If you're looking for a way to save some money without having to spend a lot to do it then you might want to consider installing reflective foil over your attic insulation.
Also known as a radiant barrier, foil barriers are a type of reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. However, unlike thermal insulation, they do not reduce heat conduction. Instead it works with the insulation to help maximize the efficiency of your home, to keep the heat out during the summer or to keep it in during the winter.
While there are a variety of different ways to install the reflective foil in your home, many of the options require you to hire a professional. For people who do not have that much money in their budget it is still possible to reap the benefits without having to hire an installer. It is called an attic floor installation. This form of installation might take a little time to complete but you can do it all by yourself. It also works well with any attic insulation you might already have in place.
Before you get started measure your attic. This will tell you exactly how much radiant barrier you will need to use. Once you know how much you'll need to get the job done then you can start shopping. Because this is a long term investment for your home you will want to look around and make sure you're getting the best product possible.
There are three different factors that are taken into account when the performance of a reflective foil barrier is determined. They look at the emissivity, reflectivity and the angle that the incident radiation bounces on the surface. When shopping for a reflective foil to use in your home, look at the numbers. All radiant foils are rated using a number between 0 and 1. The higher the number, the greater the reflectivity.
When you purchase the reflective foil you will also need to make sure that you have a cutter and staple gun on hand to complete the job.
You ' ve gathered Once all of your supplies and the right radiant barrier for your needs it is time to get is started. First you will want to make sure your attic is completely cleared out. Anything you might have been storing in it will need to be put elsewhere. Next you will want to make note of any vents in your attic. If you have any then you will need to make the appropriate cuts in the foil to make sure they will not be covered.
After you have all the reflective foil cut and ready for installation it is time to lay it over your attic floor. The entire floor should be covered with the foil when you are done.
From here you can either staple the reflective foil down so it will stay in place or you can choose to overlap it and let it lay loose. If you choose a loose lay this will give you the opportunity to reach any wires that may be under it without any trouble in the future.
When installing the barrier over your attic insulation make sure it does not touch and that it faces in the right direction. If it is laid wrong it could have the opposite effect on your home, causing your energy bills to rise instead of go down.