Costs of Installing a Radiant Heat Barrier

In attics, a radiant heat barrier is installed to prevent heat from escaping the attic in winter, and overheating the attic in summer. Using a radiant heat barrier generally helps lower heating and air conditioning costs. It can also prolong the life of attic beams and roofs by preventing condensation from forming on the inside of the roof and causing wood rot and mold. Radiant heat barriers reflect rather than absorb heat, although they are not as good at reducing heat conductivity as thermal insulation.

Types of Radiant Heat Barriers

The cost of installing a radiant heat barrier depends on the type of radiant heat barrier you install. There are a variety of barriers, which can range from reflective paint, metal shingles, foil, reflective chips, and even laminated roof sheaths. This material is then placed on one side of some substrate material, such as paper, film, plywood or cardboard. The expense of the radiant heat barrier depends upon the combination of materials used.

The most common types of radiant heat barrier, foil and spray, both have cost advantages. The spray is cheaper to buy and can be installed relatively easier, but the foil is much better at reflecting heat, and this can of course drive down the costs of air conditioning. Foil can block around 97% of heat, meaning that the attic is significantly cooler during the summer.

Installation

An additional cost can be incurred if you want someone else to install your radiant heat barrier for you. It is possible to buy radiant barriers which can be self-installed, which is cheaper than having someone else do it. Nonetheless, you may be discouraged from self-installation by the likelihood that you will not install the barrier correctly, and thereby prevent the barrier from performing its job properly.

Costs

Costs will be reflected in the kind of radiant heat barrier you choose, and whether you install it yourself or use a professional. Radiant heat barriers are not insulated, so you will also have to cover the costs of putting in insulating material after the radiant heat barrier has been installed. However, you can cut costs by buying or installing the product yourself. You may also take advantage of special offers or brand reductions. Some homeowners can reduce costs further by getting a government grant, which will pay part of the total costs of installation for you. Costs must also be compared against other energy saving measures. For example, replacing windows with more energy-efficient glass can cost between seven and ten thousand dollars.

Self-installation radiant heat barriers (foil) will cost around $70 for 500 square foot of attic, and can reduce your energy bills by as much as 30%. Radiant heat barrier costs will eventually pay for itself, and they will also make your home greener in the long run. With electric fuel prices rising, using radiant heat barriers is a good way of ensuring that you are not wasting electricity powering air conditioners or heaters while the attic is warming or chilling your house because it is not properly insulated.