The Truth About Radiant Barrier: Does It Damage Roofing Shingles?

Written By Jim Peck

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Radiant Barrier

There has been a lot of talk recently about the possible damage radiant barrier can do to shingles. Some people are convinced that the barrier causes the shingles to prematurely age and fail.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at radiant barriers – how they work and do they cause damage to roofing shingles?

Does Radiant Barrier Cause Damage To Roofing Shingles?

Some people are convinced that the barrier causes the shingles to prematurely age and fail. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.

In fact, a study conducted by Texas A&M University found that there was no significant difference in the lifespan of roofs with or without radiant barrier installed. So, does radiant barrier damage shingles? The answer is unequivocally NO.

What is Radiant Barrier?

Radiant barrier is a reflective insulation material used to reduce heat transfer. It is often installed in attics, and it works by reflecting radiant energy away from the living space.

This can result in a decrease in cooling costs in the summer, and a decrease in heating costs in the winter.

Radiant barrier is made of a thin sheet of aluminum foil, and it can be installed quickly and easily. It is also relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for homeowners.

Radiant barrier is most effective when used in conjunction with other insulation materials, such as fiberglass or cellulose.

How Does Radiant Barrier Work?

Radiant barrier is a reflective insulation that is installed in homes and buildings to prevent heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.

It works by reflecting radiant energy, such as sunlight and moonlight, away from the building. This prevents the building from absorbing the heat, which can lead to a decrease in energy costs.

Radiant barrier can also improve the comfort of a building by reducing cooling and heating loads.

Does Radiant Barrier Damage Shingles?

One common concern about radiant barrier is that it might damage roof shingles.

Some people believe that the foil material used in radiant barrier can cause the shingles to overheat and eventually melt. However, this is not true. Radiant barrier will not damage your roof shingles in any way.

In fact, a study conducted by Texas A&M University found that there was no significant difference in the lifespan of roofs with or without radiant barrier installed.

What Are The Benefits of Radiant Barrier?

Radiant barrier is an insulation material that has some pretty impressive benefits. It can help to keep your home or office cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

It also helps to reduce energy consumption, which can save you money on your utility bills. Radiant barrier is a great option for anyone who wants to improve the energy efficiency of their home or office.

It is easy to install and it can be used in conjunction with other insulation materials. Radiant barrier is a great way to make your home or office more comfortable and save money on your energy bills.

It is made of a thin sheet of aluminum foil that reflects 95% of the radiant energy that hits it. This keeps the building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It also reduces air-conditioning and heating costs.

The Best 4 Radiant Barriers Available Today

With all this talk about radiant barriers, we thought we would offer our readers some suggestions on which brands and types we like best. Here are our 4 best radiant barriers available today:

How To Install Radiant Barrier In Your Home

The first step is to identify the area of the attic where the radiant barrier will be installed. The barrier should be installed on the underside of the roof sheathing, between the rafters.

The next step is to cut the radiant barrier to size. The barrier should be trimmed so that it fits snugly against the rafters.

Once you have trimmed the radiant barrier to size, you can start installing it.

First, remove the existing insulation from the area where you will be installing the barrier.

Next, staple or tape the barrier in place. Make sure that there are no gaps between the barrier and the roof or walls.

If there are any gaps, fill them with insulation or sealant.

Finally, re-install the insulation.

Conclusion

Radiant barrier insulation is a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their home. There has been a lot of talk recently about the possible damage radiant barrier can do to roofing shingles.

Some people are convinced that the barrier causes the shingles to prematurely age and fail. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.

In fact, a study conducted by Texas A&M University found that there was no significant difference in the lifespan of roofs with or without radiant barrier installed.

In the event that someone found that a radiant barrier did cause some damage to roof shingles, the damage is typically minor and can be easily repaired.

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About Jim Peck

Jim is a retired engineer, lifelong hunter, and avid outdoorsman. He lives in Southern Montana and loves to fish, farm, and hunt. He is a contributing writer to Thermogears on topics such as the outdoors and technical engineering.