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Posted by CJT on March 30, 2008, 11:07 am
Joseph Meehan wrote:
>
>
>
>>
>>> I have a couple questions for the experts on radiant barriers.
>>>
>>> 1. Are they worth the expense in reducing utility bills in a hot
>>> climate?
>>
>>
>> I've never seen hard, actual data that proves they are, but the
>> consensus does appear to be that they work and are worth the cost.
>> The material is maybe $100-200 for a typical attic, which you should
>> recover relatively quickly if you use AC in an area that gets
>> reasonably hot.
>>
>>
>>>
>>> 2. Is there a preference between the paint and a physical barrier
>>> stapled to the rafters.
>>
>>
>> I've only seen either the stapled type or else the similar type that
>> is already applied to sheathing. Never knew paint type existed. If
>> you have 2 people, IMO, it's going to be a lot easier, cleaner, faster
>> to staple.
>>
>>
>>>
>>> It seems that using a physical barrier on the rafters would block
>>> air flow.
>>
>>
>> You leave an open area of a foot or so at the bottom and the top.
>> This leaves plenty of space for air to enter at the bottom and exit at
>> the top, preferably through a ridge vent. If you don't have a ridge
>> vent, then I would think it could impact air flow through a gable
>> vent, etc.
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Suggestions please. Thanks in advance.
>>>
>>> Bob-tx
>>
>>
>
>
> I agree with trader and suspect that the physical barriers would work
> better since they would create a separate air space as well and that
> would increase the insulation. Remember you want to keep the shinny
> side clean.
>
You want to keep one side that adjoins free air clean. I don't think
it really matters whether it's the shiny side or not.
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