Perforated Radiant Barrier (vs. Non-Perforated Solid Vapor Barrier)
When installing a radiant barrier over the attic
floor, over existing insulation in place or not, you MUST use a perforated
radiant barrier. This is because moisture-laden air generated in
your home from breathing, washing clothes, bathing, running the dishwasher,
etc travels upwards and must be able to pass through the radiant barrier to
escape your attic. If a solid radiant barrier were used in this location,
it would trap the moisture in the air and condensate resulting in water droplets
that would drip onto your insulation/attic floor and rafters causing damage.
Our RadiantGUARD® Ultima also comes in a non-perforated
solid version. Our RadiantGUARD® bubble insulation products are
only available in a non-perforated solid version. Non-perforated solid
products serve as vapor barriers.
When MUST you use a non-perforated (SOLID) radiant barrier?:
If you are using a radiant barrier in wall cavities as
a house wrap you MUST use a non-perforated
(SOLID) radiant barrier:
-
IF you
live in high humidity / high hydrostatic pressure areas located between
the southern tip of Texas and the Florida-Georgia border on the Atlantic
Ocean AND you have a stucco
structure,
-
OR you
are installing a radiant barrier in a cathedral ceiling application
between the insulation and the ceiling drywall.
For more information regarding
vapor barriers, please visit the following
websites: