I recently turned my garage into a space with a ceiling that created an attic above, which I wanted for storage. My contractor suggested using a radiant barrier to help manage the temperature. However, even with this barrier installed, the attic temperature soared to over 100°F while the outside was only 70°F with mixed sun and clouds. As summer approaches, I'm concerned that storing gear like camping equipment won't be feasible if the temperature inside climbs even higher. I want to hire a professional who can properly evaluate my attic and recommend effective solutions, ideally someone who can also do the work and stand behind their results. I live in Southern California, by the way.
3 Answers
You might want to look into contacting an energy auditing company. They can do a thorough evaluation, and if you're unsure where to start, try asking your electricity or gas provider for recommendations on who they work with for energy audits.
Retrofitting attics can be tricky. Traditional attics are designed to vent heat naturally. When you insulate, you have to think about moisture and how it affects the roofing. While some companies might push spray foam, be cautious. They often disappear after getting paid. If you want solid answers, a structural engineer could offer the best guidance. Personally, I keep my stuff in a hot attic too, and while it gets super hot in there, I've never had significant damage. Just consider what you're storing before going through extensive changes.
Just a heads up, a radiant barrier alone isn’t going to keep your attic cool enough. It sounds like the contractor may not have been upfront with you about what to expect. If you're looking to make the attic a usable space, you'll need proper air sealing as well as insulation.