The Conclusion. The installation and/or presence of radiant barrier systems (RBS) in the manner described, does not affect the likelihood of lightning striking the structure or object.
Simply put, the biggest possible problem with any kind of radiant barrier is dust. To understand why dust creates issues for all kinds of radiant barriers, it's important to understand how they work: Radiation transfers heat directly outward from an energy source.
Is radiant barrier a fire hazard? While radiant barriers have many benefits, they also have drawbacks, namely the risks of fire. Because of the way radiant barriers are installed, they become electrically connected to any metal roofing materials, including flashing.
Radiant barriers are installed in homes -- usually in attics -- primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. They don't, however, reduce heat conduction like thermal insulation materials.
In simpler terms, a radiant barrier decreases the sun's heat that penetrates your home and is not very good at transferring heat but excellent at deflecting it. On the other hand, you cannot do away with blown-in insulation. Insulation seals your attic from pollens, allergens, mold spores, and other threats.
It has specifically been suggested that the use of radiant barriers in roof structures can 'attract lightning' and further, a structure with a radiant barrier system will be more likely to be struck by lightning than an identical structure without it.
This is because an air gap provides an additional layer of insulation that helps to prevent heat from passing through the barrier and into the living space. If you are installing a radiant barrier, it's recommended to leave an air gap of at least 25mm (1 inch) between the barrier and the surface it's installed on.
With Wi-Fi signals, unless the radiant barrier is between you and the router, there is unlikely to be any impact.
What is the R-value of your radiant barrier? Radiant barrier on its own has NO R-value; R-value is attributed to materials slowing conductive heat. AtticFoil™ works to block radiant heat (97%) coming in to the attic by stapling it to the rafters, but it has no R-value.
Radiant barriers may be installed in attics in several configurations. The simplest is to lay the radiant barrier directly on top of existing attic insulation, with the reflective side up.
When the paint is installed correctly, it will reflect about 75% of the radiant heat and can be a very good product. Getting good results with radiant barrier paint assumes a couple of things: The rafters are being sprayed completely (this usually costs more when you get an estimate).
Aluminum foil is the most common and cost-effective radiant barrier material. It's available in rolls from home improvement stores for DIY projects.
The tests to date have shown that in attics with R-19 insulation, radiant barriers can reduce summer ceiling heat gains by about 16 to 42 percent compared to an attic with the same insulation level and no radiant barrier.
As long as homeowners or certified attic specialists install them appropriately, radiant barriers last anywhere from 80 to 100 years.
Another alternative to radiant barrier foil are the various types of foam insulation. What is foam insulation? Foam insulation most commonly comes in two forms: rigid and spray.
Aluminum covered radiant barrier products (like Original AtticFoil™) are pretty difficult to start burning, but once they flash (catch fire) the polyethylene scrim inside will continue to burn at a relatively slow rate.
This is probably the easiest method to install Radiant Barrier AtticFoil™: lay the foil out over the existing insulation on the attic floor.
With multiple layers of product and airspaces between each layer, enhanced performance will be gained. If the product is simply “doubled” (with no air space between the layers), a very minimal benefit is obtained, (R-1.1 (per layer) for the Reflective/Double Bubble product).
When planning to install a radiant barrier, budget between $710 and $2,840, with the average homeowner spending around $1,700 to have a radiant barrier installed. Costs vary depending on which type—foil or spray-on—you choose and the size of your attic space.
If you live in a cloudy and shady area for much of the winter, a radiant barrier may be a smart lifetime investment as it will work to keep warm air inside the home, preventing it from escaping through your attic and roof.
If a radiant barrier is present you would need to mount the antenna on the roof to get up and over that blockage. As long as you do not add more than an additional 50 feet of coaxial to the length that comes with the Air 60 you would not need additional amplification.
Since aluminum foil is made from metal, it can block cellular signals from entering your home. Many people use it to make a Faraday cage.
Applying Radiant Barriers to Your Attic
They don't need to be airtight, but shouldn't sag in between rafters either. Some room should remain between the lowest sheet and the floor, as well as the top of the attic.
Radiant barrier sheathing panels have two sides: a foil surface and a skid-resistant surface. LP TechShield panels should always be installed with the foil side down and the skid-resistant side facing up. Be sure to wear skid-resistant shoes during radiant barrier sheathing installation in a roof application.
If you plan to add an extra layer of insulation, you can install insulated plasterboards over the foil insulation.