Radiant Barrier
What is Radiant Barrier?
Radiant barrier is a double sided, reflective material designed to reflect 95% of the heat back into the space. It can be used on any exposed walls or vertical service in the attic not suitable for cellulose insulation.
In the summer months, it keeps your home cooler, by reflecting the heat back into the attic allowing it to be vented out of the roof and preventing it from radiating into the living space. In the winter months, it reflects the heat back into the living space, keeping your home warmer. Radiant barrier installation helps reduce energy cost and helps decrease the workload of your heating and cooling systems year-round.
Ask the Experts: The Science of Heat
Heat travels from a warm area to a cool area by a combination of conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat flows by conduction from a hotter location to a colder location, like the way a spoon placed in a hot cup of coffee conducts heat through its handle to your hand. Heat transfer by convection occurs when a liquid or gas -- air, for example -- is heated, becomes less dense, and rises. As the air cools, it becomes denser and falls. Radiant heat however travels in a straight line away from any surface and heats anything solid that absorbs its energy.
When the sun heats a roof, it's primarily the sun's radiant energy that makes the roof hot. Much of this heat travels by conduction through the roofing materials to the attic side of the roof. The hot roof material then radiates its gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces.
Most common insulation materials, such as fiberglass and cellulose, work by slowing conductive heat flow and -- to a lesser extent -- convective heat flow. Radiant barriers work by reducing heat gain. In other words, by directing the heat back into the space, the barrier prevents the heat from transferring to the material underneath resulting in a negative heat gain.
A radiant barrier works best when it is perpendicular ( such as a knee wall) to the radiant energy striking it. Also, the greater the temperature difference between the sides of the radiant barrier material, the greater the benefits a radiant barrier can offer.
A radiant barrier's effectiveness depends on proper installation, so it's best to use a certified installer.
EXPERIENCED AND PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION OF RADIANT BARRIER
Our experts understand the thermal complexities of your attic. Using the properties of conductive, convection, and radiant heat, our professionals will create a detailed plan to insulate your unique space. Every home is unique. Using the highest quality materials, we take pride in our ability to make your home as energy efficient as possible. With over 20+ years of experience in attic services, Attic Experts bring knowledge and dedication to quality to every project we perform. We are a licensed and insured, family owned and operated business, servicing the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. As a Consumers Energy Preferred Contractor and Certified Mold Remediator, you can count on us. Let us conduct a FREE thorough inspection and detailed evaluation of your attic. We’re the one to call for exceptional attic insulation services!
Our Attic Experts can inspect the current levels and condition of your attic and provide you with a detailed evaluation of how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency.
