Do I Need Attic Vents With Radiant Barrier

Damp insulation may support mold growth and eventually will lose some of its r value.

Do i need attic vents with radiant barrier. Do you need ventilation in order for radiant barrier to work. According to the department of energy installing radiant barrier on the floor of the attic can cause problems. This is why radiant barrier combined with proper ventilation works to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Radiant barriers require expert installation to work effectively.

A radiant barrier works together with decent attic ventilation to drop both air temperature and surface temps. They should be installed with the foil side facing into the attic adjacent to an open air space. 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. 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.

You must ensure the attic ventilation is not blocked. More is not always better. Why an airspace is required for a radiant barrier. If dust accumulates on the foil surface it will render the radiant barrier less efficient.

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. Air temperatures would drop but surface temperatures would not drop much due to the radiant heat gain. Radiant barrier does require and air gap to work to reflect heat just an air space gap. Here is where many people screw up attic ventilation.