How to insulate properly this will save you money!, by Home Maintenance Mastery DIY on YouTube. 1 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Measure the roof area between the rafters. Multiply length by width to get the square footage, then add about 10 percent for overlaps and offcuts.
Clear the space below the roof. Remove stored items and sweep the rafters so the foil sits flat and nothing pokes through it.
Cut the foil to length with a utility knife or heavy scissors. Leave a few extra centimetres at each end so it wraps past the last rafter.
Staple the foil to the underside of the rafters, shiny side facing down into the space. Space staples every 15 to 20 cm so it stays tight.
Overlap each new sheet by about 5 cm over the previous one. Seal the overlap with foil tape so hot air cannot leak through the joint.
Work across the whole roof, keeping the foil slightly loose. A small sag stops it tearing when the roof expands and contracts.
Check the edges and ridge line. Tape or staple any gaps, then press the foil flat against the rafters with your hand.
Tips and common mistakes
Radiant foil blocks radiant heat, not conducted heat, so it works best with a small air gap and is not a substitute for thick bulk insulation.
Wear gloves when handling foil, the cut edges are sharp.
Never staple through wiring or pipes hidden above the rafters.
Set up the ladder on firm, level ground and keep three points of contact while you work.
Questions
Can I use foil insulation on a chicken coop roof?
Yes, stapled under the roof it reflects summer heat and helps keep the coop cooler. Make sure it is fully covered or out of reach so birds cannot peck at it.
Does radiant barrier replace normal insulation?
No. It reflects radiant heat but has almost no R-value on its own. Use it with bulk insulation for real temperature control.
Which side faces down?
The shiny reflective side faces the open space below the roof. That surface is what bounces heat back.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
