No, they are different and have different purposes. The fiberglass insulation is good, I'd suggest you first install that. The foil can be placed in addition to the fiberglass insulation between roof rafters to prevent the entry of heat.
As Yamini said they both have their purpose. But before you spend any hard cash on either, you should look at the air loss into the attic from the house.
Also the jury is out on the radiant barrier. They can be tricky to install, and can trap moisture if they are not punched with tiny holes to allow for moisture transfer. As they act as a 2nd vapor barrier and can cause the insulation to become damp.
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Once the radiant barrier becomes dusty, it looses some of its ability to prevent the heat gain into the attic area.
Fiberglass insulation also has several drawbacks. It allows for air to move freely through it. As this occurs it lowers the ability of the insulation to stop the heat loss or gain.
If your planning to insulate, you should really look into foam. Its a bunch higher in cost over the fiberglass, but its R value and its ability to stop air flow and stop moisture makes it a great choice.
A good example is the foam cup you put your coffee in. That little 1/8 inch thick cup prevents the scalding water from burning your hand. Imagine what five or six inches can do?
If rbarrier is installed in Florida it will be effective BUT you'll need proper air flow through the attic. The rbarrier will only bring the attic air temp down to around the outside air temp, this is where the fiberglass insulation comes into play. Atiic floor insulation is a thermal barrier between the heat of the attic and living space. For example, on a sunny 90F day your attic temp might be 135F, after installing a radiiant barrier it might drop to 100F.
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W.E. is correct about the type or manufacturer of the barrier. Their are a few attic foil manufacturers that are heavy duty and perforated. Foam is best if applied correctly. Attic foil can be DIY to cut cost.
We have installing a spray applied radiant barrier in Florida such as Heat Bloc Ultra or Henry's Liquid Foil. Results have been great reducing attic temperatures up to 50 degrees in the summer. It is easier to install than the foil radiant barriers and you dont miss any spots.
Hello! you up north from me. I am looking into replace my stair railing. should you know anyone that has a business down here let me know. From Boynton Beach Fla, thanks.
I'm the owner of http://www.AtticFoil.com/ - You cannot really say which one is "Better". They both serve a purpose. Heat flow into homes is caused by BOTH radiant heat and conductive heat. A radiant barrier is your first line of defense (like shade from the heat) against radiant heat and "regular" insulation is your second line of defense against slowing conductive heat.
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They work together and compliment each other to provide maximum defense against heat gain/loss. Check out the website www.AtticFoil.com for install pictures, videos and complete information or my blog at http://www.radiantbarrierguru.com/ - hope this helps.
Some more info for you to read about Insulation - http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insula... ...»
See the different types of insulation and the purposes they serves and where they are applied.
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insula...
Also the jury is out on the radiant barrier. They can be tricky to install, and can trap moisture if they are not punched with tiny holes to allow for moisture transfer. As they act as a 2nd vapor barrier and can cause the insulation to become damp. ...»
Once the radiant barrier becomes dusty, it looses some of its ability to prevent the heat gain into the attic area.
Fiberglass insulation also has several drawbacks. It allows for air to move freely through it. As this occurs it lowers the ability of the insulation to stop the heat loss or gain.
If your planning to insulate, you should really look into foam. Its a bunch higher in cost over the fiberglass, but its R value and its ability to stop air flow and stop moisture makes it a great choice.
A good example is the foam cup you put your coffee in. That little 1/8 inch thick cup prevents the scalding water from burning your hand. Imagine what five or six inches can do?
W.E. is correct about the type or manufacturer of the barrier. Their are a few attic foil manufacturers that are heavy duty and perforated. Foam is best if applied correctly. Attic foil can be DIY to cut cost.
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/publications/html...
http://www.atticfoil.com/radiant-barrier-spr...
They work together and compliment each other to provide maximum defense against heat gain/loss. Check out the website www.AtticFoil.com for install pictures, videos and complete information or my blog at http://www.radiantbarrierguru.com/ - hope this helps.