Comments on: Do Energy Efficiency Improvements Really Payoff?

By: Ed

Ed — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 21:55:33 +0000

Radiant barrier foil helps in cold climates is the reduction of radiant heat loss from the living space. It’s like when you wrap a potato with foil to keep it warm. The potato will not “emit” as much radiant heat. This is called “Emissivity” or the ability NOT to release heat. By laying the foil on top or your insulation, you help keep the heat “IN” by not releasing it in the form of radiant heat. So for you – you will be able to retain heat inside the home better in the winter months with a radiant barrier, since you’ll be reflecting that heat loss back into the home. Of course this is all based on the assumption that there is heat in the home and the home stays warmer than the outside. To reap these particular benefits, the recommended installation method would be laying the AtticFoil Radiant Barrier on your attic floor, over existing insulation.

Here is more information, and a video, about adding radiant barriers in cold climates to increase the efficiency of warming the home: http://www.atticfoil.com/cold_climate.htm

By: Carl

Carl — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:00:46 +0000

I was wondering if this would be worthwhile money wise being we live in Roanoke, VA.
It appears attic foil is very worthwhile further South or in much hotter climates. Just not sure if it would be here. Your opinion? Thanks

By: Ed Fritz

Ed Fritz — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 11:45:47 +0000

Carl, here is some more information to help you. Eshield is a product called SolarGuard made by John Manville. It's a good product - Here is a Complete Article Comparing eShield, Bubble Foil and other products to AtticFoil® Radiant Barrier. And here is information on the "Best" Radiant Barrier Install Method

By: Carl

Carl — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:14:06 +0000

Forgot to add that this came up at a recent home show where a booth was showing eShield attic energy barrier. Also, what is the difference/benefits/better with attaching foil to rafters or laying it on top of insulation in attic.

By: Carl

Carl — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:11:16 +0000

I was wondering if this would be worth while money wise being we live in Roanoke, VA. It appears it is very worth while further South or in much hotter climates. Just not sure if it would be here. Thanks

By: Ed Fritz

Ed Fritz — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:10:20 +0000

Kathy,

“Cool” roof shingles are starting to gain in popularity. I would be willing to pay some additional for these shingles. Are they as efficient as polished aluminum foil? No, not until they make a polished aluminum foil shingle.

I would use the shingles a the first line of defense and radiant barrier in the attic as a second line of defense. Yes, they can easily work together.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:10:40 +0000

I need a new roof and I’m looking at roofing material with reflective granuals (e.g. GAF Cool Roof). Is this as efficient as radiant foil barrier? Is one preferable to another. Should they be used together? Any help would be appreciated.