Originally developed by NASA to regulate temperatures in the extreme environment of space, radiant barrier technology works by reflecting radiant heat back towards its source rather than absorbing and re-radiating it. A properly installed radiant barrier can reduce attic temperatures by 20-25°F on a hot summer day, dramatically reducing the load on your air conditioning system.
Unlike traditional insulation which slows heat transfer through absorption, radiant barriers stop the root cause — the sun's radiant energy hitting your roof. Combined with standard insulation, a radiant barrier significantly reduces both summer cooling costs and winter heating losses. Case studies from facilities like the EES warehouse show measurable temperature swing reductions at peak times.
Learn the most effective ways to install radiant barrier in a typical attic.
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Understand which radiant barrier is best suited for your application.
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Improve comfort and insulation performance in vaulted ceiling / cathedral ceiling assemblies.
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See how radiant barrier can be used beneath flooring and radiant in-floor heating systems.
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Radiant barrier foil is installed beneath roof rafters to reflect radiant heat before it enters your attic, helping improve comfort and reduce cooling costs. While many products appear similar at first glance, differences in materials, protective coatings, and construction can have a significant impact on long-term performance. Arma Foil™ is engineered with premium materials, oxidation-resistant technology, and installer-friendly roll widths to deliver lasting performance in real-world attic conditions.
Products claiming 97% are often uncoated — oxidation silently degrades performance in attic heat and humidity. Arma Foil's coating maintains 95% reflectivity for years.
Available in 51", 25.5" and 17" widths — designed to match 16" and 24" standard joist spacing to reduce cutting and material waste.
Traditional foil lamination becomes brittle and zippers from staples. Arma Foil's new-process construction eliminates this failure mode entirely.
Get $50 off when you combine any attic fan with 1,000 sf of radiant barrier. Call us for volume pricing or ask about price matching.
View Promotions →Not sure which product is right for your project? Our team is available Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm CT.
| Product | Best for | Perforated | Fire rated | Oxidation coat | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arma Foil™ | Attic rafter install | Yes | Class A | Yes | $$$ |
| Arma Foil™ VB | Vapor / crawl space | No | Class A | Yes | $$$ |
| Foil Bubble | Garage Doors/Metal Bldgs | No | Class A | - | $$$$$ |
| Economy Series | Large-area / budget | Yes | Class A | - | $ |
| Classic Series | General purpose | Yes | Class A | - | $$ |
Most homeowners complete an attic install in a single day.
Use the project calculator for exact sq footage and roll count needed.
Perforated for open attics; non-perforated (VB) for vapor control applications.
Cut holes for any attic fans, passive vents, or ridge vents for airflow. Inspect for inerrant staples
Use a smoke pen to check for air leaks around penetrations and access hatches.
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Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still stuck? Contact our support team directly.
Our experts are available Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm CT.
It depends on placement. Use perforated on the exterior side of your insulation (facing the roof) so moisture can escape — this is what we recommend for nearly all attic installations. Use non-perforated only if your climate or code requires an interior vapor barrier, installed on the interior side with taped seams.
97% describes untreated aluminum on day one — before it oxidizes and loses much of its reflectivity over time. ArmaFoil™ has an anti-oxidation coating that keeps it at 97% for years, not just at installation. 95% is simply the minimum reflectivity required by code (e.g., Title 24) — a floor, not a performance target.
Yes — ArmaFoil™ is lightweight and installs with just a staple gun and foil tape, no special tools needed. Just remember to leave an air gap next to the foil and keep clearance at the eaves/ridge for ventilation. Most homeowners complete an attic in a weekend.
