It's one of the best kept secrets to helping home owners live more comfortably and save money on their utility bills - radiant roof sheathing.But let's not keep quiet about it anymore!
Radiant roof sheathing is plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) with a thin layer of aluminum on one side to help reflect the suns radiant rays.
Radiant roof sheathing helps your attic stays cooler, your home stays cooler and that leads to a more comfortable living environment and lower utility bills. The product is Energy Star-rated and according to its website, "can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100-degrees" and "can reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15 percent."
Radiant roof sheathing used to cost more than standard plywood/OSB, but I recently installed the product on a new home we're building near St. Louis for the same cost as plywood. Lumber prices are down and product competition is up, making radiant roof sheathing an affordable option.
But, you don't have to be building a new home or a home addition to take advantage of the benefits. A radiant barrier can be installed in an existing attic. ToolBase Services offers helpful information and several installation options.
Don't keep it a secret anymore. My clients are learning all about radiant roof barriers and I plan on installing a lot more of it because of the performance and competitive price.
- Kim Hibbs, Hibbs Homes, LLC in Chesterfield, Missouri
There's more real advice from real home builders. Kim is a quality green home building contractor in the St. Louis area. If you're looking to go green, save money on utility bills, and build a home the right way for our planet, contact Kim at Hibbs Homes today.
