This past June we (the Brennans) decided to do something about the heat that causes our second story to heat up so much in the summer. Often we have experienced a 10-degree difference between our upper and lower levels, which makes for uncomfortable sleeping and causes us to use the air conditioner. Tom did a bit of research and found something interesting: radiant barriers for the attic. A radiant barrier for an attic is simply a tarp-like material made of a modified form of aluminum foil that reflects the heat back up and out of the house. It seemed so simple in concept...we had to try it!
There are a couple of ways you can install this layer, and Tom chose to use the technique where the foil is placed over the insulation. So we ordered about 250 feet of Super R Supreme Material from a company called Innovative Insulation Inc and hired Dunbar Construction to install it. The material cost $150 plus shipping.
The results have really been amazing. We have not felt that temp differential while climbing the stairs in the late afternoon and evening. We have been completely comfortable at night. So we give this simple change a big thumbs up!
For additional detail and more pictures, see our Cool Roofs page.
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