Radiant Barrier

Updated on November 15, 2009
L.B. asks from Dallas, TX
11 answers

Hi everyone,
Does anyone have any experience with getting a radiant barrier in your attic? If you have do you recommend it for electric cost savings? Any suggestions on who does a good job installing it at a fair price? Thanks so much ! L.

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C.M.

answers from Dallas on

I know several people that did it & did not see a big difference. I have several friends in the business that have told us not to do it.. The best way is to seal the house the best you can & add some insulation.. This had worked wonders for us so far!

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D.C.

answers from Dallas on

Before you do this let me tell you something my contractor told me. Your cell won't work under the Radiant Barrier. My plumber confirmed it - said he had a client that had it and he couldn't get cell reception inside.

If you have a land line and don't rely on cell service that's one thing, but if you get most of your calls on your cell - ask some questions before you get it installed.

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T.H.

answers from Dallas on

Call Rodney Geisler with Home Energy Doctors. ###-###-#### He can do a FULL evaluation of your home and inform you what your best energy efficiency changes would be. He works with several preferred vendors to get you the best! Tell him T. Harris sent you! My husband and I own Buff and Coat, a Harwood Refinishing Company, and have worked with Rodney several times.

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V.S.

answers from Dallas on

We painted it ourselves in our (new construction)home. I actually did it myself and so while I can't tell you if it changed our bills (we never got a bill before the paint was put on) I will say that I could physically tell a difference while painting it. It was June and I was up in the attic and climbing rafters to get it painted. I could feel the the difference between where I'd painted and where I had not. When I would stop for a water break, I'd be sure to stand under the painted ceiling! We also painted the west (interior but under the drywall) side of our home.

VickiS

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T.Z.

answers from Dallas on

We've thought about it and my husband has done the research and learned that the spray insulation is best, but find out what's in it...you don't want chemicals. Only thing I know...check out their BBB comments b/c there are some bad ones on some companies listed on tv. Much luck. I love your interests by the way!!! We have a lot in common.

BTW, to get an energy evaluation...your electric company does that for free!! :)

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S.S.

answers from Dallas on

We recently had radiant barrier, attic fans and upgrade to insulation istalled mid-June 2009. Our electric bill from June 2008 was $35 more than June 2009. Not to mention, June 2009 was hotter than June 2008 and we are keeping the house 2 degrees cooler. We were told the spray on barrier is not as effective by a company that does both (the spray on would have been more expensive, so the information wasn't a sell the most expensive product pitch). The workmen said the sheets allow for the evaporation of moisture and that you want to leave a gap at the ridge poles to allow heat to escape, avoiding an oven-like environment.

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J.G.

answers from Dallas on

HI, I'm J. Gowins with W. J. Gowins Roofing Contractors since 1962. We actually install at a very competitive price and yes there is a savings on energy if installed properly. The key is to be properly ventilated in addition to the barrier. You must also utilize the proper installation for the type of structure.
You may experience an issue with cell signal. Myself I do in some room of my home while its perfectly fine in other rooms. My wife has a different phone service provider and has no issues at all.
We use the exact same product manufactured for NASA and numerous layers placed in the space suits along with thermal temperature bladders, which protects the astronauts at 350 above on the light side of the moon and as drastic temperature below on the dark side
If you would like further info or have questions my e-mail is ____@____.com or 817/312-0390

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B.A.

answers from Dallas on

I have a follow up quesiton for those of you that have had this done by someone else. ... Would you do it again? Do you think it was worth the money to have it done?

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S.H.

answers from Dallas on

Hi
My husband and brother installed ours this past June. It took them a day and 1/2. Wow the difference, I can go up in the attic on 100 degree day to get something and it is not bad. We have been able to set our thermostat 2 degrees lower than last summer. my husband works from home and is constantly on his cell phone or cordless and we have not had any problems with reception. I would do it again.
Good luck!

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S.N.

answers from Dallas on

Hi L.,
I read your request and told my bf he had to reply so I'm turning it over to him.

I'm Brad Hobbs and I'm a sales rep at W.J. Gowins, Inc.
We are a roofing contractor and radiant barrier is one of the products we offer. We have been in business for 46 yrs.
Radiant Barrier is highly effective for cutting down heating and cooling costs.
I'm a big fan of radiant barrier. Every customer we have installed it for, as well as, several people I have met who already have it, love it.
There are several methods of installing it. In my experience, some ways of installing are not as effective as others. The most effective installation is to install the radiant barrier product on the bottom of the rafters.
There are many reasons why this is best and I can explain them all to you. If you would like to call and get more information, my phone number is ###-###-#### or you can email me at ____@____.com.

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M.N.

answers from Dallas on

We had it done about 3 years ago so I don't remember the name of the company. It has decreased our electric bill, as well as kept the house a little cooler. If I remember correctly, it took 2 guys about 2 1/2 hours to do all of our attic spaces ( including over the garage ).

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