hi, new to forum...wondering if anybody knows anything about Radiant Barriers?

[bevoette]

we're in HOTASS central Texas, and have been trying to make some energy upgrades to our 1972 home.

we have a 3 year old energy efficient HVAC, had new windows installed in March...and now we're looking at adding insulation.
more expensive than the insulation is this Radiant Barrier that they are pitching...it seems legit, but i'm always cautious of additional sales push...
any opinions/advice?
thanks :)

[Fresh_Start]

1. we installed a radiant barrier when we replaced our roof

for us the difference in cost was nominal since we were changing from shakes to fire retardant shingles so we were adding plywood anyway.
It certainly seems to help.

[Schema Thing]

2. I've been in new homes built with

the radiant barrier built into the roof decking, and the attic is noticeably cooler.


The paint works, the staple in stuff works even better, from what I understand. As to which will make more of a difference, I guess it depends on how far away from ideal your insulation situation is currently.

[asjr]

3. "Radiant Barrier"--sounds like a good

name for a race horse.

[sk8rrobert2]

4. Its always good to be cautious of sales pushes

(http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/radiant/rb_02.html)
I just pulled a few things from this website my brother gave me. He does all my home repairs as a general contractor so i trust he knows what he's doing. Water build up on the barrier can cause 1) the existing insulation to become wet and lose some of its insulating value, 2) water spots could appear on the ceiling, and 3) under severe conditions, the ceiling framing could rot but with attic ventilation water vapor won't build up. Reduces cooling by between 2 and 10 percent in the summer.

[bevoette]

5. thanks

i believe we're adding 12" of insulation...looks like the RB will be worth the extra $$, especially with the $500 rebate from City of Austin.

thanks for the responses

[Gothmog]

6. They are great but will affect cell phone reception

My home is new and has a radiant barrier. The homebuilder told me that some young people do not like radiant barriers because it affects cell phone reception inside the house.