Installation Instructions for a Solar Shield Radiant Barrier

Measure 20-foot to 25-foot lengths of barrier while outside on the ground or on the garage floor. Cut the lengths with a utility knife. Roll them up and take them to the attic with the aid of your helper. The smaller rolls are easier to handle. If you drop one you're less likely to damage the ceiling between the attic floor joists.

Lay the radiant barrier over the existing attic insulation. Start in the corners away from the attic access door and work toward it. Don't push the barrier down into the insulation -- just lay it on top. Use the broomstick with a nail in the end for hard-to-reach areas. The nail makes it easier to grab the barrier and move it into place.

Overlap the pieces of radiant barrier by about 2 inches. Cut off short pieces of the foil tape with a utility knife. Tape the pieces of barrier together. You don't have to tape the entire seam. Place a piece of tape every few inches.

Staple the barrier to the attic floor joists using the staple gun and staples. Use the utility knife to cut slits in the barrier to fit it around obstacles such as pipes and vents. You can tape up the slits when you're done with the fitting, but small gaps are acceptable.

Do not install the radiant barrier over vents or lighting fixtures. Blocking vents will make the attic heat up and defeat the purpose of the barrier. The barrier's metal foil layer can cause arcing if it comes in contact with a lighting fixture's wiring and cause a fire.