Radiant Barriers

Block the effects of radiant heat gain in homes by reflecting radiant heat rather than absorbing it

A roof exposed to the sun for a prolonged period will absorb a great deal of heat, sometimes reaching temperatures in excess of 170° Fahrenheit. Radiant barriers can help prevent overheated attics from warming the interior of a home. Conventional thermal insulation can slow down radiant heat transfer, but will not stop it.

All radiant barriers have at least one reflective (or low emissivity) surface, usually a sheet or coating of aluminum. Radiant barriers come in various forms, including: reflective foil, reflective paint coatings, and reflective chips and can be combined with thermal insulation for increased energy efficiency.

Radiant barriers are fairly simple to use, and installation in new or existing homes is relatively easy. The radiant barrier material is clean, lightweight, easy to handle, non-toxic, resistant to harsh environments, and durable. Once installed, it is virtually maintenance-free.

Some studies have shown that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs by between 5 and 10 percent. The material cost of radiant barriers is between 15 and 75 cents per square foot. The cost is higher for products that combine insulation with reflective material.

Courtesy of PATH

www.pathnet.org/homeowners