What Type of Insulation Works Better In Your Attic:
Radiant
Barrier or Blanket
Nick D.
6th
Grade, Ascension Catholic, Melbourne, Florida
Teacher: Agnes Owens
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Hypothesis: My hypothesis is that blanket insulation will insulate better because it is thicker than radiant barrier insulation.
Summary: I compared radiant barrier and blanket insulation to see which insulation makes the attic temperature rise the least. The attic temperature rose an average of 5.2 degrees Celsius during the hottest time of the day without insulation. The attic temperature rose an average of 3.6 degrees Celsius with blanket insulation and an average of 1.1 degrees Celsius with radiant barrier insulation. From my testing, I learned that the radiant barrier insulation worked better than the blanket insulation. Also, I learned that you should have some type of insulation in your attic because there is a very large temperature rise without any insulation. My test results matched my research because radiant barrier insulation works better than blanket insulation.
Conclusion: My hypothesis was incorrect; the blanket insulation did not insulate better than the radiant barrier insulation. From my results, the radiant barrier insulated better than the blanket and much better than no insulation. If you live in Florida where there is a lot of sun, you should buy radiant barrier insulation for the rafters of your attic. This will help you save money on your air conditioning bill.
