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Attics

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—Existing Attics - Radiant Barrier Installations:

Ra-flect™ Stapled to Bottom of Roof Rafters:

This installation is considered to be the best method in hot climates where cooling is far more important than heating. This type of installation will generally keep the entire attic space much cooler compared to a non radiant barrier insulated attic, and will effectively block radiant heat from striking air handlers and ductwork in the attic. Also, any attic air which happens to leak into the return side of the ductwork will be cooler, causing less stress on the cooling equipment, increasing its efficiency and lengthening its life.

Although this installation method is the most efficient, it is also the most challenging and requires the most work and time to install. However, once complete, this is a maintenance free installation method requiring no cleaning as it is generally not affected by dust.

Installation Tips:

• Perforated Ra-felct™ Radiant Barrier should be used for this job
• Pre-measure installation areas with tape measure and cut pieces to length on flat surface
• Re-roll Radiant Barrier into smaller lighter rolls for better mobility
• Unroll the Radiant Barrier, hold in place and staple to bottom of roof joists
• Trim around vertical bracing
• It is generally easiest to apply the strips perpendicular to the direction of the roof rafters
• Overlap runs by approximately 2 inches, or meet at vertical rafters if installing parallel to rafters
• Taped seams are not required in this installation

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Ra-flect™ Over Attic Floor

This installation method is the most common and easiest way of installing a Radiant Barrier in an existing attic. This method helps to reduce radiant heat gain through the ceiling in the summer and helps to retain interior heat in the winter.

Installation Tips:

• You must use Perforated Ra-felct™ Radiant Barrier for this job
• Unroll the Radiant Barrier over the existing attic insulation along ceiling joist
• Trim around vertical bracing
• Periodically staple to the ceiling joists to hold in place
• Overlap strips by approximately 3-4 inches
• Taped seams are not required in this installation

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—New Construction - Radiant Barrier Installations:

Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier Sheathing:

There are several companies who offer sheathing products with aluminum foil laminated to the back. However, these pre-laminated sheathing sheets are not recommended as the perforations in the aluminum sheets tend to get plugged up by the adhesives causing and unintended vapor retardant. This vapor retardant could cause moisture issues later on which could ultimately lead to rot and leaks.

With our Perforated Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier, you can make your own durable reflective sheathing for a fraction of the cost.  Just staple our 48” wide foil products to regular OSB or Plywood sheathing for a superior product.

Installation Tips:

• Use our industrial grade perforated Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier for this job
• Unroll 48” wide Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier over the sheathing and staple it in place.
• Cut foil off at the end of the sheathing.
• You have just made reflective sheathing or roof decking at a savings of about 35 cents per sq ft.
• When installing it on your roof, face aluminum side down toward the attic space.

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Ra-flect™ Under Roof Decking:

This installation is primarily used in new construction or when replacing roof decking.  It works by draping the Radiant Barrier over the open roof rafters during construction and stapling it to the top of the rafters.

Installation Tips

• Perforated Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier is preferable for this job
• Unroll the Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier over the top of the roof rafters
• Allow the material to sag about 2 inches between each rafter
• Staple periodically to hold Radiant Barrier in place
• *Use homemade tool as shown below for ease of installation and proper sag
• Overlap runs by approximately 2 inches
• Taped seams are not required in this installation
• Nail roof decking on top as usual