Radiant Barrier
Note: Installation instructions and illustrated drawings are recommendations only, while proper local construction methods are the responsibility of the installer.
Reflectix® products are an excellent, energy-efficient choice for upgrading your attic system. When installed properly, a reduction of up to 10% in the home’s air conditioning usage can result. The products are clean, lightweight and easy to install. Additionally, attic-mounted HVAC ducts benefit from the reduction of attic surface temperatures.
Note: Attic Radiant Barriers provide benefit on hot sunny days. For this reason, they are recommended for installation in the Southern Zone of the USA (due to the amount of AC usage). However, they will provide reduced heat gain into the home wherever they are installed. If you need to verify your location, use our Zip Code Zone Locator, or call (800) 879-3645.
Recommended Products
Radiant Barrier
Radiant Barrier, Reflective/Woven Fabric/Reflective – Roll (Heavy Duty)
- RB4812550 (48” x 125’)
Double Reflective Insulation
Reflective/Bubble/Bubble/Reflective – Roll
- BP24025 (24” x 25’)
- BP48025 (48” x 25’)
Staple Tab, Reflective/Bubble/Bubble/Reflective – Roll
- ST16025 (16” x 25’)
- ST24025 (24” x 25’)
Benefits
- Radiant barrier
- Blocks 96% of radiant heat
- Easy to install
- Does not require any protective garments or respirators
- Convenient roll sizes
- Does not promote growth of mold or mildew
- Not affected by moisture or humidity
Installation Instructions
Radiant Barrier Installation Instructions:
(There are 2 installation options)
Installation Instruction pdf: DIY Attic Revised 012021
1. Underside of Rafter Method (depicted in illustration above)
- Check the attic area and make any needed repairs before installing Reflectix®.
- Unroll the Reflectix® as you work and cut it to suitable lengths (8’ to 12’) with scissors or utility knife.
- If a helper is available, rolling out longer lengths of product with one person stapling and the other holding the end of the product makes for a quicker installation.
- Allow for proper ventilation. See note below on ventilation.
- Install product perpendicular to the rafters with a 2” overlap on the seams (no taping required). Staple the product to the rafters at 2” to 3” intervals.
- Leave a 2” to 3” gap on each side of the roof peak and a gap at the lower edge of the roof line (within 18” OK).
- Staple to the face of the studs on gables and insure at least a 1” gap around all vents.
2. Staple to the Deck Method – Southern Zone of the USA Only
Verify the location of your home with the ”Zip Code Zone Locator” function below.
- Cut the entire roll of product into 16” or 24” lengths with a miter saw (depending on rafter spacing).
- Begin at the top of the cavity. Run product flush to the decking, parallel to the rafter.
- Staple sheet directly to the deck (nails poking through sheet from above will not interfere with performance).
- Do not block any venting (cut around).
- No need to cover rafters (no loop around).
Double Reflective Insulation Installation Instructions:
(There are 3 installation options)
Installation Instruction pdf: DIY Attic Revised 012021
1. Underside of Rafter Method (depicted in illustration above)
- Check the attic area and make any needed repairs before installing Reflectix®.
- Unroll the Reflectix® as you work and cut it to suitable lengths (8’ to 12’) with scissors or utility knife.
- If a helper is available, rolling out longer lengths of product with one person stapling and the other holding the end of the product makes for a quicker installation.
- Allow for proper ventilation. See note below on ventilation.
- Install product perpendicular to the rafters with a 2” overlap on the seams (no taping required). Staple the product to the rafters at 2” to 3” intervals.
- Leave a 2” to 3” gap on each side of the roof peak and a gap at the lower edge of the roof line (within 18” OK).
- Staple to the face of the studs on gables and insure at least a 1” gap around all vents.
2. Staple to the Deck Method – Southern Zone of the USA Only
Verify the location of your home with the ”Zip Code Zone Locator” function below.
- It is easiest to install either 16” or 24” wide product (depending on rafter spacing).
- Begin at the top of the cavity. Run product flush to the decking, parallel to the rafter.
- Staple sheet directly to the deck (nails poking through sheet from above will not interfere with performance).
- Do not block any venting (cut around).
- No need to cover rafters (no loop around).
3. Truss Cavity or Side of Rafter Method
- Utilize either 16” or 24” Reflective/Bubble product (depending on truss/rafter spacing).
- Product will be installed parallel to the truss/rafter direction.
- Begin at the top of the cavity.
- Staple the product (either Staple Tab (ST Reflective/Bubble) or the edge of the BP Reflective/Bubble product) to the side of the top chord of the truss (the structural 2”x 4” (or 2”x 6”) that is attached to the roof decking) or the side of the rafter.
- Continue down length of truss/rafter stapling at 2” to 3” intervals – Repeat on opposite truss/rafter.
- Allow for proper ventilation. See note below on ventilation.
- A minimum of a 1/4” continuous air gap should be present between the product and the roof decking – Do not staple the product directly to the deck – This product is not perforated and could potentially condensate.
- Do not block any venting (cut around).
Installation Video
Important
Review These Important Safety Guidelines Prior to Installation:
- ALWAYS check local building codes before installing Reflectix®.
- ALWAYS check the area you are insulating and make any needed repairs. Any worn wiring should be replaced before you begin installing Reflectix®.
- ALWAYS make sure work areas are well ventilated and well lighted.
- ALWAYS use eye protection when operating a staple gun.
- ALWAYS use caution and common sense when using a staple gun. Be aware of electrical wiring locations. Stapling into a wire can cause severe shock or death. NEVER staple into electrical wiring.
- ALWAYS be careful when working with large pieces of Reflectix® on windy days.
- When installing Reflectix® on bright sunny days, it is best to wear sun glasses.
- Do not work in areas such as attics when temperatures are too hot.
- Please Note: The intention of these Installation Instructions and 3-D renderings are for the sole purpose of illustrating the correct location and relative position of the Reflectix® products in specific building assemblies. The correct construction methods and techniques are the responsibility of the installer or contractor. The methods outlined are recommendations on location of the Reflectix® products as a guideline. There are no claims on the part of Reflectix, Inc. that these building assemblies are finite standards or meet building code requirements (as they can vary by region).
Reflectix Fact Sheet per FTC
Testing and Certification
Reflectix® products are thoroughly tested at either nationally approved, independent laboratories or leading universities. Tests are performed to current American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards when a standard exists. To obtain a copy of our Product Testing Specifications, please refer to the “Additional Resources” tab. The documents are also available by e-mail at customerservice@reflectixinc.com or call (800) 879-3645.
Ventilation
Good ventilation in your attic increases your comfort and helps the materials of your house last longer. Be sure not to block ventilation paths when you install Reflectix®.
Add'l Resources / Literature
Photos
Pictured: 1. Heavy Duty Radiant Barrier, 2. Double Reflective Insulation, 3. Double Reflective Insulation with Staple Tab, 4. Tools for Installation, 5. Double Reflective Insulation (Refer to the Installation Instructions for your region), 6. Radiant Barrier (Refer to the Installation Instructions for your region)