

Studies have shown that radiant barriers can reduce heat gain in attics by up to 50% in hot climates, which can lead to lower cooling costs and more comfortable living conditions. Radiant barriers work by reflecting radiant heat back toward its source (such as the sun), rather than allowing it to be absorbed by the insulation and transferred through to the interior. Radiant barrier insulation can be an effective way to reduce heat transfer by radiation, which is one of the primary ways that heat moves in and out of buildings. Does Radiant Barrier Insulation Really Work?

By reducing the transfer of radiant heat, such as through the use of radiant barriers, it is possible to reduce energy costs and improve the comfort of your living spaces. The heat can then radiate through the attic insulation and into the living space below, causing the home to become uncomfortably warm. For example, when sunlight strikes the roof of a home, the roof becomes heated, and this heat is then transferred to the attic space via radiant heat. Radiant heat is an important factor in the transfer of heat in buildings. Unlike conductive heat transfer, which occurs when two objects are in direct contact, radiant heat can travel through a vacuum, such as the vacuum of space. Radiant heat is a form of energy that is transferred through space via electromagnetic waves. While most people don’t consider the attic essential – until they want to unearth holiday decorations – it’s imperative that the attic is sealed properly to both eliminate energy dissipation and block excessive radiant heat absorption. The attic, traditionally, is a location where energy easily migrates out of the house, heat is lost in the winter and cooling from air conditioning dissipates during the summer. More so than ever before, homeowners are looking for ways to save money and protect their biggest investment – their home.
