radiant
barrier
REFLECTIVE THERMAL INSULATION
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What Is Radiant Barrier?
REFLECTIVE THERMAL INSULATION
Radiant barrier is a reflective insulation that blocks radiant heat transfer and reflects it back to its source.
Radiant barriers are made from polished metals with high levels of reflectivity, such as aluminum.
It consists of two outer layers of 96% reflective film, bonded together by a heavy gauge woven polyethylene fabric.
Radiant barriers block radiant heat transfer equally in both directions, making them an effective year-round product.
Certified radiant barrier products will reflect 95% to 97% of radiant heat transfer.
HOW DOES
RADIANT BARRIER
WORK?
Radiation from the sun eventually comes into contact with the surface of our roofs.
It’s estimated that the amount of radiant energy that strikes our roof on a daily basis is 375,000 BTUs.
Perspective: The average stove range has 7,000 BTUs per burner.
Roofing materials are poor reflectors of radiant heat and will absorb up to 95% of the radiation from the sun.
Based on the scientific laws of thermodynamics, heat moves from hot to cold.
As the roofing materials become saturated with radiant heat, the excess heat is transmitted into the attic area.
Radiant heat accounts for as much as 93% of the heat transfer that occurs in our attic spaces.
During peak summer months radiant heat transfer can cause result in attic temperatures of 180+ degrees.
Traditional forms of insulation cannot stop the transfer of heat; they can only slow down (or "resist") the heat as it transfers.
Without a radiant barrier, once the insulation becomes saturated with radiant heat, the heat will then readily pass into the cooler areas of our home.
A radiant barrier system will reflect 95% to 97% of the radiant heat from entering into our attic area.
A properly installed radiant barrier system can:
-
Reduce attic temperatures as much as 30 degrees.
-
Reduce heat transfer from attic to living space up to 50%.
-
Reduce heat loads on attic ducts and HVAC equipment up to 50%.
-
Extend the life of the air-conditioning unit.
-
Increase the comfort level of your home.
DOES
RADIANT BARRIER
WORK?
Radiant Barrier is a scientifically proven technology.
Radiant Barrier was first invented as a NASA collaboration for use on the "Echo" satellite launch in 1960.
Originally designed to reflect communication signals, NASA soon found the material was extremely effective at reflecting space radiation.
The product came to be known as “radiant barrier technology” and was used during the Apollo program to shield spacecraft and instruments from the harsh conditions in space.
Since then, nearly every NASA mission has employed the shiny material to protect astronauts and equipment.
Material
Emissivity Value
Human Skin
0.99
Asphalt
0.90 - 1.00
Concrete
.90 - .95
Roofing Paper
.90 - .95
Paper
.85 - 1.00
Glass
.80 - .95
Wood
.80 - .95
Plastic
.95 - 1.00
Polyster
.75 - .85
Fiberglass
0.75
Copper
.10 - .20
Aluminum
0.05
Gold
0.03
EMISSIVITY TABLE
The Science Behind
Radiant Barrier
When radiant heat comes in contact with a surface, the radiant heat will be transferred in one of three ways.
-
Absorbance
-
Reflectance
-
Transmittance (Emissivity)
Understanding emissivity is the key to understanding the scientifically proven effectiveness of radiant barrier as a means of preventing radiant heat transfer into your home.
The lower a materials emissivity, the more effective it will be at rejecting radiant heat.
Radiant Barrier is comprised of aluminum-based materials.
A radiant barrier with an emissivity rating of .05, will have a reflectivity rating of 95%, resulting in the radiant barrier rejecting 95% of the radiant heat transfer.
In order to have a totally energy efficient home, it is vital that radiant heat transfer is addressed with a radiant barrier.
Why Choose Radiant Barrier?
PROS
CONS
Certified radiant barrier products will reflect 95% to 97% of radiant heat transfer.
Radiant barriers reduce attic temperatures as much as 30 degrees.
They reduce heat transfer from attic to living space up to 50%.
They reduce heat loads on attic ducts and HVAC equipment up to 50%.
They extend the life of the air-conditioning unit.
And they will increase the comfort level of your home.
A radiant barrier is a permanent energy efficiency solution.
Radiant barriers address only one type of heat transfer and should be used in combination with traditional forms of insulation for best results.
Radiant barriers should no longer affect cell phone signals, but if they do, cell phone signal boosters can be purchased to resolve the problem.
Our Reccomendation For Radiant Barrier
A radiant barrier is the most effective method for rejecting radiant heat transfer from entering into our homes. Traditional forms of insulation cannot stop heat transfer, they can only "resist" it; a radiant barrier will effectively reject up to 97% of the radiant heat from entering into the attic area. Radiant barriers also prevent the breakdown of your traditional insulation by shielding it from excessive heat absorption, creating a permanent energy efficiency solution. Radiant barriers are a scientifically proven technology and they are now required for new construction under the 2018 IECC building code standards.
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