Does the warm Wisconsin weather make your home uncomfortable? Or do you spend lots of money on energy bills to keep your home’s ambient temperature under control? Well, your roof and attic could be the culprits. Now’s the time to fix the problem with radiant barrier insulation.

What is a Radiant Barrier?

A radiant barrier is a highly reflective insulation material that reflects heat from your home back to the source. The material is usually a thin aluminum foil acting as the reflective surface. Unlike traditional insulation, these barriers do not absorb radiant heat.

When the UV rays hit your home, the roof begins to reradiate the heat into the attic, where the thermal insulators absorb it (that’s if you have one installed). Now, the more heat the attic absorbs, the more uncomfortable your home becomes.

Instead of letting the UV rays reach your home and enduring the consequences, installing a radiant barrier can prevent the potential heat build-up.

How a Radiant Barrier Works

When the sun’s radiation hits the roof, the components, including tiles, shingles, and metallic sheets, warm up through conduction. The gained heat is transferred to the roof’s underside, eventually radiating it to the cooler attic surfaces below.

Radiant barriers prevent such heat gain by reflecting the radiation back to the source. The reflective insulation material is primarily installed in the attic and inner side of the roof to block conductive heat transfer between the warm outer surface and inner cooler areas.

The greater the temperature difference between the two radiant barrier surfaces, the greater the benefits. Therefore, installing a radiant barrier in warm, sunny climates like Wisconsin’s South is more beneficial than in cooler regions. The barrier should be installed perpendicular to the radiation source for greater efficiency.

Why Consider Radiant Barrier Insulation in Wisconsin

• Lower cooling costs

Reflecting heat away from your home implies your home remains cooler for the better part of the day, even during summer. That means your HVAC system does not need to work as hard as it would with thermal insulators alone. Thus, you reduce electricity consumption and cut utility costs.



• Healthier insulation

A radiant barrier keeps the home cool without releasing any particles into the air, unlike other insulation options such as fiberglass. This particle-free insulation is essential, especially for people with allergies or lung-related health conditions like asthma.



• Humidity control

Radiant barriers are effective in humid conditions, as this does not affect their reflectivity. Some materials also have perforations that permit airflow and prevent moisture build-up, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.



• Longer lifespan

The effectiveness of most insulations declines over time as the material settles. However, a radiant barrier will reflect heat away from your roof with the same reflectivity as long as it remains in place.



• Pest free

If you’ve installed traditional insulation materials, you already know how much rodents and birds love them. To solve such concerns, the radiant barrier is made of non-organic material, which makes it less conducive to rodent infestation.

Installing Radiant Barrier in Wisconsin

First Quality Roofing is the first-choice roofing contractor for Wisconsin residents looking to improve their homes’ comfort and cut energy costs with radiant barriers.

Our team of highly trained experts will thoroughly inspect your roof and give a comprehensive report on the necessary improvements before beginning the radiant barrier installation.

We’re committed to ensuring that your roof keeps you and your family safe for decades without breaking the bank. For all your roofing needs, including new roof installation, repair, and replacement, call us today at 715-350-2162.