How much does it cost to install a radiant barrier in the attic?

Author: Kelly Dietrich  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 2025

Radiant barriers cost between $710 and $2,840 for materials and labor, with most homeowners paying about $1,700. Your attic's surface area and the type, quality, and brand of materials affect the total material cost, while installation complexity, local labor rates, and other factors determine final installation costs.

Is a radiant barrier in an attic worth it?

Some studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation than to add a radiant barrier.

What does it cost to install a vapor barrier?

Vapor Barrier Installation Cost

Per square foot, expect the crawl space vapor barrier cost to land between $1.35 and $2 per square foot, or a total of between $1,500 and $4,000 for labor and materials.

How much does a radiant barrier reduce temperature in an attic?

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.

What are the problems with radiant barriers?

Moisture problems, air leaks, inadequate attic ventilation, dust accumulation, compatibility issues with existing insulation, and condensation are some of the common challenges associated with radiant barriers.

Enerflex® Radiant Barrier From Home Depot vs. AtticFoil® Radiant Barrier Direct

How hot is the attic if its 90 degrees outside?

Note excessive heat – if it's 90 degrees outside, the attic temperature shouldn't be more than 110 degrees. More often than not, attic temperatures will be in excess of 125 degrees on a 90 degree day. This will overwork your air conditioning equipment, run up your utility bill and shorten the life of your roof.

Can I install vapor barrier myself?

Provided you're not claustrophobic, installing a vapor barrier is a project most homeowners can DIY. You will need to calculate the square footage of your crawl space, so you can buy the appropriate amount of liner.

What is the life expectancy of a vapor barrier?

A high-quality crawl space vapor barrier can be an effective solution for many years, as long as it is not damaged or punctured along the way. Generally, a crawl space vapor barrier that has been correctly installed by a professional and made of high-quality materials can have a lifespan of 20 years or more.

What is an alternative to vapor barrier?

Carton board air barrier paper is an excellent alternative to vapor barrier plastic.

Do I need to remove old attic insulation before installing new?

Do I Have To Remove Old Insulation? Unless your insulation is wet, moldy or infested with pests, you don't need to remove it before adding insulation on top of it. ENERGY STAR® recommends that you inspect your insulation for signs of mold, mildew, moisture and pest infiltration before making this determination.

Which is better, attic insulation blown or rolled?

Blown fiberglass insulation scores an R-value of 3.2 to 3.8, making it slightly less likely than rolled fiberglass to prevent the flow of heat into and out of your house. That being said, though, blown fiberglass insulation isn't meant to cover huge areas like rolled fiberglass insulation.

What is the cheapest way to insulate an attic?

​​Foam boards

Easy to install and relatively inexpensive, foam boards are another insulating option. They are usually made of polyurethane, polystyrene, or polyisocyanurate. Sheets of foam can be cut to fit tightly between wall studs or attic ceiling joints.

What is the average cost of radiant barrier installation?

Installing a radiant barrier costs $1,700 on average, but often ranges between $710 and $2,840 depending on whether your pro uses a foil or spray on type.

What is the difference between a radiant barrier and a vapor barrier?

* vapor barrier or vapor retardant is a material which does not allow water vapor to pass through it. * non5perforated radiant barrier is a vapor retardant (vapor barrier) and if used, it will not allow water vapor to pass through.

Does radiant barrier affect WIFI?

With Wi-Fi signals, unless the radiant barrier is between you and the router, there is unlikely to be any impact.

Do vapor barriers cause mold?

Install a New Vapor Barrier

If your vapor barrier was damaged or not installed correctly, it's important to replace it with a new one. This will help prevent moisture from seeping into your crawl space and creating the perfect environment for mold growth.

How much does it cost to install a new vapor barrier?

Vapor barrier installation could cost anywhere from $1,200 to $4,000 on average. This estimate includes materials and labor. A thicker barrier provides more protection for your home. It also costs more to install.

What are the disadvantages of vapor barrier?

The Cons of Vapor Barrier Installation

Although vapor barriers aim to prevent moisture from entering the structure, they can also trap moisture inside. If not properly installed or upheld, this could result in the proliferation of mold and other issues related to moisture.

When should you not use a vapor barrier?

Because a vapor barrier is a low permeable barrier, it keeps moisture from passing through. This is beneficial to keep moisture away from a dry surface but will trap moisture behind it if installed on a water-damaged concrete wall, causing the wall to fail further.

Do you have to remove old vapor barrier?

If your home already has a plastic vapor barrier installed, don't just install a new one over the top of it. This will cause moisture to be trapped underneath and can lead to mold growth. Instead, remove the old plastic and check for any signs of damage before installing a fresh layer of material.

How long does it take to install a vapor barrier?

Vapor barrier should at a minimum lay over the foundation footing and ideally be secured/sealed to the foundation walls. 3) How long does it take to install a vapor barrier? A typical vapor barrier installation should take a trained professional approximately three hours.

Do radiant barriers work in attics?

A radiant barrier helps homes with HVAC ductwork in the attic by reflecting heat away from the system.

How hot is my attic on a 100 degree day?

On a 100-degree day, an attic can reach temperatures of 170 degrees or more due to the radiant heat effect.

How cool should my house be if its 100 degrees outside?

Energy Efficiency: Setting the thermostat to 78-80 degrees can help save energy and reduce utility bills. Raising the thermostat during extremely hot days can save you up to 10-15% on your cooling costs, depending on factors like your home's insulation and your AC's efficiency level.

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