FAQ
What is 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.
How Much Can I Expect To Save?
Your actual savings will vary due to many different factors including: installation location, shading, air duct leakage, air handler location, geographic location, etc. In the South, you can expect to see a 40% reduction in heat gained through the ceiling. This can translate to a 17% savings on cooling bills. Ra-flect™ radiant barrier reduces energy costs in both summer months and winter months because it is double sided, and will keep heat in during the winter months and reflect radiant heat away during the summer. Installing a radiant barrier in your attic is the most cost effective, way of reducing your heating and cooling cost and providing the quickest payback of any energy efficient material or product.
Which is Better, Perforated or Non-perforated?
Neither type is better or worse, however the type that you use depends on your geographic location and your application. It is very important that you choose the correct type for your location and application otherwise you may end up causing moisture problems which can lead to mold and or structure rot. We recommend that perforated Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier be used in ALL of the southern shaded areas(hot humid climates) shown below. The ONLY time when the non-perforated Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier is appropriate in hot humid climates, is when it is used as exterior building wrap where it is located on the outside of the building insulation. Most northern states or areas of moderate climates can use either perforated or non perforated radiant barrier. If the non-perforated Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier is used in the white states (shown below), it should be installed in the inside of the structure.
Which is Better, Single Sided or Double Sided?
Double sided Radiant Barriers are definitely more effective than single sided ones. In order for a radiant barrier to be most effective in both summer and winter it needs to have aluminum on both sides. According to a study performed at Texas A&M University, double sided radiant barriers were 41% more effective than their single sided counterparts.
Will Radiant Barrier Heat my Roof Shingles and Lessen Their Life?
An Radiant Barrier attic installation will only increase the surface temperature of a roof by 2 to 5 degrees. To put it in perspective, the surface temperature of dark asphalt shingles can reach 190°F on a hot sunny day. Most roofing manufactures recognize that adding radiant barrier to your attic will not harm your shingles.
How and Where Do I Install Radiant Barrier?
Radiant Barrier installations vary from place to place, but the most common applications are attic installations and building wraps. With a little know how and the proper tools, any handy man (or woman) can easily install their own Radiant Barrier and save a ton of money. The most common installation procedures are outlined at the following links.
- Attic Installations
- Cathedral Ceiling Installation
- Wall and House Wrap Installations
- Floor Installations
- Do-It-Yourself Radiant Barrier Sheathing
Why Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier as Opposed to The Competition?
Our Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier is a Double-Sided, Tear-Resistant, ENERGY STAR® Qualified, Class A/Class 1 Fire-Rated, Clean and Non-Toxic Aluminum Radiant Barrier. Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier is made only from top-of-the-line materials, and with a reflectivity of 97%. Ra-flect™ reflects virtually all of the radiant heat from the sun away from your residential home or commercial building during the summer while keeping your mechanically generated heat in during the winter, saving you money on your utility bills. Compared to radiant barrier spray-on paint products, which reflect only 75% or less, Ra-flect™ outshines the competition.
Our Ra-flect™ Radiant Barrier is one of the strongest and most durable radiant barriers on the market with a tensile strength of over 80 lb/in and a Mullen Burst Strength of 160 psi. Its woven polyethylene material is tear resistant and is well suited for holding staples in all positions. It is available in a vapor barrier non-perforated type or with clean, small laser perforations to allow the passage of moisture, making it suitable for any climate conditions.
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