TryBuildCalc

Radiant Barrier Verification Checklist

Essential Checklist+

Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.

✓11 Inspection Points
✓4 Verification Categories
✓Method & Area Setup+
  • Installation Method (Rafter/Truss Drape, Floor Overlay, or Reflective Decking) matches what will actually be installed — each uses a different product and a different airspace/condensation requirement.
  • Every area/roof plane's Run Length and Cross Width were measured on site, not assumed from a plan.
  • For Attic Floor Overlay, the foil is confirmed PERFORATED — non-perforated/solid foil in this position risks trapping moisture against the insulation underneath.
  • For Attic Floor Overlay, current DOE Building America guidance (keep the barrier elevated above the insulation, not in direct contact) was reviewed against the product's own installation instructions before deciding how to lay it.
  • For Rafter/Truss Drape, at least a 3/4 in airspace is maintained on the reflective face — foil laid flat against the roof deck with no airspace underperforms.
✓Roll Materials (Rafter/Truss Drape & Floor Overlay)+
  • Rolls to Buy is understood as grouped per (roll width, perforated/solid) combination — different groups never pool into the same count.
  • The reflective (foil) face is oriented toward the airspace it is meant to face, not against a solid surface with no gap.
✓Decking Panels (New-Construction Reflective Roof Decking)+
  • Decking Thickness/span rating meets the structural requirement for your rafter/truss spacing and roof load — this calculator does not perform a structural span check.
  • Panels are installed foil-side DOWN, facing the attic space, not facing outward under the roofing material.
  • Rafter/Truss Direction was set for every section (not left on "Not Sure") once the real framing direction was confirmed, so the panel orientation actually satisfies APA's perpendicular-strength-axis requirement rather than just minimizing panel count.
✓Estimated Effectiveness & Final Check+
  • The Estimated Effectiveness figures are understood as a screening estimate, not a guaranteed utility-bill reduction or a substitute for a proper load calculation.
Full QC Checklist+

Verify installation method, airspace/condensation requirements, quantity, and effectiveness assumptions before closing up an attic or roof deck.

✓22 Inspection Points
✓4 Verification Categories
✓Method & Area Setup+
  • Installation Method (Rafter/Truss Drape, Floor Overlay, or Reflective Decking) matches what will actually be installed — each uses a different product and a different airspace/condensation requirement.
  • Every area/roof plane's Run Length and Cross Width were measured on site, not assumed from a plan.
  • For Attic Floor Overlay, the foil is confirmed PERFORATED — non-perforated/solid foil in this position risks trapping moisture against the insulation underneath.
  • For Attic Floor Overlay, current DOE Building America guidance (keep the barrier elevated above the insulation, not in direct contact) was reviewed against the product's own installation instructions before deciding how to lay it.
  • For Rafter/Truss Drape, at least a 3/4 in airspace is maintained on the reflective face — foil laid flat against the roof deck with no airspace underperforms.
  • "Identical Areas"/"Identical Sections" count reflects how many separate areas of this exact size exist, not the whole job's total.
✓Roll Materials (Rafter/Truss Drape & Floor Overlay)+
  • Roll Width selected matches what the supplier actually stocks (2 ft or 4 ft).
  • Rolls to Buy is understood as grouped per (roll width, perforated/solid) combination — different groups never pool into the same count.
  • Overlap entered matches the manufacturer's own installation instructions, not just the calculator's default.
  • Rafter/Truss Spacing and Staple Spacing reflect the actual framing, for a realistic staple count.
  • Foil Seam Tape and Rolls to Buy figures were checked against the actual job before ordering, especially for a project mixing more than 1 roll width or perforated/solid combination.
  • The reflective (foil) face is oriented toward the airspace it is meant to face, not against a solid surface with no gap.
✓Decking Panels (New-Construction Reflective Roof Decking)+
  • Decking Thickness/span rating meets the structural requirement for your rafter/truss spacing and roof load — this calculator does not perform a structural span check.
  • Panels are installed foil-side DOWN, facing the attic space, not facing outward under the roofing material.
  • Fasteners (Nails) per Panel matches your actual roofing nailing schedule, not just the calculator's default rule-of-thumb.
  • Panel joints are staggered row to row, matching standard structural sheathing practice.
  • Rafter/Truss Direction was set for every section (not left on "Not Sure") once the real framing direction was confirmed, so the panel orientation actually satisfies APA's perpendicular-strength-axis requirement rather than just minimizing panel count.
✓Estimated Effectiveness & Final Check+
  • Climate, Attic HVAC Ducts/Air Handler Present, and Existing Attic Insulation inputs reflect the real site, since all 3 meaningfully change the effectiveness estimate.
  • The Estimated Effectiveness figures are understood as a screening estimate, not a guaranteed utility-bill reduction or a substitute for a proper load calculation.
  • Proper attic ventilation is confirmed separately — a radiant barrier does not reduce or replace the attic's ventilation requirement.
  • Currency and unit cost entries reflect current local supplier pricing, not a placeholder default.
  • Local energy code and the manufacturer's own installation instructions were checked for any climate-specific restrictions before finalizing the job.
Inspection Notes+
Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.
Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.
Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Related Calculators & Guides

Radiant Barrier CalculatorOpen the related calculator and verify the current project inputs.

FAQ

Use it after collecting the project inputs and again before approving or closing the relevant work stage.
No. It supports verification but does not replace approved drawings, specifications, codes, manufacturer requirements, or professional inspection.