A common misconception is that loose fill and fiberglass are the only insulation materials you can use for your home or business. For enhanced thermal protection, radiant barriers are another top choice for homeowners, builders and contractors. They effectively lower cooling costs and can also reduce temperature changes and strain on your HVAC system.
Below, we’ll explore how this innovative foil blocks the sun’s excess heat and discuss tax and utility rebates for builders and homeowners to help offset your purchase price.
Contact Installed Building Products of Tampa to install radiant barrier insulation in your Tampa home or business.
What Is Radiant Barrier Insulation?
Radiant barrier insulation is a thin insulating material that resembles aluminum foil. It’s useful for new construction, businesses and existing homes. It reflects UV rays and intense summer heat from the sun away from an attic or roof, thereby reducing radiant heat gain. Radiant barriers are also used in the colder months to block heat loss, making it perfect for Tampa’s mild winter weather.
Materials that radiant barrier uses are highly reflective foil-faced panels with a reflective coating on either or both sides of the panel.
Common substrate materials can be:
- Cardboard, plastic or oriented strand board
- A barrier to block air infiltration
- Kraft paper or plywood sheathing
Radiant Barrier Insulation Benefits for Tampa Homes
Despite higher installation costs, radiant barriers are cost-effective and will increase your savings in the long run. Another benefit is combining radiant barriers with other insulating products for use elsewhere in the country, where winters are much colder.
The benefits of using a radiant barrier include:
Extending Your HVAC System Lifespan
Because it helps regulate indoor temperatures, there’s less fluctuation and strain on your HVAC unit. A radiant barrier is highly durable and can block infrared radiation from that hot Florida sun.
Minimizing Your Environmental Impact
Homes can expect to save up to 15% on cooling bills. Radiant barriers are eco-friendly and can help minimize your carbon footprint.
Optimizing Comfort
Florida can have record heat waves that cause sweltering temperatures indoors. Radiant barriers prevent excess discomfort.
What Areas of the Home Need Radiant Barrier Insulation
Whether you’re considering radiant barrier insulation for your home or workplace, we recommend hiring a qualified professional for installation and avoiding DIY projects. To reflect the most heat, install a radiant barrier where it faces the attic and is under your roof.
Common installation techniques include stapling to rafters or laying the layers on existing insulating materials.
You can apply a radiant barrier in:
- Attics: Radiant barriers are excellent for attics vulnerable to Florida’s excessive heat. They’re low maintenance and durable, can last many years and only require routine service to ensure they don’t degrade. Avoid adding them to attic floor insulation to prevent dew or moisture.
- Roofs: A radiant barrier can block air leaks and should be applied perpendicular to the sun’s rays. Hence, professional installation can help extend your roof’s lifespan and block the most heat and radiant energy.
Why Choose IBP of Tampa for Radiant Barrier Insulation?
Installed Building Products of Tampa is a leading insulation installation company. We work with builders, contractors and homeowners and offer top-quality, energy-efficient insulation products. We can also service and install gutters, electric fireplaces and window treatments.
Here at IBP of Tampa, our commitment is to you, our customers. We strive to provide the best customer experience and have excellent feedback. When you request service, rely on our local expertise for help with all your insulation needs and rebates to offset the purchase price.
As a member of the IBP Family of Companies, we offer exceptional services, resources and more than competitors just can’t match.
Do you need extra insulation in your Tampa attic or roof? Contact IBP of Tampa for a free insulation installation quote today.
