What is Radiant Barrier Insulation?
Depending on the specific needs of the homeowner or the design and structure of
the house, the materials and methods used for home insulation will vary. One
such method available is radiant barrier insulation, where the materials used
reduces radiated heat instead of conducted heat.
Materials for Radiant Barrier Insulation
Radiant barrier insulation usually involves glass windows with low-emissive
coating. The glass has an invisible metal coating that reflects the radiation
generated in the house back inside the house, while at the same time the
radiation from outside is reflected back outside. This helps in keeping the
house warmer during winter and cooler during summer. Other radiant barrier
insulation materials include foil covered polyurethane panels that work like
vapor barriers, and reflective paint that works in somewhat the same way as the
glass, reflecting radiation and heat back in the house instead of letting it
escape during wintertime.
Limitations of Radiant Barrier Insulation
Radiant barrier insulation can't be considered as a complete insulation solution
due to some of its limitations. For one thing, radiant barrier insulation
materials only reflect the radiation received on their surfaces. This can be
ineffective in areas with extreme hot or cold temperatures, and the insulation
will not be efficient for certain areas of the house. In addition, this type of
insulation also requires regular maintenance.
Resources
It is always best to consult with qualified professionals and hire an insulation
contractor who can determine the extent of insulation required in a house. In
general, insulation specifications will be determined based on the house
location and weather conditions as well as the existing living and non-living
spaces in the house. Insulation materials are available from insulation
contractors or home improvement material suppliers. These will be included in
the cost of insulation, which also includes the area to be covered in the house,
the insulation contractor fees and any required maintenance costs over a certain
period of time. |
