Bubble Radiant Barrier for Saving Money?

Joeski · Post by **Joeski** » Thu. Jan. 10, 2013 5:59 pm

Hi all,

I want to save as much money as possible this year since my SS tax had that increase already and prices keep going up on certain things that you need or want.

So my question is how good is Bubble Radiant Barrier for in the attic ceiling and floor. It's unfinished. How about on my cinder block basement walls? Is there anything I can use on my windows to block the heat coming in in the summer?

Any other ideas are welcomed.

Thank You

Rigar · Post by **Rigar** » Thu. Jan. 10, 2013 9:52 pm

Joe
the Radiat bubble wrap (foil) is very effective when installed correctly... and definitely has its purpose... however its advantages are limited to specific applications.
proper installation is critical to its performance... and a lot of times specified "R" values require more than 1 layer... usually with an air space in between them.
with that in mind... maybe in your situation ( unfinished attic space and ceilings) you may want to consider faced or unfaced fiberglass insulation...(even high performance batts)
you certainly need to consider the square foot price for each... and factor in your anticipated "R" value.... remembering that with the foil bubble wrap.. you may indeed need more than 1 layer.
in general..the AVERAGE home loses 50 percent of its heat energy via air infiltration.
with that said... another 30 percent is lost through windows and doors.
there are 4 ways a window loses energy from your home... all combined determine the "U" factor of a window...(just a fancy energy rating)
the most effective way to keep heat out in the summer ( and keep it in during the winter) are with low "E" coatings... which are transparent metallic oxides that reflect infrared light... which we feel as heat
... so in general... the first and most important task to save energy is to eliminate outside air infiltration... wherever you can..Aside from upgrading your windows 2 newer energy efficient ones..

Rigar · Post by **Rigar** » Thu. Jan. 10, 2013 10:06 pm

..continued.
there are films that can be applied and they may help.
as far as block Walled basements are concerned... anything can help... And the foil bubble wrap may serve well here.
any thermal barrier ( best case is a thermal break) will slow down heat loss by reducing the walls ability to absorb energy.
.... hope all of this helps ( or at least some of it!)...lol
... good luck

Post by **Lightning** » Fri. Jan. 11, 2013 6:57 am

Rigar, its nice having someone on here thats fluent with duct work, air flow and insulation

I'd like to pick your brain about an ice dam issue I'm having. I'll start a thread for it here in a couple days. Thanks man!

plumb-r · Post by **plumb-r** » Fri. Jan. 11, 2013 7:28 am

Make sure that when using it that you don't create a vapor barrier and trap moisture causing mold problems. A house has to breath.

Rigar · Post by **Rigar** » Fri. Jan. 11, 2013 7:56 am

Plumber raises a good point...
especially in the attic... venting is critical
besides the obvious interior problems ( as he suggested mold) the lack of proper ventilation can lead to structural damage and ice problems on the roof
... if money is no object... a closed cell insulation spray foam on the block wall would be the ultimate way to go...

Lightning...
I would be happy to answer any questions for you...( and all members obviously)... so yes definitely start that thread!!
... I'm not the type of person to bullshit anyone... so if I really don't know the answer... I'm not afraid to say so.... and thank you for the kind words... I enjoy helping people!

Post by **Richard S.** » Fri. Jan. 11, 2013 7:59 am

Just a quick tip with bubble wrap. Pre cut it to fit the window surface and you can spray a little water on the window to apply.

Joeski · Post by **Joeski** » Fri. Jan. 11, 2013 12:19 pm

Thank You very much everyone! Let my pea brain digest this information before I think of my next question.