you are going "sealed" or doing a cathedral ceiling. For a cathedral ceiling take a look at this page/video: atticfoil.com/index.php/applications/cathedral-ceilings-hotmixed-climates/

[@andrewwinter8658]

What kind of stapler would you recommend? I'd like one lightweight and not difficult to staple

[@AtticFoil]

I like the Craftsman brand staples. They tend to jam less than other brands: You can get here: amzn.to/350Kqto

[@reax2237]

I live in Phoenix AZ I have a tile roof,what application should I use?

[@AtticFoil]

Unless you are putting on a new roof, you would do a "normal" attic installation. If the roof is hot, a radiant barrier will help! www.atticfoil.com/index.php/installation/staple-up-installation/ If you are putting on a new tile roof, you have an even better opportunity to get it on TOP of the roof deck under the tiles. More here: www.roofingfoil.com/how-to-install/how-to-install-under-tile-roofing/

[@joestern4458]

Will a radiant barrier work if I insulate the Joists and then use the radiant barrier

[@AtticFoil]

If you put insulation between the rafters/joists and the radiant barrier WITHOUT an airspace between the insulation and the foil it WILL still continue to work off the EMISSIVITY quality of the layer of foil facing the airspace below. You will loose the REFLECTIVITY quality of the layer facing up that is in contact with the bottom of the insulation. Still good, but ideally, you would keep the reflectivity of the top surface.

[@datrudon]

I don't have insulation in my roof will it still work, it is a low pitch roof? Or is it a must to have insulation to reflect heat? I live in the Bahamas where it is hot most of the year

[@AtticFoil]

datrudon We actually sell a lot of product for shipment to the Caribbean. Foil alone is probably all you need. It will act like "shade" or an umbrella for the rooms below. Combined with moderate temperatures and a nice breeze this will make a significant difference in the comfort level.

[@datrudon]

AtticFoil Radiant Barrier Foil Insulation thanks for the response. I just have another question can use foil tape and staples

[@AtticFoil]

datrudon We have many customer in warm climate that ONLY use AtticFoil and no insulation. Think of AtticFoil as an umbrella. Many of our customers are in the Caribbean and just want a shade effect and don't have air conditioning. It works great for this application.

[@billiejolanning211]

If it deflects heat in the summer won't it keep the heat out in the winter too? What is better to put it on the floor of the attic or the walls? My floors are covered with a wood flooring. ANYONE, please help

[@AtticFoil]

One thing to remember is that heat always goes from hot too cold. So in the Summer the heat is TRYING to get into the home. In the Winter if the roof warms up, it will release the heat into the cold attic and outside before any really makes it too the home. Also, the days are shorter and the sun is lower, so not much heat gain anyway. As for best install method? Take a look here: atticfoil.com/index.php/installation/best-install-method/

[@robwhiff3411]

Can radiant barrier be installed over fiberglass insulation on and attic ceiling?

[@AtticFoil]

Yes, here is the info for installing Radiant Barrier Over Attic Insulation: atticfoil.com/index.php/installation/over-the-insulation-install/

[@santiagoego1825]

what if my rafters are steel instead of lumber? how to do install the foil?

[@AtticFoil]

Magnets! We've had many customers do this. It's like putting a business card on a refrigerator. Look at ebay for some plain bulk ferrite magnets. Don't need neodymium type. You can buy 500 for about $100. Will need about 1 magnet for every 3-4 sq. ft. of material.

[@geraldkurkjian2922]

Hi, What about aluminum "vapors" with humidity and radiant heat contact, and toxicity?

[@AtticFoil]

Where are you getting this info? We are talking about "normal" temperatures under 200 degrees. No aluminum is going to be vaporized.

[@gurungsolta8965]

is it durable for direct sunlight? i want to use it ouside

[@AtticFoil]

Yes it is VERY durable. Although it is not specifically designed to be used outside in direct weather, we have had many customers use it successfully. I'd expect at least 3-5 years service and maybe longer depending on the use and conditions.

[@douglasroberts5368]

Where do I buy it???

[@AtticFoil]

www.AtticFoil.com or call us on our 800 number.

[@kelvinlyons3401]

what about cold weather climates?

[@AtticFoil]

Kelvin, This info should help you in cold climates: www.atticfoil.com/applications-a-uses/attic-applications/lay-out.html