Do I Need Attic Vents With Radiant Barrier

It may be an easier way to install radiant barrier but it can trap moisture between itself and the attic floor and cause the insulation to become damp.

Do i need attic vents with radiant barrier.

This is why radiant barrier combined with proper ventilation works to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Then you need to add a radiant barrier over your insulation on the attic floor so you can stop convective looping in the insulation and help the home retain its heat. Damp insulation may support mold growth and eventually will lose some of its r value. You can learn more about how that works here.

They should be installed with the foil side facing into the attic adjacent to an open air space. If dust accumulates on the foil surface it will render the radiant barrier less efficient. Do you need ventilation in order for radiant barrier to work. Why an airspace is required for a radiant barrier.

More is not always better. The ventilation in the attic should not be altered you need this to prevent ice damming and to keep the attic dry prevent moisture accrual. Here is where many people screw up attic ventilation. Radiant barrier does require and air gap to work to reflect heat just an air space gap.

A radiant barrier works together with decent attic ventilation to drop both air temperature and surface temps. According to the department of energy installing radiant barrier on the floor of the attic can cause problems. Radiant barriers require expert installation to work effectively. Ventilation is important and can help keep an attic dry and lower air temperatures but not having any ventilation isn t the worst case scenario.