Need of Radiant Barriers in Homes
Radiant barriers are used in homes to reduce summer heat gain and cooling costs. They are
commonly put in attics. The heat is reflected rather than absorbed by the barriers, which are
made of a highly reflective substance. However, unlike thermal insulating materials, they do not
reduce heat conduction.
How They Work
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.