How Much Does a Radiant Barrier Cost in 2025?
A radiant barrier costs an average of $1,700
Installing a radiant barrier costs between $710 and $2,840 on average, with most homeowners spending $1,700.
Foil-based radiant barriers cost between $0.10 and $0.90 per square foot.
The size of your attic, the quality, brand, and type of radiant barrier you choose impact the overall cost.
A radiant barrier can help you save up to 10% on energy costs by reflecting heat away from or back into your home.
Professional radiant barrier installation ensures quality work and that a job is done correctly for maximum energy savings.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
If you're planning to install a radiant barrier, you can expect to pay between $710 and $2,840, with most homeowners spending $1,700. Factors that influence the cost include the size of your attic, the quality of materials, the type of foil, labor rates, and more. Setting a proper budget and hiring a professional are essential to ensure an effective installation and maximize your energy savings.
Radiant Barrier Cost Factors
The cost of installing a radiant barrier can vary widely, from as little as $200 to as much as $5,000, but most homeowners pay between $710 and $2,840. Factors like the size of your attic, the quality of materials you choose, the type of foil, labor rates, and more will influence your total cost.
Size
The size of your attic plays a big role in the cost of your radiant barrier installation. Material prices range from $0.10 to $0.90 per square foot and cover your attic's roof, walls, and floor. For a standard-sized attic, you can expect to pay $50 to $500 for materials, plus labor costs.
| Attic Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost Range (All-In) |
|---|---|
| 500 | $350–$1,000 |
| 1,000 | $700–$2,000 |
| 1,500 | $1,050–$3,000 |
| 2,000 | $1,400–$4,000 |
Quality
The quality of the materials you choose affects the total cost, durability, and effectiveness of your radiant barrier. High-end materials cost an average of $0.50 per square foot and can go up to $1. While they require a greater upfront investment, they typically last longer before their effectiveness begins to degrade. Proper installation is also key to maximizing your radiant barrier's performance.
Ventilation Type
Different types of ventilation systems may impact the total cost of radiant barrier installation. A complementary design helps optimize airflow, thermal transfer, and energy efficiency. On average, installing an attic fan costs an average of $625.
Mechanical ventilation types, such as exhaust or supply systems, may require additional modifications to accommodate the radiant barrier without blocking ventilation operation. Radiant barriers come in perforated or non-perforated options. Perforated options allow water vapor to pass through and limit condensation issues, while non-perforated options act as vapor barriers and may lead to excessive condensation and eventual water damage.
Labor
Labor costs make up a significant part of your radiant barrier installation budget. Most local attic insulation contractors charge $0.60 to $1 per square foot, which works out to $30 to $80 per hour. Factors that can influence labor rates include:
Local rates: Costs vary by region; if you live in an urban area, you may pay more than in a rural area.
Job complexity: More complex installations with limited accessibility or other challenges may require additional time. For example, retrofitting usually costs more than installations in new construction.
Team size: Larger teams might cost more per square foot or hour, but can complete the work more quickly.
Contractor expertise: Highly experienced insulation contractors or those specializing in radiant barrier installation may charge more than less experienced workers.
Radiant Barrier Cost by Foil Type
You can choose between two main types of radiant barriers:foil-based or spray coatings. Within foil-based options, you have one-sided and two-sided foil, each offering unique features and pricing. The best choice for your home depends on your specific installation and the level of heat reflection you desire.
No matter which type you choose, a radiant barrier's effectiveness is based on its reflectance level. According to the Department of Energy, radiant barrier products should have a reflectance of at least 90% and an emittance of 10% or less. High-quality radiant barriers usually offer about 97% reflectance.
| Radiant Barrier Type | Material Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| One-sided foil | $0.10–$0.50 |
| Two-sided foil | $0.50–$0.90 |
| Spray-on | $0.65–$1.00 |
One-Sided Foil
One-sided foil radiant barriers cost between $0.10 and $0.50 per square foot, though high-end materials usually exceed $0.25 per square foot. These systems have reflective foil on only one side of the barrier and can only reflect heat in one direction.
One-sided radiant barriers are usually installed with the reflective side facing the heat source, such as downward toward a heating living space. They’re best suited to homes where radiant heat consistently comes from one direction, whether from outside or indoor spaces. The reflective side must be exposed to open air and not set on top of insulation or other materials. Blocking it diminishes most of its capabilities.
Two-Sided Foil
Two-sided foil radiant barriers, which feature reflective foil on both sides, cost from $0.50 to $0.90 per square foot.
Many contractors recommend two-sided radiant barriers over other options because this design allows the barrier to reflect heat in either direction. This makes it a more efficient option for homes with radiant heat traveling from different sources or directions. For instance, a two-sided radiant barrier can reflect heat from indoor living areas during the winter or from outdoors during the summer to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
Spray-On
Ranging from $0.65 to $1 per square foot or $250 to $400 per five-gallon bucket, spray-on radiant barriers are also called roll-type or paint radiant barriers. Unlike foil-based options, spray-on radiant barriers typically only achieve about 75% reflectance, although some may qualify as Energy Star-rated insulation products. Contractors may recommend spray-on radiant barriers for areas that can’t easily accommodate foil-based radiant barriers, such as gaps, seams, or less accessible spots.
Does Installing a Radiant Barrier Increase Home Value?
Installing a radiant barrier can boost your home's energy efficiency, making it more appealing to potential buyers and even increasing its overall value. Energy-efficient systems and high-quality insulation are attractive to buyers looking to reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.
According to the Department of Energy, radiant barriers can reduce your cooling costs by 5% to 10%, with even greater savings in warm climates. If you live in sunny states like Florida or Arizona, you might see a higher return on investment from installing a radiant barrier.
Budgeting for a Radiant Barrier
When budgeting for a radiant barrier, you'll need to balance factors like installation quality and material selection with affordability. Here are some strategies to help streamline your project budget:
Compare quotes from multiple contractors to get the best value.
Choose high-quality materials that offer durability and performance.
Look into tax incentives and benefits for energy-efficient home upgrades.
Ask about discounts for off-season installations.
Bundle services like insulation removal and upgrades to save money.
DIY vs. Hiring a Radiant Barrier Professional
It may be tempting to install your own radiant barrier, but with the cost of materials, you’ll want to ensure precise, high-quality work. Radiant barrier installation pros have the experience, tools, and knowledge to make expert recommendations for your home’s specifications and can ensure that your barrier is installed properly, saving you from costly mistakes.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your radiant barrier can last up to 80 years or more with minimal maintenance and care. Factors like the quality of the materials you choose and proper installation affect its actual lifespan. Hiring a radiant barrier professional ensures that it's installed correctly to prevent exposure to moisture and other elements, which will help extend its effectiveness.
Installing a radiant barrier in your home offers several benefits that improve energy efficiency and can lower your electricity bills. Mainly, it reduces cooling costs by reflecting heat away from your home, helping to maintain lower indoor temperatures. In the winter, it can help keep warm air from escaping. This reduces the stress on your HVAC system, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing energy consumption.
Additionally, a radiant barrier can protect roofing materials and structural components from extreme temperatures. Pairing your radiant barrier with other insulation systems will provide even more benefits.
A professional installation of a radiant barrier takes one to two days, while a DIY project, due to its complexity, extends the process into several days. The installation duration depends on the size of the attic and the chosen method. For larger homes, experts complete the work in two to three days. Laying foil over existing insulation is a faster procedure that maintains high performance, ensuring the barrier operates efficiently.
A radiant barrier must be installed over existing insulation rather than directly underneath it, ensuring that an effective air gap is created for optimal heat reflection. An adequate air space on at least one side permits the reflective surface to work at peak efficiency, reflecting heat away from the home and preventing moisture issues. This placement method enhances insulation performance and maintains structural integrity by reducing heat transfer and condensation risks, ultimately preserving the quality of both the barrier and insulation.
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