1. Starting at the eave and working upwards, roll out the Prodex Total Insulation or Prodex Fast Action and fasten it to the bottom of the rafter (or between the rafters), using 1/2" staples every 4" - 6". (Ensure adequate ventilation is maintained). If applying two layers of Prodex: Attach a ¾ - 1 inch furring strip over first layer and attach with staples the 2nd layer to the furring strip. This will allow for an air-gap between layers of insulation and improve performance. Another way to attach the 2nd layer of Prodex would be to staple the 2nd layer directly to the first layer and allow the 2nd layer to sag 1-3 inches off the 1st layer. It is also acceptable to apply one or two layers or Prodex between the rafters or one layer between the rafter and the 2nd layer under the rafter. The key is to ensure and air-gap between layers to optimize performance.
2. Tape all exposed adjoining seams with Insulation4Less reflective tape.

Most residential roofs provide some type of attic or airspace that can accommodate an effective radiant barrier system. In new residential construction, it is fairly easy to install a radiant barrier system. The following images show five possible locations for the installation of an attic radiant barrier system.

To obtain the best performance with radiant barriers installed in Locations 1 through 4, radiant barrier material should also be installed over the gable ends. For attics that are open to the space over garages or carports, the radiant barrier should extend eight feet or more into the garage or carport to achieve the same effect as installing a radiant barrier on the gable ends. It is not necessary to cover the gable ends with Location 5.

Radiant barriers that are reflective on one or both sides may be used with any of these locations. However, if the radiant barrier is reflective on only one side, the reflective side must face toward the main attic space for Locations 1 and 5. Since a surface facing downwards is less likely to have dust settle on it, it is also recommended that the reflective side face downwards toward the main attic space for Locations 2, 3, and 4.

Since proper attic venting is important to obtain the best performance of the radiant barrier, some modification in the attic vents may be required to achieve expected performance. Where no ridge or gable vents exist, it is recommended that one or the other be installed. Always check existing ridge vent systems to ensure that roofing paper is not blocking the vent opening, and check the soffit vents to ensure that they have not been covered with insulation.

When installing a radiant barrier, care should be taken not to compress existing insulation present in the attic. The effectiveness of the existing insulation is dependent upon its thickness, so if it is compressed, its R-value is decreased. For instance, an R-19 batt compressed to 3-1/2 inches (to top of 2X4 attic floor joists) would now be approximately an R-13 batt.

Safety considerations:

• The installer should wear proper clothing and equipment as recommended by the radiant barrier manufacturer. Handling conventional insulation may cause skin, eye, and respiratory system irritation. If in doubt about the effects of the insulation, protective clothing, gloves, eye protection, and breathing protection should be worn.
• Be especially careful with electrical wiring, particularly around junction boxes and old wiring. Never staple through, near, or over electrical wiring. Repair any obvious frayed or defective wiring in advance of radiant barrier installation.
• Work in the attic only when temperatures are reasonable.
• Work with a partner. Not only does it make the job go faster, it also means that you'll have assistance should a problem occur.
• If the attic is unfinished, watch where you walk. If you step in the wrong place, you could fall through the ceiling. Step and stand only on the attic joists or trusses or the center of a strong moveable working surface.
• Watch your head. In most attics, roofing nails penetrate through the underside of the roof. A hard hat may be of some use.
• Make sure that the attic space is well ventilated and lighted.
• Do not cover any recessed lights or vents with radiant barrier material (attic floor application).

For the best long term performance, Prodex should be installed below the roof deck with the foil surface facing downward so an air space is maintained next to the foil, dust cannot accumulate on the surface of the product, and condensation is not a problem. Prodex can also be installed on the attic floor on top of existing insulation or resting on the ceiling joists with a foil side facing upward toward the attic air space. This type of installation should not be used in areas of the country that are dusty. If the upward facing surface becomes covered with dust, dirt, pollen, fly ash, insulation, or some other particulate its performance as a radiant barrier will be reduced or completely lost over time. Installing the product on the attic floor can also cause moisture to condense on the bottom surface of the product in cold weather leading to attic mold, mildew, ceiling water stains, and even (in extreme cases) to ceiling framing rot.

Prodex can be installed on the attic floor on top of existing insulation or resting on the ceiling joists with a foil side facing upward toward the attic air space. This type of installation should not be used in areas that are dusty. If the upward facing surface becomes covered with dust, pollen, fly ash, or some other particulate its value as a radiant barrier will be diminished or lost.

Prodex can be installed below the roof deck by draping the product over the rafters before the sheathing is attached (new construction) or to the rafters after the sheathing is attached (retrofit applications). In each case the radiant barrier material can be held in place with staples, plastic button cap nails, or double-sided tape.

Installations that result in an air-space between the roof deck and the radiant barrier material will provide the best results. Draping over rafters with sufficient radiant barrier material to provide one-to-three inches of space between the roof deck and the radiant barrier will result in thermal resistance between the roof deck in addition to the radiant barrier. Prodex stabled, nailed, or taped to the bottom edges of the rafters will result in a foil facing the attic air space and an air space between the roof deck and the radiant barrier material. Prodex can also be installed between rafters by stapling, nailing, or taping to produce a reflective air space between the roof deck and the radiant barrier and a downward facing foil surface.

The Prodex was installed along the bottom of the rafters in the attic crawl space. Together with 1x2 support stips under the peak of the roof, it creates tunnels from the soffit vents to the vent fans (one power, one solar) at the top. The nice thing about the Prodex is that it is just rugged enough to form into compartments and ducts and provides a complete air seal with tape or caulk, if one wishes.

Sincerely,
Wally Thompson
10528 Tomwood Ave.
El Paso, TX 79925

Thank you for your prompt attention to my order. These photos show that we simply placed the radiant barrier over the existing blown in insulation stapling it to the ceiling joist. It works great . . we could tell immediately! We ordered it Nov. 10th but did not get to install until Nov. 28th and took these photos Dec. 1st. We are totally satisfied with your product.

Thank you,

Lloyd Ratcliff
307 Bayou Oaks Drive
Monroe, LA 71203