Radiant Barrier and Energy Savings Go Hand-in-Hand

Radiant barriers are materials used for the purposeresidential buildings.
of home insulation. They are effective at stoppingTypes of Radiant Barrier Application
the transfer of radiant energy from the outside ofOne way to apply this technology in residential
the home to the inside during the summer months.situations is to spray a coat of radiant barrier # 85
The barriers are typically installed in the attics ofinside the attic along the roof. This solution is made
homes in order to reduce heat gain during theof insulating ceramic microspheres and pure metal
summer months, with the result being lower energy(aluminum) pigment - and yet with no flammable or
bills.volatile solvents. This method can reduce radiant heat
3 Ways for Heat to Transferby up to 70%.
From a physics perspective, heat transfer takesAnother option is to install a barrier of aluminum foil in
three forms: conduction, radiation and convection.a way that covers the existing, traditional insulation
Most types of insulation used in homes and officesuch as fiberglass blankets, foam, or concrete blocks.
buildings - such as fiberglass blankets - are effectiveThe foil type of insulation is even more effective
vis-a-vis conduction and convection types of heatthan is the spray type, reducing radiant energy by up
transfer. However, they are ineffective at preventingto 97%.
radiant heat transfer.Radiant barrier and energy savings go hand-in-hand.
This is where radiant barriers come in. They are aWhen installed properly, they can greatly contribute
type of aluminum product which can be used into reduced energy costs by saving in cooling/air
conjunction with other types of insulation materials toconditioning costs during the summer months in a
protect the home against high energy bills.way that traditional insulation materials cannot
These barriers are installed in both commercial andaccomplish on their own.