Radiant Barrier Roof Sheathing Installation

Foil backed osb is applied mostly in attics.

Radiant barrier roof sheathing installation.

Oriented strand board osb with a thin layer of low emitting aluminum foil attached to one side is a common type of thermal radiant barrier sheathing. However radiant barriers can also be installed in other ways such as having it infused with your roof decking or underneath tiles. You can also install radiant barrier sheathing on gables and exterior walls to reduce heat gain through these areas. Radiant barrier sheathing is installed on your house during the construction phase with the foil side facing down towards the living space your attic.

However it is also used in wall systems. Installation methods include radiant barrier draped over the rafters applied directly to the roof sheathing stapling to the bottom of the rafters and even laying radiant barrier on top of the attic floor insulation. For a picture of this in action you can check out the product listing on amazon. When installing radiant barrier roof sheathing ensure that the manufacturer s instructions are followed carefully.

When installing any structural roof sheathing you are required to ensure the sheathing is spaced a minimum of 1 8 at all joints to allow for expansion and contraction due to changes in moisture conditions. Check out these thermostat radiant barrier installation instructions. A radiant barrier is typically stapled to the bottom truss chords against the deck sheathing. Installed in over 1 5 million homes in the united states lp techshield panels also lower attic temperatures up to 30 f.

Radiant barrier applied either under the roof rafters or under the roof sheathing is probably the most common application of a radiant barrier but many homeowners shy away from it because they don t fully understand what radiant barrier is or how it works.