House Wrap

Why radiant barrier is ideal for house wraps

Installing a radiant barrier house wrap is a smart upgrade that enhances the energy performance of any building envelope. Unlike traditional wraps that only offer air and moisture resistance, radiant barrier wraps reflect radiant heat away from the structure, significantly reducing heat gain in warm climates and improving interior comfort year-round. This added layer of thermal control can lower cooling costs, reduce HVAC strain, and contribute to better overall building efficiency. It’s a durable, cost-effective solution that adds value to both new construction and retrofit projects.

Step by Step

  1. For this project, utilize a Perforated Radiant Barrier material such as SilverBack™.
  2. Begin by unrolling the radiant barrier and securely stapling it to the exterior side of the wall sheathing. Ensure that staples are placed approximately every 12 to 18 inches, starting from the bottom and progressing upwards. Overlap each segment by 2 to 4 inches for effective coverage.
  3. Employ foil tape to seal all seams and any penetrations. This step is crucial as it minimizes air infiltration and secures any loose ends.
  4. Proceed to apply your chosen exterior veneer, whether it be brick or siding, as per standard procedures. If opting for unlapped board siding, it may be necessary to install furring strips with a minimum thickness of 0.5 inches to facilitate the required air space.

Important Note: To take full advantage of its heat-reflective insulation properties, radiant barrier house wrap must have an air space on at least one side of the material.

This cross-sectional diagram illustrates a professionally layered wall assembly optimized for energy efficiency and moisture control. From exterior to interior, it features: durable siding (such as Hardie Board), an air gap created by spacers to promote ventilation and drainage, the Silverback™ radiant barrier for superior thermal reflectivity, structural framing (studs/board), and the interior wall cavity for insulation and utilities. This configuration is ideal for contractors seeking to enhance building performance by reducing radiant heat transfer while maintaining code-compliant ventilation and durability in residential or light commercial applications.

Siding Vs Brick Walls

Siding and brick are two widely utilized materials in construction. When installing a radiant barrier as part of house wrap, these two wall types necessitate slight adjustments during installation.

For most standard siding applications, horizontal spacers are employed, running either along each siding panel or across combined panels. The siding material is typically solid and waterproof, resulting in minimal requirements for spacing.

Conversely, brick walls present a different challenge. Bricks are porous, featuring millions of tiny holes that allow moisture to permeate the structure. This moisture can travel through the brick and accumulate in an area designed for drainage, subsequently channeled back out of the house. Such conditions can impact the effectiveness of your radiant barrier, necessitating consideration of the additional space required when installing a radiant barrier on a brick wall.

See our General Installation Tips for more help on your next project.