Save Money With Energy Audits, Air Conditioning Service and Insulation With Green ID
  • HOME
  • OUR SERVICES
    • Solar
    • Heating & Cooling
    • Insulation
    • Energy Audits
  • ENERGY AUDITS
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT
    • Schedule A Service
    • Careers
  • BLOG

Getting to Know Radiant Barriers

5/31/2017

1 Comment

 
The purpose of a radiant barrier is to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. This is achieved by installing the highly reflective material, normally in your attic, so that it can reflect the radiant heat rather than absorbing it.

A radiant barrier’s effectiveness is dependent on both the type of radiant barrier and the proper installation. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory estimates the air-conditioning cost savings can range from about $150 annually for very hot climates to only $40 for cold climates and installing the barrier incorrectly or choosing the wrong product can prevent you from reaping those savings. Some consumers end up disappointed with the effectiveness of their radiant barrier and this is mostly because of improper installation and poor choice in product so it’s important to do your research.

It is best to use a certified installer but if you choose to do the installation yourself, carefully study and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions and check your local building and fire codes. The reflective insulation trade association offers installation tips.

​The most important decision in the process of installing a radiant barrier in your home is the product that you choose to invest in. Radiant barrier paint, radiant barrier chips and radiant barrier foil are the three types of radiant barriers.  We do not support radiant barrier paint or radiant barrier chips but do support the use of radiant barrier foil.

Radiant barrier paint

Radiant barrier paint is meant to be a paint that is reflective and can simply be painted onto a surface to reflect radiant heat. There are a few flaws to the product. Radiant barrier paint can be diluted in the field with water and will lose its effectiveness when applied.  I’ve seen many houses where the radiant paint looks more like gray paint rather than a reflective paint, which is a sign of dilution. In fact, radiant barrier paint is technically not even a radiant barrier, because its reflectance is only 75%.  Radiant barrier paints also has lower performance standards with higher emittance values and lower reflectance values than traditional radiant barrier foils.

Radiant barrier chips

Radiant barrier chips are flakes of a reflective material that is scattered throughout the attic. The problem with radiant barrier chips is that installers usually do not install them with enough density to cover the entire surface area of the attic. The chips need to be several layers deep and must be evenly spread which bring us to the other issue of the chips being very easily moved. 

Radiant barrier foil/sheathing

Radiant barrier foil is a sheet or board that is covered with reflective material. The radiant barrier foil comes either in single or double sided. Some foil may be breathable with ventilation holes. Some radiant barrier foil may also have a foam core with some insulation value to it. This type of radiant barriers, meeting certain criteria, can in fact be classified as insulation under the EPA, qualifying them as ENERGY STAR products.  We support this method of radiant barrier because it’s the most effective, maintenance free, long lasting, and reliable. 
1 Comment
Kristofer Van Wagner link
12/10/2021 08:43:24 am

The other day my dad mentioned he needs to have radiant barriers set up for his home in hopes of reducing his energy bills. I do agree that it is important to have professionals hired for the job. I will definitely keep this information in mind when I look for reliable professionals.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Sign Up For Your Home Energy Audit

    FIND YOUR HOME TYPE

    Ranch Homes

    Picture
    Picture

    Single Story, Spec Homes

    Picture
    Picture

    Two Story, Spec Homes

    Picture
    Picture

    Tri-Level Homes

    Picture

    Pre-1990 Custom Home

    Picture
    Picture

    Post-1990 Custom Home

    Picture
    Picture

    Don't See Your Home? Find Your City Below!

     

    Archives 

    September 2021
    August 2021
    January 2021
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010


    Copyright Notice

    ©2009 – 2023
    All Rights Reserved


Privacy Policy 
Terms and Conditions 
Find us on: 
  • HOME
  • OUR SERVICES
    • Solar
    • Heating & Cooling
    • Insulation
    • Energy Audits
  • ENERGY AUDITS
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT
    • Schedule A Service
    • Careers
  • BLOG