Radiant Barrier (cost, vs, garage door)

[dlleon]

I used acoolerhouse dot com to do my house. I was very impressed. They under promised and over delivered. My only issue with them is that they had agreed to bill my credit card over two months, and they billed it all up front. Not a big deal. They did the radiant barrier, redid my attic vents and insulation, and resealed all the doors and windows. I think the cost was around $3k for my 2800 sq.ft. house. I noticed a big drop in my power bills, especially in the summer. I can't say enough good things about them.

[loves2read]

read an interesting post today for home inspector in the Minneapolis area who was reporting on scam going on there--people selling radiant barrier sheeting to people (apparently senior-type homeowners) as a good upgrade for their house--a real energy saving feature--
when in that part of the country there is really NO energy saving to be had by putting foil radiant barrier in people's attics...
all their HVAC is in basement and there is just not the heat intrusion like we have here...

[TheOverdog]

I would just like to point out that if your a/c system ducting is in the attic space, it is always going to blow out hot air when it starts up unless you cool your ducts constantly (not sure how or why you would want to do that) or move your ducting into air conditioned space (which is how houses should be built in Texas, but most aren't) . You shouldn't include that as something you are trying to stop.

I've heard that in our area, a properly installed radiant barrier will lower your a/c usage by about 10%, which is nothing to sneeze at, and 'proper' includes all that things that others have stated about venting and additional insulation.

[nsumner]

In addition to the radiant barrier we installed attic tents on all 3 access points. They paid for themselves in a very short period of time. We could feel the difference in the air flow immediately.

Here's a link to more info about it. I didn't use this company, I just thought their site was clear and more concise than others. Attic Tent - The energy-saving attic access insulator.

Naima

[laked3]

My A/C ducts are installed in the attic and I get no hot air blowing out of my vents when the cooling turns on at all. The ducts are buried in insulation and I have radiant barrier which keeps the attic cooler and prevents the ducts from heating up from any sun rays that penetrate the roof without radiant barrier as well.

Tree shade is the most efficient way of shading the roof but my south and west side are fully exposed so I put in radiant barrier and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I also planted a Red Oak on the south side (the back) to someday provide some shade but that is a few years away.

[racehorse]

We have a quote from Home Depot to do radiant barrier spray paint, adding insulation, and adding a bunch of vents. The spray is not eligible for tax credits but they said it is better than the foil in Texas, even though they acknowledge that it blocks less heat. Any have opinions on the spray vs. the panels?

[TheOverdog]

it is better than the foil in Texas, even though they acknowledge that it blocks less heat.

It if blocks less heat, then how is it 'better'? Blocking heat is really all a radiant barrier does. Is it much cheaper?

[racehorse]

I actually don't have anything to compare it to, since I just have one quote so far. I've never heard that foil would be an issue in Texas and was just trying to figure out if that might be the case. The HD installer said the foil allows less circulation and that it makes it more difficult to find any roof leaks.

We'll get more quotes before settling on a provider.

[Eric4114]

I do pc house calls, and have several customers with radiant barriers. Their main complaint was that it blocks cell phone signals; one of them had to buy an AT&T Microcell so they could use their cell phone though their DSL line, because the RB ended up blocking their cell phones. They were unsure that if given the situation, that they would install it again. Both customers stated the savings did not meet their expectations.

[Pete53FR]

Originally Posted by Eric4114

I do pc house calls, and have several customers with radiant barriers. Their main complaint was that it blocks cell phone signals; one of them had to buy an AT&T Microcell so they could use their cell phone though their DSL line, because the RB ended up blocking their cell phones. They were unsure that if given the situation, that they would install it again. Both customers stated the savings did not meet their expectations.

Wow never knew that although I use WiFi in my house to get great signals. I am blocked by the large buildings on Central Exp near Northpark although since Tmobile went 4G its a lot better.