How Much Does a Radiant Barrier Cost to Install? [2026 Data]

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What Is a Radiant Barrier?

A radiant barrier is an effective method of reducing heat build-up in your attic, thus keeping your cooling costs down in the summer months. This barrier—installed in the attic as either a one- or two-side aluminum foil or a spray-on coating—reflects radiant heat, instead of absorbing it.

Radiant Barrier Cost Factors

Installing a radiant barrier is a great way to reduce your energy bills during the hotter part of the year, and it’s not too expensive. Just how much you spend to install a radiant barrier depends on a few factors.

Type of Radiant Barrier

You can choose from two main types of radiant barriers: foil and spray coatings. Foil radiant barriers tend to be cheaper (though the two-sided foil is more costly) and are easier to install on your own.

On average, one-sided radiant barrier foil insulation costs from $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot, though costs for high-quality material can go as high as $0.50 per square foot. Two-sided radiant barrier foil reflects heat both ways, which makes this type more efficient; expect to spend from $0.50 to $0.90 per square foot, for materials alone.

Spray coatings are slightly less effective than foil barriers, and they can be more challenging and dangerous to install (because of the volatile organic compounds). However, radiant barrier spray coating is easier to apply in hard-to-reach areas. Spray coatings are generally sold in 5-gallon buckets; when applied properly, you’ll spend from $0.65 to $1 per square foot.

Labor

If you’re comfortable with DIY work around the house, you may be able to save money by installing a radiant barrier yourself. However, you’ll need to purchase the supplies and, potentially, tools you don’t already have around the house. Because the work can be tough (and has to be performed in a hot, sometimes tight space)—and because precision is key during the installation—we highly recommend hiring a professional.

Get quotes from multiple attic insulation contractors near you and ask their pricing per square foot. On average, contractors charge between $0.60 and $1 per square foot to install both foil and spray-on radiant barriers. That comes out to roughly $30 to $80 per hour.

Size of the Space

It’s hard to think about the total project costs for installing radiant barriers when you see the price per square foot. Instead, it’s more helpful to think in terms of project cost for the entire space.

The table below shows how costs might vary depending on the size of the attic space in which you’re installing the barrier.

Radiant Barrier Add-On Costs

Radiant barriers are ideal for reflecting heat, but to truly minimize your energy consumption, the barrier should be combined with attic insulation. If your home does not already have attic insulation, you’ll want to consider both at the same time. On average, attic insulation costs $2,500.

How much you spend on insulation depends on the type of insulation you choose:

• Blown-in insulation costs between $0.50 and $2.30 per square foot.

• Spray-foam insulation costs between $0.44 and $3.00 per board foot.

• Fiberglass insulation costs between $0.30 and $1.50 per square foot.

Another cost consideration with radiant barrier installation is attic ventilation. Radiant barriers work best with a well-ventilated attic, which may require additional investment. For instance, installing an attic fan costs $625 on average.

Most Frequently Requested Blown-In Insulation Add-Ons

According to Angi data, 11% of homeowners who install blown-in insulation also opt to install energy-saving radiant barrier protection. Other common add-on services include removing old insulation, installing sound proofing, and insulating hot water pipes.

Radiant Barrier Cost Savings

Installing a radiant barrier pays off in the long run. The Department of Energy reports that radiant barriers have been shown to reduce cooling costs by 5% to 10% for homeowners in warmer, sunny climates.

The average electric bill across the U.S. is $137 a month, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. A 5% to 10% reduction is $6.85 to $13.70 a month in savings—or $82.20 to $164.40 a year.

But if you’re thinking about installing a radiant barrier, you likely live in a hotter climate and thus have a higher-than-average monthly electric bill, especially during the warm months. Floridians, for instance, spend an average of $272 a month on electricity, per Energy Sage. A 5% to 10% reduction due to a radiant barrier installation would mean $13.60 to $27.20 a month in savings—or $163.20 to $326.40 a year.

In the long run, installing an attic radiant barrier could be well worth the cost.

Why You Should Hire a Radiant Barrier Installation Pro

Roughly half the project cost of a radiant barrier comes from labor, so you can save money by doing it yourself. However, the installation work is challenging and can also be dangerous. To get the most efficiency out of your radiant barrier, it’s best to always hire a local attic insulation company.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a radiant barrier installation pro

Installing a radiant barrier requires specialized expertise. Here’s why it’s best to hire an experienced pro for the job:

• Professionals have the specialized tools and techniques to safely install a radiant barrier in attics, ceilings, or walls.

• Professionals know how to install radiant barriers to maximize your home’s efficiency and prevent heat buildup.

• Hiring a reputable pro ensures your project complies with building codes and insulation standards.

• Professionally installed radiant barriers reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and add value to your home.

If you want to DIY a radiant barrier installation

To help out your pro, consider assisting them with the following tasks:

• Remove boxes, storage, and belongings from your attic to provide your pro with easy access

• Inspect your attic for visible leaks, pests, or damage to the insulation

• Prepare ladders, lights, and safety equipment for your pro

• Clean up your attic and dispose of debris once the job is complete

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.