A mixture of conduction, convection, and radiation transports heat from a warm to a cool location. Heat is transferred from a hotter to a colder point within a material or assembly, similar to how a spoon in a hot cup of coffee conducts heat through its handle to your hand. Convectional heat transfer happens when a liquid or gas, such as air, is heated, becomes less dense, and rises. The liquid or gas grows denser and descends as it cools. Radiant heat radiates in a straight path away from any surface, heating anything solid that receives it.

The majority of conventional insulating materials function by slowing convective and conductive heat transport, respectively. Reflective insulation and radiant barriers operate by minimising radiant heat gain. The reflecting surface must face an air space to be effective. The reflecting surface's capacity to reflect will be reduced if dust accumulates on it. The radiant barrier should be installed in such a way that dust does not collect on the reflecting surface.

When the sun heats a roof, the radiant energy of the sun is the primary source of heat. Much of this heat is transferred to the attic side of the roof by conduction via the roofing materials. The hot roof material then distributes the heat energy it has gained onto the colder attic surfaces, such as the air ducts and attic floor. The radiant heat transfer from the bottom of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic is reduced by a radiant barrier.

When a radiant barrier is perpendicular to the radiant energy impacting it, it works optimally. In addition, the bigger the temperature difference between the sides of the radiant barrier material, the more benefits it can provide.

In hot regions, radiant barriers are more effective than in cool ones, especially when cooling air ducts are in the attic. When employed in a warm, sunny region, radiant barriers can cut cooling costs by 5% to 10%, according to some research. Because of the lower heat gain, a smaller air conditioning system may be possible. In cool climates, however, adding more thermal insulation rather than a radiant barrier is usually more cost-effective. Get in touch with Attic Insulation today to install Radiant Barriers in your homes.