What Is A Radiant Barrier?

A radiant barrier is a reflective insulation type system that offers a permanent way to reduce energy costs.

Radiant barriers are ‘technically’ not an insulation material, due to the fact they are only a thin sheet of reinforced aluminum foil, however with an air space of 3/4” or more, radiant barriers have a theoretical R-value of 53. Radiant barriers address radiation (Electromagnetic) heat transfer, the single most efficient type of heat transfer, by reflecting that radiation away from the radiant barrier.

A typical home will loose heat in the winter and gain heat in the summer and the majority of that heat is radiant heat, so stopping radiant heat transfer in both the winter and summer months is the most effective way to reduce energy cost. Typically a home can see a reduction in their utility expenses by over 17%. However, in hot humid climates where the majority of the electricity usage is used to cool the structure, over 40% reductions in heat gain have been observed.

For more information on radiant barriers, radiant barrier installation and some common radiant barrier frequently asked questions, just follow those links.