Product

Radiant barrier

A radiant barrier is a thin reflective layer, usually a metallic foil facing, that reflects radiant heat instead of absorbing it. In an attic it is usually fixed under the roof deck or rafters with the reflective side facing down into the attic, so there is open air in front of it.

Specification sheets and current options come with your quote. Nothing here is a performance promise.

See it

Photos

A diagram of the product first, then typical spaces where it is used. Photos of our own jobs are added as we finish them.

Radiant barrier

A reflective foil facing under the roof
Reflects radiant heat, needs an air space

Attic roof space with a ray of sunlight — **Sun-heated attic space**
Where a radiant barrier does its work
Hot attics are the most common reason to look at one

Attic roof space with wooden beams — **Attic framing**
Rafters and roof decking are where the barrier is fixed
Open air space in front of the foil is what makes it work

Roof in strong sun — **Metal roof**
Sun-heated roofs give off heat into the space below
Common site for reflective insulation

What it is

How a radiant barrier works

A sun-heated roof gives off infrared energy toward the cooler surfaces below it. A reflective surface with a low emissivity gives off very little of that heat in return, so less of it reaches what lies beneath. It only works on radiant heat. Heat that travels by touch or by moving air is a job for insulation and ventilation.

Where it fits

Good fits

Attics and roof spaces that get very hot in summer.
Metal buildings, workshops and barns where the roof is the main heat source.
New builds and re-roofs, where the barrier can be installed with the roof deck exposed.
Buildings that already have insulation and want to address roof heat as well.

Be realistic

Not the best fit

Buildings with no air space next to where the reflective side would face.
Attics with poor ventilation or moisture problems that need fixing first.
Anyone expecting a guaranteed temperature drop or a set saving. We do not make those promises.
Spaces with exposed wiring, flues or recessed lights that cannot keep the clearances they need.

Good to know

Things that affect the result

The reflective side needs an air space in front of it. Pressed flat against another surface it does little.
Heavy dust on the reflective surface reduces how well it reflects, so placement matters.
Foil conducts electricity. We keep it clear of wiring and follow local code.
Ventilation and moisture need to be right. We check them before we recommend.
Ask any installer for the maker test report and what it was tested on.

How it works

From request to install

Tell us about the job

Send the address, building type and what you want to improve.

We check the building

We confirm what is there now and what the product needs to work.

Quote, then install

A clear quote first. Kexova installs it.

Questions

Radiant barrier questions

Is a radiant barrier the same as insulation?

No. A radiant barrier works on radiant heat. Insulation slows heat that conducts through a material. Many buildings use both.

Will it lower my cooling bill?

It can reduce heat gain from the roof in some buildings, but we cannot promise a saving. It depends on the building and how it is installed.

Does the reflective side need to face a certain way?

The reflective side needs an air space in front of it, and in most attic installs it faces the roof. We confirm the right approach for your building.

Is it safe around wiring?

Foil conducts electricity, so we keep it away from live wiring and fixtures and follow local code.

Can I see a spec sheet?

Ask us for the maker specification sheets.

Garage attic insulation

For the space above the garage. Bundles with door insulation.

See garage attic insulation

Double-bubble insulation

A reflective foil and air-bubble layer for roofs and walls.

See double-bubble

Want a recommendation for your attic?

Tell us about the building. We will say whether a radiant barrier makes sense.

Get a free quote