Radiant Barrier - Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

Radiant Barrier - Dallas/Ft. Worth

What Is a Radiant Barrier?

A very common question is what actually is a Radiant Barrier and how does it compare to standard insulation? Radiant Barrier insulation is a reflective insulation system that offers a permanent solution to reduce your energy costs. The best type of radiant barrier system is a very thin, lightweight, but surprisingly durable material comprised of 99% aluminum foil, which will reflect 97% of the radiant heat coming into the attic. It reduces the loss of heat in the winter through the roof and keeps heat out of your attic in the summer. It is also very effective in reducing radiant heat loss or gain from the walls as a house wrap for new construction.

Radiant barriers were originally developed by NASA to protect spacecraft and astronauts from the extreme temperatures in space. Since then, the product has undergone extensive research and development and is now available for residential, commercial, and industrial use to help homeowners and businesses reduce their energy costs and protect the environment.

How does this work? You must remember that Heat goes to Cold only.  That is just pure science.  Therefore, the way EnergyAttic installs the radiant barrier is effective in winter and summer.  In the winter, this durable, double-sided aluminum product reflects the radiant heat back to the heated living areas of the home or building. It works similar to wrapping a baked potato in aluminum foil to retain heat and keep it warm longer. In the summer, a radiant barrier reflects heat to help prevent attic insulation from getting hot and transferring that heat into your home. If the radiant barrier is installed by stapling it to the roof rafters, then it also prevents the air conditioner and ductwork from absorbing the attic heat and transferring it into the home.  Because it is installed on the rafters the moisture in the attic easily flows out resulting in NO moisture or condensation issues.

There are three ways in which heat goes from warm spaces to cold spaces:

CONDUCTION - direct contact heat flow though a solid object such as a wall or ceiling. An example of conduction is touching a pot on the stove. This is conductive heat transfer.

CONVECTION - heat movement through air, occurring when air is warmed. The warm air expands, becoming less dense and rising. This is through steam or moisture. An example would be putting your hand above a boiling pot where you would feel heat in the form of steam.

RADIATION - electromagnetic, the movement of heat rays across air spaces from one warm object to a cooler object. The heat we feel from a wood stove or a space heater is radiant heat. Also feeling the sun's rays on your face is radiant heat transfer.  All objects above absolute zero (-459.7 degrees F) emit infrared rays in a straight line in all directions. 
 
The most common form of heat transfer is from radiant heat. All objects and bodies give off radiant heat. Even the traditional insulation in your attic gives off radiant heat to the cold attic spaces in the winter and to the living spaces in the summer. Regular insulation won't stop radiant heat loss or gain. Radiant heat must be REFLECTED with a radiant barrier.

EnergyAttic Radiant Barrier insulation systems reflect radiant heat energy instead of trying to absorb it like a traditional insulation. EnergyAttic Radiant barrier is a layer of foil facing an airspace that is installed in the envelope of a building. The best installation method is stapling it to the rafters, which leaves airspace to allow for adequate airflow in the attic and to enhance the properties of the radiant barrier system.

Most people are familiar with traditional insulation materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, Styrofoam, and rock wool. These products are used to absorb or resist (slow down) heat transfer of conductive or convective heat. The most dominant form of heat transfer is radiant heat transfer. A 99% aluminum radiant barrier most effectively stops radiant heat. Radiant barriers reflect heat instead of trying to absorb it.

During the winter 50-75% of heat loss is through the ceiling/roofing system and 65-80% of heat loss through the walls is radiant. During the summer, 93% of the heat gain in your attic is from radiant heat.

If you are depending on standard insulation (R-Value or resistance) alone against heat gain and loss, remember that thin layers of fiberglass are virtually transparent to radiant heat energy and are affected by humidity. A 1 1/2% change in the moisture content of fiberglass insulation will result in a 36% decrease in performance (referenced from HVAC Manual 10.6 McGraw-Hill). A pure aluminum barrier is unaffected by humidity and will continue to perform at a consistent level no matter how humid there may be.

Installing EnergyAttic Radiant Barrier in your attic, you can reduce the heat loss in the winter and the heat gain in the summer, increase the efficiency of your current insulation, make your home feel more comfortable, and save up to 40% on your energy costs. 

The combination of our radiant barrier, the proper amount of insulation and adequate ventilation, you will receive optimum results in reducing the amount of energy used to heat and cool your home.

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This educational content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, home improvement or health advice. Content on this page is provided by Ask The Experts and not the featured advertiser.