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Question DetailsAsked on 3/8/2012

Can I install spray foam and radiant barrier? Do I need both? Which is better?

I live in Dallas and have just bought a 3,000 sq ft ranch style home built in 1970. We're putting on a new roof and are debating what kind of insulation to put in the attic/roof. I didn't know what was better and whether or not it was worth/possible to install both. Thanks!

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Both can help but you are limited in what you can do. You'll have to remove all of the old insulation in the attic to prepare for the spray foam between the ceiling joists. You can not spray foam insulation between the rafters. There have been several discussion forums on the topic across the web. I believe it was Owen's Corning that put out a bulletin on the topic a while back but I'd have to search for it. Your roofing manufacturer's warranty will be effectively nulled because you no longer will have air flow under the decking. This traps heat in the shingles and cooks them from both sides, significantly reducing their life span. You can place radiant barrier under the roof because it does not provide a significant source of insulating R-value which traps the heat.

Make sure you will never remodel your home if you spray foam the ceiling. You will have a very difficult time getting to the electrical boxes or air register boxes after the fact and will add significant cost to the remodel expense. For bang for your buck in retrofit applications here in Texas you'll do best to have blown insulation added to boost your attic R-value to about a R-38. Also, put the foil radiant barrier up. Between the two you won't get much better on attic heat blocking. Make sure you have adaquate attic cross ventilation in terms of gable, soffit, and ridge vents. Any other more costly moves will be limited in productivity based on the age and construction of the home without further remodel including replacement of windows, doors, HVAC system with ducting, etc.

Todd Shell
Todd's Home Services
San Antonio, TX
www.thomeservices.com

Answered 1 year ago by Todd's Home Services

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Ranch style homes in the South and Southwest oftenhave duct work in the attic. This can effect how insulation, air sealingand radiate barrier product are installed. Are your ducts in the attic?

Answered 1 year ago by Cost Rite

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yes the duct work is in the attic

Answered 1 year ago by Joedawg9

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As old energy conservation contractor I am a huge fan of celulose (ground up paper treated with boron for insects) as a CAP over existing insulation, It has a high R value and really helps slow the exfiltration of conditioned air from the interior of the home. IE makes the home more air tight, Most big box stores will lend you a blowing machine with the purchase of raw paper. As to radiant barrier I also think is good idea ONLY if it is installed on the roof rafters with adjustments to allow for good attic ventilation, Dont staple product all the way to the top with continious ridge vent or over the area where a soffit vent feeds air into the attic or where a flat roof vent ( a 505) is installed. My home 9736 Ascot Drive Omaha Ne experienced a 50% drop in electricity bill in summer of 2011 after installing a radiant barrier. I do not sell either product, I am a Gutter Cover contractor. PS Dont think roofing manufators warranty's are worth a pile of beans fyi

Source: http://www.heartlandmastershield.com

Answered 11 months ago by jccasper




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