Radiant barriers are widely installed in attics of houses aimed at lowering cooling costs by reducing summer heat gain. The barriers comprise of a super reflective material that re-emits radiant heat instead of absorbing it – though, unlike thermal insulation materials, they may not lessen heat conduction.

It is common knowledge that heat  travels from a warm area to a cool area by a combination of the three basic principles of heat transfer - conduction, convection, and radiation. Radiant heat transfer takes place because of the simple fact that warmer surfaces usually emit more radiation than cooler surfaces.

Radiant barriers are obviously more effective in tropical climates than in cold climates - more so, when cooling air ducts are situated in the attic. Research findings suggest that radiant barriers can lower cooling costs upto10% when used in a warm climate. But in cool weather, it will be more cost-effective to install more than the minimum recommended level of insulation instead of a radiant barrier.

Radiant barrier when fitted on the attic can prevent 97% of the incoming radiation heat. There are various types of radiant barriers - reflective foil, reflective metal roof shingles, reflective laminated roof sheathing, and reflective chips for applying over loose-fill insulation.

The reflective material is essentially aluminum and it is applied to either or both sides of a number of substrate materials like craft paper, plastic films, cardboard, oriented strand board etc. They are often reinforced to enhance durability and easier handling. Radiant barriers, which rarely provide thermal insulation in any meaningful way, can therefore be combined with different types of insulation materials.

The best places to install radiant barriers are - between the roof sheathing and attic floor insulation, in cavity walls, around door openings, water heaters, and pipes. This method is known as reflective insulation system.

Proper installation is the key to obtaining optimum effect from radiant barriers. Therefore, it is critically important to carry out the installation by a certified professional instead of attempting things on your own - though, the installation of radiant barrier does not require any special tools. Prior to installing the radiant barriers, it is necessary that you check your local fire code. It is less complicated installing radiant barriers when the house is new.

Some builders attach the radiant barrier directly onto the roof sheathing prior to their installation on the roof rafters. But, a better method would be to use foil-faced plywood or oriented strand board sheathing instead. You can also opt for roof shingles, but the cost will be much higher than other types.

It is inadvisable to install radiant barrier on top of attic floor insulation as they will be more prone to dust accumulation and may also capture moisture in fiber insulation during chilly weather. For these reasons, it is suggested that you avoid applying radiant barriers directly on top of the attic floor insulation.

Most house owners prefer the radiant barrier insulation to escape the thermostat changes during the winter and the summer seasons. Apart from providing comfort to the inmates, it also considerably minimizes the utility bills. In fact, the foremost long-term benefit of installing radiant barrier insulation using materials such as radiant foil in attic is the cost savings on your power bills.

A Affordable Insulators & Services is a front-line company that provides residential and commercial Insulation needs in Houston and Austin, TX since our inception in 2002. Know more about us at Home Insulation Contractors Houston

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