Prodex High R Radiant Barrier

[Elisabeth]

I've found a radiant barrier product called Prodex High R. It reflects 97% of radiant heat and provides an r-value of 14.5. I see houses being wrapped in Tyvek but wouldn't a radiant barrier be a better choice? When Prodex goes on, house wrap is not necessary. It looks like a great product and runs about $3.60 a sq. ft. I read about it at www.insulation4less.com. I'd appreciate any opinions. Thanks.

[CThomp]

I'm interested in this product as well. When I reinsulate my attic I was thinking of using r-30 closed cell stuff from HomeDepot and then staple some variety of radiant barriar over it. It would be puffy but who the heck cares. I don't keep anything up there anyhow.

[Elisabeth]

I understand there is a radiant barrier--can't remember who offers it, but it is blown in using small pieces of radiant barrier. I've read that over time, the radiant barrier in the roof will collect dust and lose some of its reflective ability--R-value will go done slightly. I think by blowing it in, surface area is increased to compensate for this.

[Elisabeth]

To learn more about radiant barrier chips see this link. http://www.savenrg.com/1rbschip.htm

[danh]

Elizabeth
if you are in a hot climate, this radiant barrier wrap makes a lot of sense.

if you are in a hot humid climate, keep in mind that your air conditioner uses most of its electricity for dehumidification. While a radiant barrier is sufficient for dealing with radiant heat, you need to make sure you have a decent air leakage control built into the house to keep that humidity out.

And vapor retarders don't cut it.

As for the attic, radiant barrier chips are great so long as you have no attic HVAC. But how many hot climate houses don't have attic HVAC?

cold climates, skip the radiant barrier wrap.

[CThomp]

So its fine as long as you aren't air conditioning your attic? My air handler is in my attic. I can't see how that could make any difference though.

Does my idea of the r-30 with the prodex stapled over it make sense? I don't see why it wouldn't

[danh]

Isn't your air handler above the insulation now?

Wouldn't it be better to put the fiberglass on the underside of the roof, meaning that the air handler is now in conditioned space?

[CThomp]

Yeah my insulation is above the air handler. This is why I like this website...always someone to talk logic into me. Thanks Dan.