Hi,
I just saw an add for radient barrier foil
http://www.blocktheheat.com/FoilHome.htm

Since we live in a hot area it is suggested to nail it straight across the roof rafters leaving an open space at the top of each rafter.

If this foil is "blocking" the heat from entering the attic, isn't that trapped heat just going to bake the shingles and roof from the attic side? And, if you leave an open spot at the top of each rafter, won't that hot air just travel up the rafter and escape out into the attic.

This seems like an easy fix but I think we'd be replacing our roof evry 5-10 years... if we're lucky to get that long.

Any thoughts?

If I don't reply right away, I will be gone starting tomorrow afternoon thru the week-end.

THANKS!!!

You are correct, extreme heat can harm your building materials. Funneling the heat to other areas is not a sound nor long term solution. Consider looking at a ceramic insulation coating that utilizes several ceramic types. Not only will this significantly reduce the heat from migrating through your roof and into your attic it will also reduce the heat island effect to the environment. The special ceramics do not absorb heat thus prevents heat from transfering through the coated substrate. Keep in mind this is not simply a reflective product like the foils or the single ceramic products. You might wonder why no one responded to this posting. My guess is because the effective use of ceramics in controling heat is not yet fully understood.