Traditional insulation slows heat down. Radiant barrier foil reflects it away entirely. Installed in the attic, this reflective material tackles the specific type of heat that insulation alone doesn’t fully address, making it one of the most effective add-ons for hot, climate homes.
A radiant barrier is a highly reflective material, typically aluminum foil laminated onto a paper, plastic, or cardboard backing, installed under the roof deck or draped over attic insulation. Instead of absorbing the sun’s radiant heat like traditional building materials, it reflects that heat back before it can radiate down into your attic and living space.
On a hot, sunny day, a roof deck can reach very high temperatures, and that heat radiates directly into the attic below. A radiant barrier reflects a significant portion of that heat instead of letting it soak into the space.
Because less heat makes it into the attic, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to offset it, which can translate into real savings on summer energy bills, especially in warmer regions.
A radiant barrier isn’t a replacement for insulation, it addresses radiant heat, while insulation slows conductive heat transfer. Used together, they cover more of the ways heat moves into your home.
Bedrooms and living spaces just below the attic often run hotter than the rest of the house. Cutting down radiant heat gain helps even out comfort throughout the home.
Radiant barrier foil is a relatively simple, affordable upgrade with an outsized impact on hot, weather comfort and cooling costs. Our team can evaluate your attic and let you know whether a radiant barrier is a smart addition for your home.
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