Florida sun turns your roof deck into a radiator. A radiant barrier reflects most of that radiant heat back before it reaches your insulation, ductwork and the rooms below. Installed from inside, with no changes to your roof.
Insulation slows heat. Radiant barriers reflect it.
On a sunny afternoon your roof deck gets extremely hot, and it radiates that heat down into the attic, onto your insulation and onto any ductwork or air handler up there.
A radiant barrier is a highly reflective layer fixed under the roof that sends most of that radiant heat back where it came from. The U.S. Department of Energy notes radiant barriers are most effective in hot, sunny climates, especially when the ductwork is in the attic, which describes most homes in Tampa Bay.
The sun is the biggest source of heat in your attic. This is the most direct way to deal with it.
01
A much cooler attic
Less radiant heat pouring off the roof deck means a cooler attic on sunny afternoons, often by a big margin.
02
Easier on your ducts and AC
Ducts and air handlers in the attic sit in less extreme heat, so the air reaching your rooms is cooler.
03
Lower cooling costs
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates radiant barriers can cut cooling costs by 5 to 10% in warm, sunny climates.
04
Your insulation works better
Insulation has less heat to fight, so your existing or new insulation goes further.
05
No changes to your roof
Installed from inside the attic, fixed to the underside of the rafters.
06
Made for Florida summers
Our longest, sunniest months are exactly when a radiant barrier works hardest.
Signs it's a good fit
Would a radiant barrier help your home?
Tap the ones that sound familiar. Two or more and it's well worth a look.
Tap the signs you've noticed.
How it works
Radiant barrier installation, step by step
Most homes are done in a day.
1
Free inspection
We look at your roof's orientation and color, attic access, ventilation, and where your ducts and air handler sit.
2
An honest recommendation
Radiant barriers help most homes in Florida, but not every one. We'll tell you if it's worth it for yours, and give you a written price on the day.
3
Prep and protect
We protect the route to the attic and plan coverage around vents, rafters and obstacles.
4
Install the barrier
Perforated reflective foil is fixed to the underside of the rafters, with an air gap and the reflective side facing the right way, so moisture can still escape.
5
Pair with insulation
If your insulation is thin or old, we can top it up or replace it in the same visit for the best overall result.
6
Walk-through and clean-up
We show you photos of the finished attic and clean up before we leave.
Straight answers to what people ask us most about radiant barriers.
What is a radiant barrier?
A highly reflective material, usually aluminum foil bonded to a backing, installed under your roof. Instead of slowing heat like insulation does, it reflects radiant heat from the hot roof deck back up, so less of it reaches your attic, ductwork and home.
How is it different from insulation?
Insulation slows heat moving through it. A radiant barrier reflects radiant heat before it gets there. They do different jobs, and in a Florida attic they work best together.
Do I still need insulation?
Yes. A radiant barrier doesn't replace insulation. If your insulation is thin or old, we'll recommend topping it up or replacing it too, and we can do both in the same visit.
Do radiant barriers work in Florida?
Florida is one of the best places for them. The U.S. Department of Energy notes radiant barriers are most effective in hot, sunny climates, especially when ductwork is in the attic, which is the case in most Tampa Bay homes.
How much will it lower my bills?
It depends on your home, but the U.S. Department of Energy estimates radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs by 5 to 10% in warm, sunny climates. Homes with ducts in the attic and sunny, exposed roofs tend to benefit most.
How much cooler will my attic be?
It varies with your roof, ventilation and the weather, but a properly installed radiant barrier can make a big difference to attic temperatures on sunny afternoons. We'll give you realistic expectations for your home at the inspection.
Where is it installed?
On the underside of the rafters, just below the roof deck, with an air gap and the reflective side facing the right way. We don't lay it on top of your insulation, where dust would build up and stop it working.
Will it cause condensation or moisture problems?
We use perforated radiant barrier, which lets moisture vapor pass through, and we keep your attic ventilation clear. That's part of why proper installation matters.
Does it change anything on my roof?
No. Everything is done from inside the attic. Nothing on the outside of your roof changes.
Does dust affect a radiant barrier?
Yes, dust on the reflective surface reduces how well it works. That's one reason we install it on the rafters facing down, where dust can't settle on it.
How long does installation take?
Most homes take about a day. If we're also removing or adding insulation, it may take a little longer.
How much does a radiant barrier cost?
It depends on the size of your attic, the roof shape and how easy it is to access. You'll get a clear, written price on the day of your free inspection, with no pressure to decide.
I found Danny on Google, who is the one winning so many positive reviews! Danny came to do the estimate and offered a good deal. Today I just had my insulation project done. I would strongly recommend Danny's Heat Hunters Insulation. They spent one day to clean out all the old insulation and disinfected the attic, and the second day to install new insulation, 13 inches thick! The new radiant barriers are new materials that can efficiently block the heat from the roof. Two workers took an extra day to install radiant barriers. They made everything look much better than before. I am super satisfied with their work. Danny deserves all the good praise and respect.
Radiant barrierInsulation removal
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Russell HamardGoogle review
This spray foam is awesome. The guys did a solid job. Got it done in a day and left the place spotless. Not cheap but fair price and I wouldn't trust any other company spraying foam in my house.
We work from home and our offices upstairs were unbearable this summer. Now my wife and I both can't get over how cool and quiet it is up here and we're excited to see a lower bill next month. Love this stuff!
Spray foamCooler upstairs
C
Cheyne PadelfordGoogle review
Amazing job by the team at Heat Hunters! My house is so much cooler and efficient. My AC no longer runs non stop!
Cooler homeAC runs less
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Jessica DoverspikeGoogle review
These guys are great. I have saved quite a bit on my electric bill - highly recommend if you're hemorrhaging money with your AC. It only runs for a few hours during the day now, before it ran constantly.
Lower billsAC runs less
D
Darryl MosherGoogle review
We where needing to re-insulate our attic after getting a few quote we had Danny from heat hunters come out he was very informative on the process. We ended up going with his company best desion we made Travis the installer did an awesome job and was a clean and smooth process the results where instant our a/c was having trouble keeping up and now it is working normally again. If your in the market for insulation I highly recommend Heat Hunters!
Re-insulationAC keeps up
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Catrina RothGoogle review
Heat Hunters exposed where I was losing money due to inefficiencies in my home. Pleasure to work with, professional, and would highly recommend a free evaluation!!
Free evaluationLower bills
Pairs well with
Get more from the same visit
Most jobs need more than one thing. We'll tell you which combination makes sense at the inspection.
Why remove old insulation instead of adding more on top?
Old insulation is often flattened, patchy, damp or contaminated with dust and rodent waste. Piling new material on top buries those problems and blocks access to the air leaks underneath. Removing it lets us sanitize, seal the leaks properly, then re-insulate on a clean base, so you get the full benefit of the new insulation.
What happens at the free attic inspection?
A Heat Hunters tech checks your attic, insulation and AC, takes photos of what's up there and walks you through them. You get clear options and same-day pricing. If nothing needs doing, we'll tell you.
What's a blower door and why do your installers use it?
A blower door is a powerful fan fitted into a doorway that depressurizes the house. While it runs, air rushes through every hidden crack, which makes leaks easy for our crew to find and seal. The reading drops as leaks are closed, so we know the air sealing is working.
How long does removal and re-insulation take?
It depends on the size and condition of your attic. You'll get a clear timeline with your quote, and we work around your schedule.
What types of homes do you work on?
Homes with an attic: single-family homes, townhomes, side-by-side duplexes and mobile homes. For businesses, see our commercial spray foam services.
Book your free inspection
3 quick taps. We'll call to find a time that suits you.
