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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.