How Much Does a Radiant Barrier Cost in 2024?

Average Radiant Barrier Cost

Radiant Barrier Cost Factors

Costs for radiant barriers vary, with most homeowners paying between $710 and $2,840 but some as little as $200 or as much as $5,000. The surface area of your attic, the quality of materials, labor rates, and other factors influence the cost of a radiant barrier installation.

Size

The surface area of your attic is the main determining factor in the cost of radiant barrier materials, which range from $0.10 to $1 per square foot. This typically includes the attic’s roof, walls, and floor. Expect to pay about $50 to $500 for materials for a standard-sized attic, plus the cost of labor.

Unlike typical attic insulation, which may require more materials to achieve the desired thermal resistance or R-value, additional materials don’t add to the effectiveness of a radiant barrier.

Quality

Material quality impacts the total cost, durability, and effectiveness of a radiant barrier. High-end materials, ranging from $0.50 to $1 per square foot, may require greater upfront investment but typically last longer before their effectiveness begins to degrade. Proper installation is also key to maximizing the performance of your radiant barrier.

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.

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 represent a large fraction of the overall cost of a radiant barrier installation. Most local attic insulation contractors charge about $0.60 to $1 per square foot, which typically works out to $30 to $80 per hour. Factors influencing labor rates include:

• Local rates: Costs vary between regions, with urban areas usually costing more than rural areas.

• Job complexity: More complex installations with limited accessibility or other challenges may require additional time. For example, retrofitting usually costs more than new construction installations.

• Team size: Large teams may cost more per square foot or hour but can complete work more quickly.

• Contractor expertise: Highly experienced insulation contractors or those specializing in radiant barrier installation may cost more than junior or apprentice workers.

Radiant Barrier Cost by Foil Type

Radiant barriers are divided into two main categories—foil-based or spray coatings. One-sided foil, two-sided foil, or spray-on options each offer unique features and pricing. The best radiant barrier choice depends on the specific installation and desired level of heat reflection.

Regardless of type, radiant barrier effectiveness is largely based on its reflectance level. The Department of Energy classifies radiant barrier products as those with a reflectance of at least 90% and emittance of 10% or less. High-quality radiant barriers usually offer about 97% reflectance.

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 range from $0.50 to $0.90 per square foot and feature reflective foil on both sides of the barrier.

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.

Radiant Barrier vs. Reflective Insulation

Both radiant barrier and reflective insulation systems involve reflective foils or coatings, but they carry important differences.

Radiant barriers block radiant heat transfer and are normally installed in attics. They’re made from substrate materials, such as plastic film or cardboard, coated with aluminum foil or a similarly reflective material. Since they reflect rather than absorb heat, radiant barrier systems generally have low R-values and don’t substitute for full insulation.

In contrast, reflective insulation incorporates radiant barrier reflective properties in more comprehensive insulation systems. It features a thicker insulating middle layer made from fiberglass, foam, or other products that absorb heat and increase the overall R-value. Reflective insulation is used in attics, exterior walls, foundations, around ductwork, or almost anywhere else in a building and provides thermal resistance wherever it’s installed.

Radiant Barrier Cost by Brand

Radiant barrier manufacturers and suppliers offer varying price points for radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems. Reflective insulation systems typically cost more than radiant barriers, between $1.10 and $1.60 per square foot, compared to $0.10 to $0.60 per square foot.

Does Installing a Radiant Barrier Increase Home Value?

A radiant barrier can enhance your home’s energy efficiency, which often translates to higher appeal and overall home value to appraisers. In general, energy-efficiency systems and high-quality insulation are more attractive to buyers interested in reduced energy consumption costs and improved sustainability.

According to the Department of Energy, radiant barriers reduce homeowners' cooling costs by 5% to 10%, with savings increasing in warm climates. Homes in Florida, Arizona, and similarly sunny states may see more return on investment for radiant barriers than other areas.

Budgeting for a Radiant Barrier

Budgeting for a radiant barrier involves weighing important factors, such as quality of installation and materials, against affordability. Try these strategies to streamline your project budget:

• Compare quotes from multiple contractors to get the best value for your investment.

• Opt for high-quality materials with enhanced durability and performance.

• Research tax incentives and benefits for energy-efficient home upgrades.

• Inquire about reduced rates or specials for off-season installation.

• Bundle installation with other services, such as insulation removal and upgrades.

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.