What is the difference between spray radiant barrier and foil radiant barrier?
Both radiant barrier spray paint and radiant barrier foil reflect or will not emit attic radiant heat. The best a spray paint radiant barrier will reflect is about 75% of the radiant heat, while the radiant barrier foil will reflect about 97% of the radiant heat. As you can see there is a big difference in the two products. One other thing to remember is that the 75% heat blocking rating for the spray radiant barrier depends how it is applied. The spray paint radiant barrier coating is only as good as the person installing it. Some contractors will also cut the radiant barrier paint to make it go further, so you will never know the exact heat blockage you will get from the spray. However, the foil radiant barrier is fool proof, you are counting on the product to do the work not the person. If the foil is installed somewhere between the roof or rafters and the insulation it will reflect 97% of the radiant heat.
