Its time to insulate your attic and you are offered the choice of the ever-popular radiant heat barrier, which is a nice shiny aluminum mylar sheet. What do you do? You consider where you live and how much you need to insulate your home from heat, or how to keep heat in, in colder climates.
The 5 Best Radiant Barriers:
- RadiantGUARD ULTIMA Radiant Barrier Insulation Roll 48-inch 1000 sq ft (U-1000-B) – the best radiant barrier
- AES 1000 sqft Diamond Radiant Barrier Solar Attic Foil Reflective Insulation 4×250
- AES ARMA FOIL™ 1000sqft (4ft Wide) Commercial Grade
- Reflectix ST16025 Staple Tab Insulation 16 Inch x 25 ft Roll
- AES ARMA FOIL™ 250sqft (4ft Wide) Commercial Grade
Top-rated Radiant Barrier List:
| Product name | Photo | Feature | Pros | More info | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. RadiantGUARD ULTIMA Radiant Barrier |  | This is the RadiantGUARD ULTIMA Radiant Barrier Insulation Roll 48-inch 1000 sq ft (U-1000-B) |
| More Information | ||
| 2. AES 1000 sqft Diamond Radiant Barrier |  | This is the AES 1000 sqft Diamond Radiant Barrier Solar Attic Foil Reflective Insulation 4x250 |
| More Information | ||
| 3. AES ARMA FOIL™ |  | This is the AES ARMA FOIL™ 1000sqft (4ft Wide) Commercial Grade |
| More Information | ||
| 4. Reflectix ST16025l |  | This is the Reflectix ST16025 Staple Tab Insulation 16 Inch x 25 ft, Roll |
| More Information | ||
| 5. AES ARMA FOIL™ |  | This is the AES ARMA FOIL™ 250sqft (4ft Wide) Commercial, Grade |
| More Information | ||
| 6. HyperGreens 47" x 100’ x 3/16” |  | This is HyperGreens 47" x 100’ x 3/16” Thick dual layers Infra-red blocking film |
| More Information | ||
| 7. MWS 2000 sqft Diamond Radiant Barrier |  | This is MWS 2000 sqft Diamond Radiant Barrier Solar Attic Foil Reflective Insulation |
| More Information | ||
| 8. AES 1000sqft 51” Commercial Grader |  | This is the AES 1000sqft Commercial Grade Perforated No Tear Green Energy Radiant Barrier |
| More Information | ||
| 9. US Energy 1000 sqft Super R |  | This is the US Energy 1000 sqft Super R Plus Radiant Barrier Attic Foil Reflective Insulation 4x250 |
| More Information | ||
| 10. AES 250sqft (4ft Wide) Commercial Grade |  | This is the AES 250sqft (4ft Wide) commercial Grade Perforated No Tear Green Energy Radiant Barrier |
| More Information |
REVIEWS YOU CAN TRUST
We strive to always give you genuine, accurate information. To do this, all of mechanicguides.com reviews are based on market research, expert input, and practical experience. This knowledge comes from a team of automotive journalists and an independent mechanic, Steve “Whip” Whipple who has 11 years of experience in the auto industry. For more information, see here.
Check out the FAQ for more details about decision making, in the meantime, let’s look at some facts and then present the guide and review.
Mythbusting Radian Barriers: I know that many radiant barrier products appear with the terminology “NASA Tech,” well I have removed that from all my review for one simple reason, NASA has nothing to do with the development of this product. Radiant heat barriers were developed before NASA was even thought up. Radiant materials first appeared in Germany back in 1925, and are the work of two German inventors, Schmidt and Dykerhoff.
The only connection that NASA has with these products is that they used them in the Apollo missions for a number of applications, including covering tubing, wires and insulating the spacesuits.
Now to the details of these products: They are all very similar, and there is o “best” among them, they are all the best when made of an aluminum foil coated mylar sheet. The reflectivity, perforations and other contraptions are all great in helping with heat flow, air flow, and heat reflection, but they will not work without the remainder of the heat insulation products that they are used to support.
They are all easy to install and will provide the radiant heat reflection and block functions you seek.
Best Radiant Barrier Reviews:
1. RadiantGUARD ULTIMA Radiant Barrier Insulation Roll 48-inch 1000 sq ft (U-1000-B) – the best radiant barrier
No products found.
Specifications
- Thickness: 6.5 mils 0065”
- Weight: 28 lbs.
- Tensile/Tear Strength:
- Warp: 27.0 pounds force
- Fill: 29.3 pounds force
- ASTM D2261: Pliability 70°F ± 5°F & 50 ± 5% Relative Humidity No Cracking or Delamination
- ASTM C1313: Adhesive Performance 180°F ± 5°F & 50% Relative Humidity No Bleeding or Delamination
- ASTM C1313: Corrosivity 100% humidity at 71°C ± 2°C for 7 days
- ASTM D3310-00: Resistance to Fungi PASS No Growth
- ASTM C1338-0:
- Fire Rating Fire Rating: Class A / Class 1
- Flame Spread Flame Spread Test: 0
- Smoke Development Smoke Development: 10
- ASTM E84-10 with ASTM E2599 Permeance:
- Perforated version: 8.5 perms
- Solid vapor barrier version: (.02 perms)
- ASTM 96-00 Thermal Properties Reflectivity: 97% Emissivity: 3%
- ASTM C1371-04a
The RadiantGUARD ULTIMA is an aluminum mylar sheet easily installed in many applications and will effectively reflect up to 97% of the radiant heat.
This model is double-sided and made of multi-layered aluminum that is 6.5 mils thick.
It has passed all ASTM testing and is industrialized and lightweight, providing it with a large range of applications.
This product is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fiber-free, you do not need to wear protective clothing or respirators while installing.
2. AES 1000 sqft Diamond Radiant Barrier Solar Attic Foil Reflective Insulation 4×250
No products found.
Specifications
- Weight: 14.5 lbs per 1000 sq ft roll Tensile/Tear
- Strength:
- Length: 2.32 pounds force
- Width: 1.50 pounds force
- ASTM D2261: Pliability 70°F±5°F & 50±5%, Relative Humidity – No Cracking or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05: Adhesive Performance 180°F±5°F & 50% Relative Humidity – No Bleeding or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05:
- Flame Spread & Smoke Class A
- Class 1 0 Flame Spread,
- Class 10 Smoke Development
- ASTM Method E84-10: Resistance to Fungi PASS – No Growth
- ASTM C1338-08: Permeability 9.6 Perms
- ASTM 96-00: Thermal Properties, Reflectivity: 95% Emissivity: 3%
- ASTM C1371-04a
This model of AES 1000sqft radiant heat barrier is made of a double-sided, multi-layered aluminum spread that is only 6.5 mils thick.
This product passes all ASTM requirements and blocks 95% of radiant heat.
AES products are designed to be easy to install and are all non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fiber-free, you do not need to wear protective clothing or respirators while installing.
3. AES ARMA FOIL™ 1000sqft (4ft Wide) Commercial Grade
No products found.
Specifications
- ASTM D2261: Pliability 70°F±5°F & 50±5%, Relative Humidity – No Cracking or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05: Adhesive Performance 180°F±5°F & 50% Relative Humidity – No Bleeding or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05:
- Flame Spread & Smoke Class A
- Class 1 0 Flame Spread,
- Class 10 Smoke Development
- ASTM Method E84-10: Resistance to Fungi PASS – No Growth
- ASTM C1338-08: Permeability 9.6 Perms
- ASTM 96-00: Thermal Properties, Reflectivity: 95% Emissivity: 0.5%
- ASTM C1371-04a
AES ARMA FOIL™ is an ultra-thin 4 mil perforated aluminum foil that meets all ASTM codes and requirements.
This model is easy to install and due to its lightness is extremely versatile and has many applications.
AES products are designed to be easy to install and are all non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fiber-free, you do not need to wear protective clothing or respirators while installing.
4. Reflectix ST16025 Staple Tab Insulation 16 Inch x 25 ft Roll
No products found.
Specifications
- Roll Dimensions: 48” x 125’
- Flame Spread: Less than 25 (ASTM E84)
- Smoke Development: Less than 50 (ASTM E84)
- Emissivity: 0.04
- Reflectivity:96% (ASTM C1371)
- Permeability: 6.3 Perms (ASTM E96)
The Reflectix® Double Reflective Insulation is a double reflective product that is made of two 96% reflective film layers bonded to two heavy internal gauge polyethylene bubble layers and reaches an optimal thickens of 5/16”.
Reflectix® Reflective Insulation is a radiant barrier with foil tape properties and is applicable to all areas that have a temperature range of -60 degrees to 180 degrees F.
This is a very easy sheet to install, and since it is a double layer with the bubble center is a great hybrid insulator and radiant heat barrier. This is perfect for all climates that want to either retain their home heat or lower the effects of external heating.
5. AES ARMA FOIL™ 250sqft (4ft Wide) Commercial Grade
No products found.
Specifications
- Widths: 17, 25.5 and 51 in.
- Length: 250 ft.
- Thickness: 4 mil
- Perforated: Yes
- Emissivity: 0.05 (ASTM C1371)
- Reflectivity: 95% (ASTM C1371)
- Fire Rating: Class 1 / Class A (ASTM E84 / ASTM 2599)
- Flame Spread: 0 (ASTM E84 / ASTM 2599)
- Smoke Development: 10 (ASTM E84 / ASTM 2599)
- Corrosivity: PASS at 100% Humidity (ASTM D3310)
- Water Vapor Permeability: 6.9 perms (ASTM E96)
This is the AES ARMA FOIL™ 20 swore feet application, and is an ultra-thin 4 mil perforated aluminum foil that meets all ASTM codes and requirements.
This model is easy to install and due to its lightness is extremely versatile and has many applications.
AES products are designed to be easy to install and are all non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fiber-free, you do not need to wear protective clothing or respirators while installing.
This is an ultra-thin sheet; it has to be applied together with insulation to be fully effective.
6. HyperGreens 47″ x 100’ x 3/16” Thick dual layers Infra-red blocking film
No products found.
Specifications
Dimensions: 47″ x 100’ x 3/16”
Item Weight: 22 pounds
This is HyperGreens product, there is not much information on it, and the only reason it is in the list is that I have firsthand experience with this product in both installation and application.
This is a reliable and budget-friendly blocker film with Dual layers of highly reflective Mylar they do reflect a considerable percentage of heat and when compared to others, do reach around 97% deflection.
When buying this material remember it is a double layer insulated product and will work perfectly in cohesion, and is a great IR (heat) blocker for retaining home heat in cold climates and reflecting and absorbing external heat in hot climates.
7. MWS 2000 sqft Diamond Radiant Barrier Solar Attic Foil Reflective Insulation 2 rolls
No products found.
Specifications
- Weight: 32 lbs per 1000 sq ft roll Tensile/Tear
- Strength:
- Length: 21.49 pounds force
- Width: 24.56 pounds force
- ASTM D2261 Pliability:
- 70°F±5°F & 50±5%, Relative Humidity – No Cracking or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05: Adhesive Performance:
- 180°F±5°F & 50%, Relative Humidity – No Bleeding or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05 Flame Spread & Smoke:
- Class A/ Class 1 0 Flame Spread,
- 5 Smoke Development
- ASTM Method E84-10 Resistance to Fungi: PASS – No Growth
- ASTM C1338-08 Permeability: 5.88 Perms
- ASTM E96-05 Thermal Properties:
- Emissivity: 0.05
- Reflectivity: 95%
- ASTM C1371-04a
This MWS model is a two-sided reflecting metalized film with polyethylene woven reinforcement that combines to create a thick and strong barrier, one of the best in the market.
Super R Plus Heavy Duty® meets all ASTM requirements, and while it is thicker than most, it is versatile and very easy to install and provides more than radiant heat reflection.
This specific model is very tough due to its polyethylene woven reinforcement and is perfect for commercial and large surface coverage.
8. AES 1000sqft 51” Commercial Grade Perforated No Tear Green Energy Radiant Barrier
No products found.
Specifications
- Weight: 14.5 lbs per 1000 sq ft roll Tensile/Tear
- Strength:
- Length: 2.32 pounds force
- Width: 1.50 pounds force
- ASTM D2261: Pliability 70°F±5°F & 50±5%, Relative Humidity – No Cracking or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05: Adhesive Performance 180°F±5°F & 50% Relative Humidity – No Bleeding or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05:
- Flame Spread & Smoke Class A
- Class 1 0 Flame Spread,
- Class 10 Smoke Development
- ASTM Method E84-10: Resistance to Fungi PASS – No Growth
- ASTM C1338-08: Permeability 9.6 Perms
- ASTM 96-00: Thermal Properties, Reflectivity: 95% Emissivity: 3%
- ASTM C1371-04a
This model of AES 1000sqft radiant heat barrier is made of a double-sided, multi-layered 99.9% pure aluminum wrap that successfully blocks up to 97% of radiant heat.
This model is highly reflective and is double-sided 5Ply with a tear-proof barrier. It is engineered for commercial grade usage and is a perfect over-kill for home applications, which will effectively block out all heat completely.
AES products are designed to be easy to install and are all non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fiber-free, you do not need to wear protective clothing or respirators while installing.
9. US Energy 1000 sqft Super R Plus Radiant Barrier Attic Foil Reflective Insulation 4×250
No products found.
Specifications
- Weight: 5 lbs per 1000 sq ft roll
- Tensile/Tear Strength:
- Length: 13.23 pounds force
- Width: 13.98 pounds force
- ASTM D2261 Pliability:
- 70°F±5°F & 50±5% Relative Humidity –No Cracking or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05 Adhesive Performance:
- 180°F±5°F & 50% Relative Humidity –No Bleeding or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-0 5Flame Spread & Smoke:
- Class A/ Class 1, 0 Flame Spread
- 5 Smoke Development
- ASTM Method E84-10 Resistance to Fungi: PASS – No Growth
- ASTM C1338-08 Permeability:29 Perms
- ASTM E96-05 Thermal Properties:
- Emissivity: 0.05
- Reflectivity: 95%
- ASTM C1371-04a
Super R Plus® brand radiant barrier is an industrial grade new or retrofit product that has a wide variety of applications.
This model can be used to wrap around an entire structure, or be applied under the brick or outer material, over rafters, or stapled to roof rafters. This product can also be used for radiant heat flooring.
This is a commercial grade wrap and is used by many construction experts seeking an extra tough material for covering large surfaces, such as walls and floors.
10. AES 250sqft (4ft Wide) Commercial Grade Perforated No Tear Green Energy Radiant Barrier
No products found.
Specifications
- Weight 3.625 lbs per 250 sq ft roll Tensile/Tear
- Strength:
- Length: 32 pounds force
- Width: 50 pounds force
- ASTM D2261 Pliability:
- 70°F±5°F & 50±5% Relative Humidity – No Cracking or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05 Adhesive Performance:
- 180°F±5°F & 50% Relative Humidity – No Bleeding or Delamination
- ASTM C1313-05 Flame Spread & Smoke:
- Class A/ Class 1 0 Flame Spread
- 10 Smoke Development
- ASTM Method E84-10 Resistance to Fungi PASS – No Growth
- ASTM C1338-08 Permeability 9.6 Perms
- ASTM E96-05 Thermal Properties:
- Emissivity: 0.05
- Reflectivity: 95%
- ASTM C1371-04a
The SAES 250ft brand is made of aluminum mylar sheeting, and is easily installed for many applications and is effective in reflecting up to 95% of radiant heat.
This brand is double-sided, and made of multi-layered aluminum and has passed all ASTM testing. It is industrialized and lightweight, providing it with a large range of applications.
This product is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fiber-free, you do not need to wear protective clothing or respirators while installing.
FAQS
Essentially, they do. However, they are part of an entire eco-system designed to work together and support each other in reducing the heat levels of the sun. The suns radiation is what generates the heat directly above your home. This heat transfers throughout your home with convection and conduction.
Conduction is when materials heat up and transfer the heat along their structure, heating up the air around them as well as any other materials they are in contact with.
Convection is when the air heats up, and the flow of air between cold and hot creates a wind tunnel that heats up the rest of the area until all is the same temperature. Once an attic is heated, the hot air will flow down to heat up the cooler lower areas.
Radiant heat barriers are required to reduce the overall heating of an enclosed area, such as an attic. They work in unison with the roofing materials and insulation components. If you did not add insulation, radiant barriers would have a tough time working if they are only sheets of aluminized mylar. If you want to be extra sure, buy heat insulated radiant barriers, these are basically sheets of aluminized mylar with insulation in between.
This is like comparing a manifold to a spark plug; they perform different functions. Insulation is a material used to absorb heat, and in some cases block it from entering an area. Radiant barriers are used to reflect heat, not absorb it. When used together, they become an efficient symbiosis product that works in perfect harmony to both reflect and absorb heat, reducing it to sufficient levels.
When planning for a heat insulated barrier you need both insulation and radiant barriers in place, there are two options, the radiant barrier with insulation hybrid or both products applied separately. In the best scenario, you would have a radiant barrier on both side of the insulation, and this will provide the best result.
This all depends on where you live. If you live in a hot climate, then yes, if you live in a cold one, then no. For instance, you live in the north, where temperatures are extremely low in the winter, and there is hardly any sun.
The insulation you apply is used to trap heat in more than reflect it out. Radiant barriers will be an overkill since they will reflect the heat back in and reduced the natural heat coming in from the outside sunlight.
Therefore, cold climates are best with only insulation, unless you live in an area with literally little or no heat, such as Alaska, and in this case, a reflective radiant heat layer is perfect for keeping the heat you produce in the house.
As for hot climates, definitely yes. You need this, in double layers too, to sufficiently cool attic space, and in combination with air holes and insulation can create sufficient heat resistance and convection to remove the excess heat effectively.
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