Do I Need Attic Vents With Radiant Barrier

You must ensure the attic ventilation is not blocked.

Do i need attic vents with radiant barrier.

According to the department of energy installing radiant barrier on the floor of the attic can cause problems. Air temperatures would drop but surface temperatures would not drop much due to the radiant heat gain. They should be installed with the foil side facing into the attic adjacent to an open air space. A radiant barrier works together with decent attic ventilation to drop both air temperature and surface temps.

You can learn more about how that works here. Here is where many people screw up attic ventilation. 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. 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. Radiant barriers require expert installation to work effectively. Radiant barrier does require and air gap to work to reflect heat just an air space gap. This is why radiant barrier combined with proper ventilation works to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

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. If dust accumulates on the foil surface it will render the radiant barrier less efficient. Damp insulation may support mold growth and eventually will lose some of its r value. 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.