Pro

Attic

Radiant Barrier

Note: This is an example of 1 of 3 installation methods.

Note: Installation instructions and illustrated drawings are recommendations only, while proper local construction methods are the responsibility of the installer.

These Reflectix® products are installed in attic systems to provide a dramatic reduction in radiant energy transfer to the interior of the structure.

Reflectix® products are an excellent, energy-efficient choice for upgrading an attic system. When installed properly, a reduction of up to 10% in the home’s air conditioning usage can result. The products are clean, lightweight and easy to install. Additionally, attic-mounted HVAC ducts benefit from the reduction of attic surface temperatures.

Note: Attic Radiant Barriers provide benefit on hot sunny days. For this reason, they are recommended for installation in the Southern Zone of the USA (due to the amount of AC usage). However, they will provide reduced heat gain into the home wherever they are installed. If you need to verify your location, use our Zip Code Zone Locator, or call (800) 879-3645.

Product Description

Two products are available for this application:

1.) The Reflectix® Radiant Barrier (Reflective/Woven Fabric) product consists of two sheets of highly reflective (96% reflectivity) film laminated to a woven polyethylene fabric (for staple strength).

2.) The Reflectix® Double Reflective Insulation (Reflective/Bubble) can also be installed as a Radiant Barrier. This product consists of two layers of highly reflective film (96% reflectivity) that are bonded to two tough layers of polyethylene. Two inner layers of insulating bubbles and a center layer of polyethylene provide this alternate product with high strength and reliability.

Benefits

  • Improves efficiency of attic mounted HVAC ducts
  • Reduces attic surface temperatures
  • Decreases air conditioning run time by up to 10%
  • Radiant barrier
  • Reflects 96% of radiant energy
  • Does not require protective clothing or respirators to install
  • Convenient roll sizes
  • Resists growth of fungi, mold and mildew
  • Not affected by moisture or humidity
  • Absolutely will not cause any shingle damage
  • Class A / Class 1 Fire Rating
  • ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing location

Part Numbers and Sizes

Double Reflective Insulation (Reflective/Bubble)

  • HVST16050 (16”x 50’)
  • HVST24050 (24”x 50’)
  • HVST48050 (48”x 50’)
  • HVST16100 (16”x 100’)
  • HVST24100 (24”x 100’)
  • HVST48100 (48”x 100’)
  • HVST16125 (16”x 125’)
  • HVST24125 (24”x 125’)
  • HVST48125 (48”x 125’)

Radiant Barrier (Reflective/Woven Fabric)

  • RB4812550 (48”x 125’)

Technical Data

Double Reflective Technical Data:

  • Temperature Range: -30 to 180 F
  • Nominal Thickness: 5/16 inch (.312)
  • Weight: 0.771 oz./sq. ft.
  • Flame Spread Index (ASTM E 84): Less than 25
  • Smoke Developed Index (ASTM E 84): Less than 50
  • Mounting Method (ASTM E 2599)
  • Fire Rating: Class A/Class 1
  • Linear Shrinkage: None
  • Reflectance (IR): 96%
  • Water Vapor Transmission (ASTM E 96): 0.02
  • Puncture Resistance: 60 lb./in.
  • Mold and Mildew: No Growth
  • Emittance: 0.04
  • Tensile Strength: 3.7 N/mm
  • Pliability: No Cracking
  • Hot Surface Performance: Passed (250 F)

Note: Not for use in direct contact on surface temperatures that are 180 F or greater.

Radiant Barrier Technical Data:

  • Roll Dimensions 48” x 125’
  • Flame Spread (ASTM E 84): Less than 25
  • Smoke Development (ASTM E 84): Less than 50
  • Mounting Method (ASTM E 2599)
  • Emittance: Less than 0.06
  • Reflectivity of Infrared Energy (ASTM C 1371): 96%
  • Permeance: 9.6
  • Corrosion: No Corrosion
  • Adhesive Bleeding: None
  • Pliability: No Cracking or Delamination
  • Fungi Resistance: Pass

Testing and Certification

Double Reflective Insulation (Reflective Bubble) Installed as a Radiant Barrier

  • Thermal Performance of Wall Systems ASTM C1363
  • Thermal Performance of HVAC Duct System ASTM C335
  • Thermal Performance of Crawl Space ASTM C1363
  • Hot Surface Performance ASTM C411
  • Heat Transfer (Heat Flow Up, Down, Horizontal) ASTM C1363
  • Thermal Performance of Reflectix® and Fiberglass in Walls ASTM C1363
  • Heat Transfer of Air-Handling Ducts with Reflectix®
  • Flame Spread and Smoke Density ASTM E84
  • Mounting Method ASTM E2599
  • Fungus Resistance Mil-Std 810B Method 508
  • Pliability Test ASTM C1224
  • Sound Absorption Test ASTM C423 and ASTM E795
  • Sound Transmission Loss ASTM E90 and ASTM E413
  • Water Vapor Transmission ASTM E96
  • Tensile Strength ASTM D751
  • Emittance Testing ASTM C1371
  • Thermal Performance of Water Heater Jackets
  • Intertek: Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials ASTM E84 (Taped Joint Detail) Test Report # 3166908SAT-012
  • Intertek: Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials ASTM E84 (Unslit) Test Report # 3166908SAT-011
  • R&D Services: Resistance to the Growth of Fungi ASTM C1338 Test Report # RD072713FR
  • State of California
  • State of California Licensed Insulation Manufacturer
  • State of Minnesota: Filed with Minnesota Insulation Standards Program
  • State of Wisconsin: Wisconsin Material Approval, Safety and Buildings Division Approval # 920088-1
  • R&D Services Emittance Testing
  • R&D Services: Physical Properties Sheet Width, Length, Pliability, Water Vapor Permanence and Aged Water Vapor Permanence
  • R&D Services: Water Vapor Transmission Test ASTM E96 (Dessicant Method)

Radiant Barrier (Reflective/Woven Fabric)

  • Surface Emittance ASTM C1371
  • Water Vapor Transmission ASTM E96
  • Permeance ASTM E96
  • Flame Spread and Smoke Density ASTM E84
  • Corrosivity ASTM D3310
  • Tear Resistance ASTM D2261
  • Bleeding and Delamination C1313
  • Pliability C1313
  • Conditioning Procedure TAPPI T512

Installation Instructions

Double Reflective Insulation (Reflective/Bubble) Installation Instructions:
(There are 3 options)

1. Underside of Rafter Method (depicted in illustration above)

  • Check the attic area and make any needed repairs before installing Reflectix®.
  • Unroll the Reflectix® as you work and cut it to suitable lengths (8’ to 12’) with scissors or utility knife.
  • If a helper is available, rolling out longer lengths of product with one person stapling and the other holding the end of the product makes for a quicker installation.
  • Allow for proper ventilation. See note below on ventilation.
  • Install product perpendicular to the rafters with a 2” overlap on the seams (no taping required). Staple the product to the rafters at 2” to 3” intervals.
  • Leave a 2” to 3” gap on each side of the roof peak and a gap at the lower edge of the roof line (within 18” OK).
  • Staple to the face of the studs on gables and insure at least a 1” gap around all vents.

2. Staple to the Deck Method – Southern Zone of the USA Only

For the Regional Recommendation for the Staple to the Deck Method, please verify the location of your home with the Zip Code Zone Locator, or contact our Customer Service Group at (800) 879-3645.

  • It is easiest to install either 16” or 24” wide product (depending on rafter spacing).
  • Begin at the top of the cavity. Run product flush to the decking, parallel to the rafter.
  • Staple sheet directly to the deck (nails poking through sheet from above will not interfere with performance).
  • Do not block any venting (cut around).
  • No need to cover rafters (no loop around).

3. Truss Cavity or Side of Rafter Method

  • Utilize either 16” or 24” Double Reflective Insulation (Reflective/Bubble) product (depending on truss/rafter spacing).
  • Product will be installed parallel to the truss/rafter direction.
  • Begin at the top of the cavity.
  • Staple the product to the side of the top chord of the truss (the structural 2”x 4” (or 2”x 6”) that is attached to the roof decking) or the side of the rafter.
  • Continue down length of truss/rafter stapling at 2” to 3” intervals – Repeat on opposite truss/rafter.
  • Allow for proper ventilation. See note below on ventilation.
  • A minimum of a 1/4” continuous air gap should be present between the product and the roof decking – Do not staple the product directly to the deck – This product is not perforated and could potentially condensate.
  • Do not block any venting (cut around).
Radiant Barrier (Reflective/Woven Fabric) Installation Instructions:
(There are 2 options)

1. Underside of Rafter Method (depicted in illustration above)

  • Check the attic area and make any needed repairs before installing Reflectix®.
  • Unroll the Reflectix® as you work and cut it to suitable lengths (8’ to 12’) with scissors or utility knife.
  • If a helper is available, rolling out longer lengths of product with one person stapling and the other holding the end of the product makes for a quicker installation.
  • Allow for proper ventilation. See note below on ventilation.
  • Install product perpendicular to the rafters with a 2” overlap on the seams (no taping required). Staple the product to the rafters at 2” to 3” intervals.
  • Leave a 2” to 3” gap on each side of the roof peak and a gap at the lower edge of the roof line (within 18” OK).
  • Staple to the face of the studs on gables and insure at least a 1” gap around all vents.

2. Staple to the Deck Method – Southern Zone of the USA Only

For the Regional Recommendation for the Staple to the Deck Method, please verify your location with the Zip Code Zone Locator, or contact our Customer Service Group at (800) 879-3645.

  • Cut the entire roll of product into 16” or 24” lengths with a miter saw (depending on rafter spacing).
  • Begin at the top of the cavity. Run product flush to the decking, parallel to the rafter.
  • Staple sheet directly to the deck (nails poking through sheet from above will not interfere with performance).
  • Do not block any venting (cut around).
  • No need to cover rafters (no loop around).

Ventilation: Good ventilation in the attic increases the home’s comfort level and helps the materials of the house last longer. Be sure not to block any ventilation paths when the Reflectix® is installed.

Important

Review These Important Safety Guidelines Prior to Installation:

  • ALWAYS check local building codes before installing Reflectix®.
  • ALWAYS check the area you are insulating and make any needed repairs. Any worn wiring should be replaced before you begin installing Reflectix®.
  • ALWAYS make sure work areas are well ventilated and well lighted.
  • ALWAYS use eye protection when operating a staple gun.
  • ALWAYS use caution and common sense when using a staple gun. Be aware of electrical wiring locations. Stapling into a wire can cause severe shock or death. NEVER staple into electrical wiring.
  • ALWAYS be careful when working with large pieces of Reflectix® on windy days.
  • When installing Reflectix® on bright sunny days, it is best to wear sun glasses.
  • Do not work in areas such as attics when temperatures are too hot.
  • Please Note: The intention of these Installation Instructions and 3-D renderings are for the sole purpose of illustrating the correct location and relative position of the Reflectix® products in specific building assemblies. The correct construction methods and techniques are the responsibility of the installer or contractor. The methods outlined are recommendations on location of the Reflectix® products as a guideline. There are no claims on the part of Reflectix, Inc. that these building assemblies are finite standards or meet building code requirements (as they can vary by region).

Reflectix Fact Sheet per FTC

Ventilation

Good ventilation in your attic increases your comfort and helps the materials of your house last longer. Be sure not to block ventilation paths when you install Reflectix®.

Photos

Pictured: 1. Heavy Duty Radiant Barrier, 2. Double Reflective Insulation, 3. Double Reflective Insulation with Staple Tab, 4. Tools for Installation, 5. Double Reflective Insulation (Refer to the Installation Instructions for your region), 6. Radiant Barrier (Refer to the Installation Instructions for your region)