How Much Does A Radiant Barrier Cost?

A radiant barrier is a metal foil that is usually put in an attic to help keep the home cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. Radiant barrier foil is available in two types: single -sided and double-sided. Single-sided radiant barriers are less expensive than double-sided radiant barriers. Single-sided radiant barriers cost from $0.10-$.50 per square foot, materials only. Double-sided radiant barriers cost from $0.50-$1 per square foot, materials only. Radiant barriers are not extremely hard for homeowners to put in themselves; however, it can be very hot and time consuming work. The cost of to have a radiant barrier installed by a contractor ranges from $0.10-$1.50 per square foot, labor only.

Radiant Barrier Installation Cost

The cost of radiant barrier installation ranges from $0.10-$1.50 per square foot. Professional installation costs vary depending on the contractor, location, and the difficulty of the job. The cost to have a radiant barrier laid on the attic floor is cheaper than the cost to have a radiant barrier fastened to the attic roof. The cost of radiant barrier installation for a 1000 square foot attic ranges from $100-$1500, labor only. The cost of installation for a 1000 square foot attic ranges from $200-$2500, materials and labor include. Homeowners should contact several radiant barrier installation companies in their area to get estimate on installation costs.

Radiant Barrier Tax Credit

As a radiant barrier is considered an energy conservation product and helps the environment, many governments give a tax credit to homeowners who install it in their homes. In the United States, homeowners who had radiant barrier put in before 2012 have until 2016 to claim it on their taxes. Unfortunately, homeowners who have radiant barrier put in, after the tax credit end date, will not be able to claim it. Homeowners should contact their local government to see if they are eligible for a tax credit.

What Is A Radiant Barrier?

A radiant barrier is a type of reflective insulation that is put in an attic to help reduce energy costs by keeping homes cooler during hot weather. A radiant barrier reflects heat instead of absorbing it. A radiant barrier also helps to keep a home warmer in the winter; however, it works to a lesser degree in the winter than in the summer. Radiant barriers are made by coating a substrate material with a reflective material; usually aluminum is used as the reflective metal. The most common substrate materials used for radiant barriers is plastic film, Kraft paper, strand board and cardboard. The cost of a radiant barrier pays for itself as it significantly decreases summer home cooling costs.

Do Radiant Barriers Work?

During the summer, the sun can really heat up a home, making it uncomfortable and unhealthy for its inhabitants. During hot summer weather, homes heat up due to what is called radiant heat; during the summer up to 90% of the heat gain in a house is caused by radiant heat. A radiant barrier works by reflecting the heat away from the house instead of absorbing it like a normal house does. A radiant barrier also helps to keep homes warmer in the wintertime by trapping the radiant heat that is in the home inside; however, a radiant barrier is more efficient in the summer than in the winter. A quality radiant barrier should not be affected by humidity and should cut energy costs by 5%-10% on sunny hot days.