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.

Do i need attic vents with radiant barrier.

Why an airspace is required for a radiant barrier. Radiant barrier does require and air gap to work to reflect heat just an air space gap. They should be installed with the foil side facing into the attic adjacent to an open air space. Radiant barriers require expert installation to work effectively.

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. 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. 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. You can learn more about how that works here.

More is not always better. 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. 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. This is why radiant barrier combined with proper ventilation works to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

Here is where many people screw up attic ventilation. 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. Do you need ventilation in order for radiant barrier to work.