Radiant barriers are installed in homes -- usually in attics -- primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. They don't, however, reduce heat conduction like thermal insulation materials.
In the summer months, an attic space is heated by thermal radiation from the sun (radiant heat):
While most homes have one of many different types of conventional home insulation on their attic floor to help control heat transfer into the living spaces below (mass insulation like fiberglass, cellulose, or rock-wool), the use of conventional home insulation alone cannot stop the transfer of this heat into living spaces. Conventional home insulation is designed to absorb heat (imagine a sponge) up to a certain amount based on its thickness (indicated by its R-Value). Once this mass insulation reaches its holding capacity (saturation), the heat is then transferred completely through into the living areas below.
Our Radiant Barrier attic foil insulation products BLOCKS 97% of unintended heat transfer when placed between the roofing material above and the living spaces below; much more than conventional home insulation alone.
By eitherstapling to the underside of a roof decking or rafters, or
laying over the attic floor over existing attic insulation
our breathable attic foil is the perfect addition to your current home insulation and can significantly improve the comfort of your home, reduce strain on your AC unit and lower your monthly utility bills.