Over-Attic Insulation Radiant Barrier Installation Instructions
Probably the easiest method to install Radiant Barrier Attic Foil is to lay the foil out OVER the existing Insulation on the attic floor. You can purchase the SAME product used by many professional installers and radiant barrier marketers direct from AtticFoil.com and install it yourself. There are some Pro’s and Con’s to this method, so read the info on The Best Radiant Barrier Install Method before getting into the specifics of how to put it in. Also, read the WARNINGS regarding installing foil directly over attic insulation in cold climates.
This method can be used both in Warm Climates and Cold Climates. It is the best method for cold climates and also works well in warm climates.
Radiant Barrier Makes Regular Insulation More Effective. By minimizing airflow within the insulation and minimizing radiant heat loss/gain from your attic, radiant barrier will make your home more comfortable and more efficient.
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Tape a nail on the end of a pole or 1x2 board to stab the foil and push back into hard to reach areas. |
Use the Double-T cut method to cut foil to fit around obstacles. |
How To Install:
The install process is usually pretty simple and quick in most attics. It is typical for two people to easily install radiant barrier into an average size home in just a few hours.
Check you insulation. Radiant Barrier Foil is great. However, it is NOT a substitute for good attic insulation. Check with the Department Of Energy for the recommend level of insulation for your area.
Make A Plan – The best plan is to start in the far corners of your attic and work your way back towards the entrance. Measure and Cut – Take some measurements for several pieces at a time and cut outside. ROLL up the pieces like small rolls carpet.
Roll Out Foil – Start in a far corner and start rolling out the foil OR Pull the foil into the corner. If the area is hard to reach use a pole, PVC pipe or a 1x2 board with a nail taped on the end. You can easily stab the foil and move it far back into hard to reach areas.
If you have LARGE open areas in your attic consider this trick. Cut the foil on your driveway or yard and tape 2 or 3 pieces side by side to make either an 8' or 12' wide piece. This will form ONE BIG PIECE. For example: If you make a piece 20 feet long and 12 feet wide, you can cover an area of about 240 square feet VERY QUICKLY. Just roll the foil up like a big rug, take it into the attic and roll it out. It's that simple.
Overlap the foil sheets about 1-2 inches. Use small pieces of foil tape to “tack” the pieces together. Or, you can tape the entire seams if you want but it's not required. Cut around supports, braces and other obstacles. It does not have to be perfect or pretty. Small gaps in the foil are OK. Just cut a slit, wrap the foil around the obstacle and use a small piece of foil tape to tack it back together. Use a "Double-T" Cut. This will make the foil lay flat around obstacles
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Double-T Cut Around Obstacles |
Leave a Small Gap Between Foil and Attic Insulation |
Do Not PUSH the foil down into the attic insulation. The foil works best and is most effective if there is about a 1”-2” gap between the foil and the top of the insulation. So, just LAY it out nice and easy. Your insulation has little peaks an valleys. Usually, these little peaks work perfectly to keep most of the foil a little bit above the insulation. When done, the foil will have ACTUAL CONTACT with about 5-10% of the top of the attic insulation.
Vaulted or Tapered Ceilings: You might have an area with a ceiling that tapers down and is very hard to reach. Just tape a couple of pieces of foil together and let it roll down into the hard area to reach. Then, use a pole with a nail to push it around until it covers the area intended.
Can I Cover My Decking Used For Storage With Radiant Barrier? - Sure, you can cover any decking you have with foil. Use a can of spray paint or tape and OUTLINE the decking so you know where you can safely step once complete.
Pretty simple, pretty easy. YOU CAN INSTALL YOUR OWN RADIANT BARRIER IN YOUR ATTIC.