If you're looking to increase the efficiency of your home by insulating your attic space, it's imperative that you choose the most efficient insulation option that's going to help achieve this result. In this case, you'll want to use radiant barrier.
People might ask, "Does it really matter which insulation product I use in my attic space?" The short answer: absolutely.
When we say "radiant barrier," we're not using it in its general form; we're talking specifically about radiant barrier foil insulation. This product is the ideal insulation for your attic space instead of bubble foil insulation, and here's why:
Why Radiant Barrier Over Bubble Insulation for Attics?
The best radiant barrier product for your attic is EcoFoil® Perforated Radiant Barrier. This product has a grid of perforated tiny holes to allow moisture and air to flow through it. This air movement is important, as it will carry hot air and moisture out through the ridge vent. When installed properly - with a gap of 6” where the rafters meet the floor joists and along the ridge vent – the air will be able to flow through the attic as if the radiant barrier wasn’t even there.
To prevent any problems with condensation it is important that you do not block these tiny holes by overlapping or taping the seams. In fact it is best to leave a small gap between sheets to facilitate the movement of air. Some customers ask if these gaps decrease the effectiveness of the radiant barrier. No, they don’t. When you consider the entire area of your roof, a ½ inch gap between sheets is very insignificant and will have almost no measurable impact on the barrier’s performance.
Radiant Barrier insulation prevents excessive heat gain in the summer, reflecting up to 96% of radiant heat from entering your attic space.
Why Not Use Bubble Foil Insulation?
So back to our original question, “Can I use bubble insulation in my attic?” The answer is no, and here’s why.
Our bubble insulation is 100% water proof and is a 100% vapor barrier. Installing it in your attic would virtually stop the natural air movements that help cool the attic. This would contribute to the buildup of condensation which in turn would lead to the growth of mold.
This isn’t to say that our bubble insulation is a bad product. On the contrary, it is perfect for applications such as crawlspaces and basements where traditional fiberglass insulation cannot prevent moisture from entering your home.
To sum it up, Perforated Radiant Barrier from EcoFoil® is the only choice for your attic because its tiny holes allow the air and moisture to naturally exit the attic.
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Let us help you figure out how much radiant barrier you need and advise you on your installation. Email us or call 1-888-349-3645 to get in touch with one of our product experts!
