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Writer's pictureAmerican Insulation

Do Radiant Barriers Really Work?

Updated: Jul 20

Are you wondering whether or not radiant barriers really work? If so, you are not alone. Many people want to understand this important aspect of insulation. A radiant barrier performs the task of reducing the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic. Radiant barriers typically work best when they are perpendicular to the radiant energy that is striking it. If you live in a warm, sunny climate, you can certainly stand to benefit from reduced cooling costs. Your cooling costs could go down as much as five to ten percent.


Is Radiant Barrier Better Than Insulation?

It is important to understand whether or not insulation is different from a radiant barrier. If you would like to discover more, please review the following differences between radiant barriers and insulation.

  • Insulation. Insulation is present in your home to slow down the loss or gain of heat in your home. It helps mitigate your heating and cooling costs because it prevents thermal transfer.

  • Radiant Barrier. A radiant barrier performs the task of actually blocking and reflecting heat back to where it came from. It does not solely slow down the process of heat transfer, it actually reflects it.


How Long Does Radiant Barrier Last?

According to leading estimates, thousands of homes and properties have had radiant barrier installed for more than ten years without any significant issues. In order to find out whether or not a radiant barrier would be optimal for your household, it will be important for you to talk to your local insulation and radiant barrier expert. You can locate a reputable authority by asking a friend or neighbor for a referral or by conducting an internet search. Using relevant search terms like ‘radiant barrier installation near me’ will yield great results.


Does Radiant Barrier Affect WIFI?

If you are wondering whether or not a new radiant barrier installation will impact your wifi, you are in luck. Generally speaking, if you install a radiant barrier in your attic or on your roof it will not impact your cell phone’s signal. If you already have a weak signal, it may be time for you to upgrade your cell service. This is because installing a radiant barrier may push your connection to the point that you have some reception issues.


Is Radiant Barrier OSB Worth It?

If you use OSB radiant barrier sheathing, you can reflect up to ninety-seven percent of solar radiation. This amount of solar heat reduction can reduce your attic’s heat by up to thirty degrees Fahrenheit. Radiant barrier roof sheathing can also improve comfort in other areas. For instance, the building interior during the warm summer months can be much more comfortable with radiant barrier OSB.


Which Radiant Barrier is the Best?

There are a number of different radiant barriers in the insulation material market. The best way to determine which one is appropriate for your home is for you to consult with a reputable and experienced professional. With the help of an expert insulation company, you can receive the benefit of their experience. It will also be important to consider your overall budget and how your energy expenses can benefit from a radiant barrier.


When to Install Radiant Barrier

A radiant barrier should be installed at a time when it is optimal to minimize dust accumulation on the reflective surface of the material. When the sun does heat up the roof, it’s usually the sun’s radiant energy that actually makes the roof hot. Heat travels by manner of conduction through the roofing materials and into the attic portion of the roof system.


Which Way Should Radiant Barrier Face?

Are you wondering which way radiant barriers should face? According to research conducted by the Florida Solar Energy Center, there is a conclusive answer. Apparently, radiant barriers work best when they are installed with the foil face down. This means that the foil will be facing the building interior. It also needs to be applied under the roof sheathing.


WILL RADIANT BARRIER DAMAGE ROOF

If you are wondering whether or not your radiant barrier will cause your shingles to overheat, you have no cause to worry. The answer is no, a radiant barrier will not damage your roof. This is because there are two main factors that will cause a roof to reach a certain temperature, and those two factors are the color and the amount of ventilation. A well-ventilated roof will not experience excessively high temperatures. It is also important to consider cool roofing options whenever possible, as your home or property can stand to benefit with lower energy costs.


Conclusion:

Use only the best if you need a radiant barrier in Arlington, TX. Our team can be at your property by phone at (817) 592-6900. We are here to help.

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