Basics of Radiant Barrier Installation –
Always start with checking the labels and recommendations from the manufacturer. Its also good to check over the area in the attic for any existing problems including moisture, holes in your roof, damaged electrical wiring, missing or damaged insulation, anything else that looks out of place, etc. If you find a problem you are not sure you can fix on your own you want a qualified professional who can. The installation process is fairly simple.
First measure out the area you are going to cover, cut out the amount of material making sure to add a little extra at each end, roll it back up, take it up to the attic for installation, and then lay out over the desired coverage area. Repeat until finished.
During installation be careful not to cover any pipes or vents, fans or any kind of equipment that produces heat. HVAC (heating & a / c) vents and ducts are OK to cover. This will actually help keep the cool and hot areas separated. During a hot season the ducts and vents will remain in the cooler area of the roof protected, and in winter the heat will be separate form the cooler areas making the heating unit more efficient.
Lay the material in line with the beams of the attic floor. Do not worry about stapling down or taping pieces together; simply overlap each piece over the last one installed.
Do not rest or store objects on top of the heat barrier; the heat reflecting capability will be reduced. The thermal barrier that you purchase must be a perforated type so you do not have moisture condensation problems. If your radiant barrier is not perforated, send it back right away to avoid moisture problems.