Why Radiant Barrier?

Our air-conditioning and heating systems have had a difficult time keeping up with this years weather. With that in mind we at Kewl Aire thought it would benefit us to give our air-conditioning systems a helping hand. In efforts to offer our customers a company that could take care of all its indoor air-quality needs we found it necessary to add the installation of radiant barrier to our services.  A very common question is what actually is a Radiant Barrier and how does it compare to standard insulation?

There are two types we are offering one being the Radiant Barrier paint and the other being Radiant Barrier foil. Since not all attics are created equal, the paint might work well for your neighbor's attic and the foil type might just suit your attics needs. It all depends on the accessibility of the attic. Both having great qualities in reducing radiant heat.

Radiant Barrier insulation is a reflective insulation system that offers a permanent solution to reduce your energy costs. The best type of radiant barrier system is a very thin, lightweight, but surprisingly durable material, which will reflect 97% of the radiant heat coming into the attic during these hot TEXAS summers while reducing the loss of heat in the winter through the roof. This past winter I visited many homes with heat pump systems that were unable to handle our freezing temps. Adding radiant barrier to your home will keep you and your family warmer while lifting the entire weight off your heat pump system.

Radiant Barrier insulation systems reflect radiant heat energy instead of trying to absorb it like a traditional insulation. Radiant barrier is a layer of foil facing an airspace that is installed in the envelope of a building. The best installation method is stapling it to the rafters, which leaves airspace to allow for adequate airflow in the attic and to enhance the properties of the radiant barrier system.

Radiant barrier paint, on the other hand, contain microscopic metal particles that reflect radiant energy. The radiant barrier paint is applied to the undersides of roofs. Our technicians use an airless sprayer, although some areas might require the coatings to be rolled or brushed on as well. The time that is required for this process is shorter than the foil barrier.

Most people are familiar with traditional blown insulation materials such as fiberglass and cellulose. These products are used to absorb or slow down heat transfer of conductive or convective heat. The most dominant form of heat transfer is radiant heat transfer. Radiant barriers reflect heat instead of trying to absorb it.

During the winter 50-75% of heat loss is through the ceiling/roofing system and 65-80% of heat loss through the walls is radiant. During the summer, 93% of the heat gain in your attic is from radiant heat.

If you are depending on standard R-11 insulation alone to protect you from heat gain and loss, remember that thin layers of fiberglass are virtually transparent to radiant heat energy and are affected by humidity. A pure aluminum barrier is unaffected by humidity and will continue to perform at a consistent level no matter how humid it may be. The products that Kewl Aire uses in your attic is perforated to allow proper ventilation of the product as well.

After the installation of your radiant barrier paint or foil in your attic by Kewl Aire, you will be reducing the heat loss in the winter and the heat gain in the summer, increasing the efficiency of your current insulation, making your home feel more comfortable, while saving up to 40% on your energy costs.