Radiant Barrier Journal

FAQ: Does dust accumulation affect the performance of a radiant barrier over time? ANSWER: NO, as long as you are using a double-sided radiant barrier and at least one side it facing at least a 3/4″ air space. A very common misconception in the insulation industry is that dust in an attic space will eventually render an installed radiant barrier ineffective over time as it collects over its surface.  It is true that dust will eventually collect in varying degrees on [...]

  FAQ: Do aluminum foil insulation products lose their reflectivity over time because of oxidation? ANSWER: No, a high quality aluminum foil insulation products reflectivity is NOT AFFECTED by the natural oxidation process. All aluminum surfaces oxidize when exposed to oxygen and this oxidation process produces a CLEAR layer over the top of the surface of aluminum.  This clear layer will increase in thickness to a point where the oxygen in the environment can no longer continue the oxidation process. High quality aluminum foil insulation products [...]

The waiting is over and we have good news; the popular tax credit for RadiantGUARD® products is back!! At the first of this year, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Release Act of 2012 and President Barack Obama signed it into law on January 2nd.

As a surprise to many, radiant barriers have been used in residential and commercial buildings since the 1920s. But the road to acceptance and popularity that radiant barriers experience today was not an easy one.

RadiantGUARD® products are designed to meet the Prescriptive Path requirement for homes in IECC Climate Zones1-3 that have more than 10 linear feet of ductwork located in an unconditioned attic. See Exhibit 1 of the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes, Version 3 (Rev 05) National Program Requirements at www.energystar.gov/newhomesguidelines.”

Fact: There is no such thing as a “radiant barrier paint.” Suppliers are misnaming their products as radiant barriers because radiant barriers are the most effective product at blocking radiant heat and lowering monthly utility bills.

An R-Value is the measurement of a material’s ability to impede the transfer of heat and is based on product thickness and elapsed time for the heat to transfer from one side through to the other. Radiant barriers reflect radiant heat and therefore, R-Value tests are not applicable to radiant barriers per the FTC.

The Florida Solar Energy Center found that the installation of a radiant barrier in an attic space will NOT reduce the life expectancy of a shingle nor void the shingle manufacturer’s warranty. As well, many roofing material manufacturers have stated the same.

It appears that a few companies out there are promoting the ill-advised addition of a radiant barrier directly under asphalt shingles. This method of installation will not provide any benefit since a radiant barrier reduces the transfer of radiant heat that travels across an air space.

In today’s economy with rising utility costs, people are constantly looking for cost effective ways to reduce their monthly utility bills and save money. Radiant barriers have gained a lot of attention as a result and yet very little is understood about what makes them so effective.