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Summer in New Orleans means months of oppressive heat. When temperatures climb above 95 degrees and the sun beats down on your roof for 10 or more hours a day, your attic can reach 150 degrees or higher. That superheated air radiates downward through your ceiling, forcing your air conditioning to work harder and driving up energy bills.
A radiant barrier changes that equation. By reflecting up to 97% of radiant heat before it enters your living space, a properly installed radiant barrier keeps your home cooler, reduces HVAC demand, and lowers monthly energy costs.
Big Easy Sidings installs radiant barriers for homes across the Greater New Orleans area. Whether you want to reduce energy costs, improve comfort, or complement a new siding installation, we can help.
Call us or request a free estimate.
A radiant barrier is a reflective material — typically aluminum foil on a substrate — installed in your attic to reduce radiant heat transfer from the roof into living spaces.
Traditional insulation slows conductive and convective heat but does little against radiant heat. A radiant barrier reflects radiant heat back toward the roof before it reaches your attic insulation and ceiling. The best approach uses both together. Read more: How Radiant Barriers Improve Energy Efficient Siding.
The DOE reports 5% to 10% cooling cost reduction in hot climates. Louisiana homeowners often report 10% to 17% savings. For $250 monthly summer bills, that is $25 to $40 per month — $150 to $300+ annually.
Rooms stay cooler and temperatures stay even. Upstairs rooms and those below the attic benefit most.
Less demand means fewer AC cycles and longer system life. HVAC replacement costs $5,000 to $15,000.
Most installations pay for themselves in 2 to 5 years.
| Upgrade | Cost | Annual Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiant barrier | $700-$2,500 | $150-$400 | 2-5 years |
| Attic insulation | $1,500-$3,500 | $100-$250 | 5-10 years |
| New HVAC | $5,000-$15,000 | $200-$600 | 8-20 years |
| New windows | $8,000-$25,000 | $100-$300 | 20-40+ years |
Radiant barriers offer the fastest payback of any common home energy upgrade in hot climates.
Get a free radiant barrier estimate.
| Factor | Radiant Barrier | Traditional Insulation |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Reflects radiant heat | Slows conductive/convective heat |
| Best for | Hot climates with intense sun | General temperature control |
| Reduces attic temp | Yes (20-30 degrees) | No |
| Cooling savings | 5-17% | 10-20% (if under-insulated) |
| Cost | $700-$2,500 | $1,500-$3,500 |
If your attic has R-30+ insulation, a radiant barrier is the most impactful next step. If under-insulated, add insulation first.
Yes. Most effective in hot, sunny climates — exactly New Orleans conditions. The DOE recommends them for southern homes.
Typically 5% to 17% reduction in cooling costs. For summer bills of $200-$300, expect $20-$50 monthly savings.
No. They reflect heat both directions, providing a neutral to slightly positive winter effect.
Only if improperly installed. We use perforated products and verify adequate ventilation.
10 to 25+ years. No maintenance required.
No. It complements insulation by addressing radiant heat that insulation cannot stop.
Yes. With R-30+ insulation already managing conductive heat, a radiant barrier tackles remaining radiant heat for the best thermal performance.
A radiant barrier is one of the smartest upgrades for your New Orleans home. Pair with wood siding, vinyl siding, or James Hardie siding for a complete exterior upgrade.
Browse our gallery or read testimonials.
I couldn’t be happier with the transformation that Big Easy Sidings brought to my home with James Hardie Siding. Their expert installation team ensured the fiber cement siding was flawlessly installed, adding both beauty and durability to my house. Highly recommended!
Their team did a fantastic job with our vinyl siding installation. They were professional, efficient, and the results exceeded our expectations. Our home now looks modern and vibrant, all thanks to their exceptional service!
Choosing this company for our wood siding project was the best decision we made. The craftsmanship and attention to detail they displayed during the installation were truly remarkable. The warm and natural look of the wood siding transformed our home into a cozy haven.
I was impressed with their knowledge of radiant barrier technology. Their team explained the benefits of having a radiant barrier in simple terms and installed it with precision. Now, our home is more energy-efficient and comfortable year-round. Thank you!
Outstanding service and craftsmanship! Their team replaced our old siding with vinyl, and the difference is striking. Not only does our house look brand new, but the low-maintenance aspect of vinyl siding is also a huge plus.
I wanted to preserve the classic charm of my home while enhancing its energy efficiency. Big Easy Sidings made it possible with their exceptional wood siding services. Their team carefully selected the wood and meticulously installed it, resulting in a timeless and eco-friendly exterior.
As a homeowner who values both aesthetics and durability, I turned to this company for its expertise in James Hardie siding. The fiber cement siding they installed not only gave my home a contemporary look but also gave me peace of mind that it would withstand the test of time. Our home looks stunning, and we couldn’t be happier!
Their team was a pleasure to work with. Their knowledge of radiant barrier technology impressed me, and the installation process was smooth and hassle-free. Thanks to them, our home is now well insulated, and we’ve noticed significant savings on our energy bills.
