Buying Guides
Best Radiant Barriers of 2026
Radiant barrier is a cheap upgrade in hot climates, and the products differ more in handling than in physics. Here is what to compare.
Updated January 2026 · about 6 min read
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Perforated vs solid
Use perforated foil in attics so moisture can pass through instead of condensing behind it. Solid foil belongs in applications where it also serves as a vapor barrier, such as under a slab or behind a wall assembly designed for it.
Specs that matter
Emissivity of 0.05 or lower (equivalently 95%+ reflectivity), double-sided foil if there is an air gap on both faces, reinforced scrim so it does not tear during stapling, and a width that suits your rafter spacing.
Gear for this job
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Installation
Staple to the underside of the rafters, leaving the soffit-to-ridge ventilation channel clear. Keep an air gap on the reflective face — foil in direct contact with another surface conducts instead of reflecting. Never lay it flat on top of attic insulation where dust will coat it.
Expected results
10–30°F cooler attic air on hot afternoons and 5–12% lower cooling costs in sunny climates, with the largest gains where HVAC ducts run through the attic.
Not sure a radiant barrier beats more insulation? Read radiant barrier vs attic insulation.
Run the numbers
Frequently asked questions
- Is radiant barrier worth it in a cold climate?
- Rarely. Savings come from blocking summer solar gain, so cold-climate homes should spend the money on R-value and air sealing.
- Perforated or solid radiant barrier for an attic?
- Perforated, so trapped moisture can pass through the sheet rather than condensing on it.
- Can I staple radiant barrier over insulation?
- Attach it to the rafters, not over the insulation. Dust settling on a horizontal foil layer destroys its reflectivity within a few years.
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The tools and materials that show up on almost every insulation job.
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