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.

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. You must ensure the attic ventilation is not blocked. This is why radiant barrier combined with proper ventilation works to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. They should be installed with the foil side facing into the attic adjacent to an open air space.

Damp insulation may support mold growth and eventually will lose some of its r value. Radiant barrier does require and air gap to work to reflect heat just an air space gap. Radiant barriers require expert installation to work effectively. Do you need ventilation in order for radiant barrier to work.

You can learn more about how that works here. According to the department of energy installing radiant barrier on the floor of the attic can cause problems. If dust accumulates on the foil surface it will render the radiant barrier less efficient. Why an airspace is required for a radiant barrier.

Air temperatures would drop but surface temperatures would not drop much due to the radiant heat gain. Having good attic ventilation helps to reduce the air temperature in your attic but having a radiant barrier helps reduce the surface temperatures in your attic. 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. A radiant barrier works together with decent attic ventilation to drop both air temperature and surface temps.