The first wide-spread use of a radiant barrier can be attributed to Infra Insulation, Inc., a company based out of New York City under the direction of Alexander Schwartz that commercially produced radiant barrier in 1945.

Infra Insulation, Inc.

Infra Insulation marketed an accordion-fold style radiant barrier, named  INFRA, that was highly reflective on both sides and constructed to create dead air spaces within itself when unfolded and stapled into wall cavities and between attic rafters.  The product was marketed as easy to install by anyone who could us a staple gun.  One newspaper advertisement even depicted a woman stapling up the radiant barrier in her attic while wearing a dress!  By the early 1960′s, millions of square feet of radiant barrier had been installed in homes and buildings.

But the success of INFRA radiant barrier wouldn’t last for long.  An unfortunate FTC ruling against the company, coupled with the untimely death of  Schwartz, led to the demise of the largest radiant barrier manufacturer of its time.   Unfortunately, interests in radiant barriers diminished almost entirely at this time.

NASA Utilizes Reflective Insulation

Thankfully, NASA revitalized the interests in reflective insulation in the mid 1950′s.  Clark E. Beck, P.E., of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base engineered the development of radiant barrier for the space program.  NASA was faced with a need to protect astronauts from the extreme temperature shifts while on space walks.   NASA engineers knew it would take almost 7 inches of conventional insulation to protect the astronauts and this was obviously out of the question when designing a spacesuit.  Reflective insulation was the answer to designing a feasible and comfortable spacesuit.  The new NASA spacesuits, utilizing  a radiant barrier,  reflected the astronauts body heat back towards them to keep them warm while they also kept 95% of the radiant heat from the sun from reaching the interior of the spacesuit.  The spacesuits were breathable and allowed moisture vapors to escape from the interior keeping the astronauts comfortable while maintaining a constant temperature.

NASA also incorporated radiant barrier in the Gemini and Apollo missions.  The reflective insulation was an integral part of the temperature control system allowing the astronauts to work inside the Command Module comfortably outside of their spacesuits.  Today, radiant barrier is still used on virtually all spacecraft to protect not only the astronauts, but also the valuable instrumentation.

Industry Challenges

With the re-focus on radiant barriers brought on by NASA’s use, many companies began manufacturing a wide-variety of reflective insulation products including those that include bubble layers, single-sided aluminum Kraft paper backed barriers, aluminum faced fiberglass, and even aluminum faced cardboard products.  But growth of the radiant barrier industry was not to come easy.  Entrenched corporate interests in traditional insulation such as fiberglass, blown-in cellulose, and rock wool would prove challenging for the marketing and acceptance of radiant barriers in the marketplace.

Millions of dollars where spent by the traditional insulation companies to educate consumers on a need for “R-Value” rated insulation and since radiant barriers don’t have an R-Value (because they work differently than traditional insulation) consumers were wary of purchasing and using radiant barrier foil insulation.

Benefits of Radiant Barriers Scientifically Supported

Thankfully, radiant barriers continued to gain the interests of architects and engineers who became convinced of their effectiveness and continued specifying their use in their building and design plans.  In addition, various well known testing facilities and research organizations began to conduct their own studies on radiant barriers in order to  quantify the results architect, engineers, and builders where claiming as a result of their use.  The Department of Energy (DOE), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), and Texas A&M  University (TAM), along with others, have now proven the benefits radiant barriers provide.

Radiant Barrier Acceptance

Although radiant barriers have been around for longer than most imagined, the road to recent notoriety and success did not come easy.  But with the determination of energy-efficiency focused engineers, architects, and builders, scientifically supported benefits of radiant barrier have become widely available and accepted by governmental agencies like ENERGY STAR®, builders, and consumers alike as a cost effective way to permanently reduce utility bills and increase the comfort of homes and buildings.

For more information about radiant barrier and reflective insulation products and to purchase online, please visit RadiantGUARD.com.

© 2010 Radiant Barrier Journal | RadiantGUARD.com

As a Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR partner, select RadiantGUARD® radiant barrier and reflective insulation products have earned the ENERGY STAR label.

ENERGY STAR is the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency helping consumers save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices and is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

To earn the ENERGY STAR label, RadiantGUARD® basic product specifications and marketing materials were reviewed by ENERGY STAR. This review checked many of the claims made by RadiantGUARD® regarding product specifications, energy savings, and installation instructions.

At the completion of this review by ENERGY STAR, RadiantGUARD® was pleased to learn that they met the requirements and were designated as an ENERGY STAR Partner. Along with this partnership designation, select RadiantGUARD® radiant barrier and reflective insulation products earned the ENERGY STAR label used to make it easy for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort.

“With more and more companies entering the radiant barrier and reflective insulation industries, we’ve seen a rise in misinformation presented to consumers about product specifications and energy savings claims” says Shawn Franklin, V.P. of Marketing at RadiantGUARD®. “Our goal from inception has been to provide accurate and factually-supported information about radiant barrier products and how they can save energy and lower utility bills. We wanted a recognizable partnership that would help communicate our commitment to providing accurate information about radiant barriers and their benefits and most importantly, accurate product specifications – an ENERGY STAR partnership was the answer.”

As an ENERGY STAR partner, customers can be assured that RadiantGUARD® is committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity in the radiant barrier and reflective insulation industries and that RadiantGUARD® radiant barrier and reflective insulation products have been proven to save energy and lower utility bills.

We encourage you to learn more about ENERGY STAR,  ENERGY STAR Seal & Insulate products, and ALWAYS verify ENERGY STAR insulation manufacturing partner status when you see the ENERGY STAR logo when comparison shopping.

For more information about radiant barrier and reflective insulation products and to purchase online, please visit RadiantGUARD.com.

© 2010 Radiant Barrier Journal | RadiantGUARD.com

Then what exactly is the spray product that many suppliers are claiming is a radiant barrier spray paint that is designed to be applied directly to the underside of the roof decking?  If the product blocks 75% or more of the radiant heat, it’s actually called an “interior radiation control coating (IRCC)”  If it blocks anything less, it’s just a paint.

Why are IRCC spray suppliers misnaming their products as radiant barriers?  Because radiant barriers are the most effective product at blocking radiant heat and lowering monthly utility bills.  In essence, these spray paint suppliers are piggy-backing on the rising success and notoriety of radiant barriers.

Fact: True radiant barriers outperform all IRCC paint products.

At this time, the most effective IRCC spray product, Heat Bloc-Ultra, claims to only blocks 80.5% of the radiant heat whereas the best radiant barriers block up to 97%.   And considering the technique used in spraying on such a paint, reflectivity results can vary based on many factors:

• how evenly and thickly is it applied,
• how adequate the coverage is (whether gables, rafters, and all other areas that emit heat are covered), and
• whether the coating has been watered down to extend the coverage (yes, some suppliers actually do this), etc.

For a recent comparison of IRCC products,  please see this coatings study performed by R&D Services for the Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association (RIMA).

A radiant barrier, as defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), is a product which reflects/blocks 90% or more of the radiant heat.  Most radiant barriers block up to 97% of the radiant heat; much more than the best IRCC on the market.

Fact:  Radiant barriers are more economical than IRCC paint products.

On average, the cost of a so-called radiant barrier paint product is about 30¢ per square foot and that doesn’t include labor costs.   IRCCs typically require an expert to install with professional equipment (power sprayer, installation garments including full suit, face mask, and gloves, etc) in order to get the necessary coverage.

On the other hand, a quality radiant barrier will cost an average of only 13¢ per square foot and can be installed by the homeowner if they are handy and comfortable being in the attic space.  Of course, an installer can be hired to install a radiant barrier as well but labor costs are much less for installing a radiant barrier since no specialized equipment is needed.

Don’t waste money on a less effective spray product when a radiant barrier costs less and saves you more on your monthly utility bills.

For more information about radiant barrier and reflective insulation products and to purchase online, please visit RadiantGUARD.com.

© 2010 Radiant Barrier Journal | RadiantGUARD.com

1. An R-Value is a measurement of how effective a conventional insulation product is at reducing the transfer of heat, and
2. The higher the R-Value, the better when comparing products.

However, exactly what an R-Value measures alludes many people and therefore, causes confusion when discussing radiant barriers and how they reduce heat transfer.

Heat ALWAYS moves from a warm area to a cooler area and it does so using three different transfer methods:

1. conductive heat transfer – the transfer of heat through a substance or to another touching substance.
2. convective heat transfer – the transfer of heat through a fluid or gas such as heated air rising from a boiling pot of water.
3. radiant heat transfer – the transfer of heat across an air space (or vacuum).

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.  Radiant barriers undergo reflectivity and emissivity testing instead.

History of R-Values

Prior to 1945, an insulation materials resistance to heat flow was determined by calculating what is called the U-Factor.  The smaller the U-Factor, the more effective the insulation was at resisting the transfer of heat.   In 1945, the director of Penn State’s Building Research Institute, Everett Shuman, proposed the R-Value, the inverse of the U-Value, as a way to better communicate an insulation’s effectiveness at resisting heat flow.  R-Values, being the inverse of U-Factor, results in a higher R-Value for products with a greater resistance to heat flows.  Consumers better understand the concept that higher R-Values mean better resistance.

In the mid 1970′s, as oil and gas prices were skyrocketing during what we now call the Energy Crisis of the 70′s, there was a huge spike in the demand for residential insulation products to help control the rising utility bills.  As a result of this increased demand in insulation, many new manufacturers entered the marketplace in hopes of capitalizing on this booming economic trend.

With the increased number of competing insulation products and manufacturers making inflated and even fraudulent claims on the effectiveness of their insulation products, consumers were having a difficult time determining which products would be the most effective for their needs.  Therefore, in 1979, the Federal Trade Commission(FTC) intervened creating a “rule” by which manufacturers, resellers, home builders and installers must follow when reporting the performance of their insulation products.  This ruling was passed in 1980 and became known as the “R-Value Rule.”  It also mandates the specific American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) testing methods that must be followed to evaluate product R-Values.

Per the FTC ruling, “all types of insulation except aluminum foil” must be evaluated under specific ASTM testing methods to determine R-Values.  Aluminum foil products (radiant barrier) are to be evaluated under reflectivity/emissivity ASTM testing.  R-Values don’t exist for radiant barriers and therefore, are not subjected to the testing.  They have reflectivity and emissivity values.

How R-Values Are Measured?

An R-Value is the measurement of how long it takes heat to transfer through a material from one side to the other.  R-Values are evaluated for insulation materials in a controlled environment under the following conditions:

• 75 degrees F
• 50% relative humidity

The higher the R-Value, the better the insulation product is at slowing down the transfer of heat.  However, it’s important to keep in mind that the insulation doesn’t STOP the transfer of heat – it only slows it down.  The heat absorbed will eventually transfer through to the other side and into living spaces.  And, as the temperature or humidity level increases, the R-Value of a product decreases, meaning it’s less effective at slowing down the transfer of heat. The performance of radiant barriers are not affected by temperature or humidity; they will always reflect the same amount of radiant heat regardless of temperature or humidity level.

While the standardization of an R-Value Rule by the FTC is considered a very important consumer protection regulation ever enacted by government, it is evaluated in a controlled  laboratory and only for products that absorb/slow down the transfer of heat.  Therefore, it isn’t the end-all to determining which product is the best for your application or how well it will perform in your specific home or building.

Radiant Barriers INCREASE the R-Value of Existing Insulation

Radiant barriers REFLECT radiant heat transfer, something that conventional insulation products don’t effectively deal with, and since studies have shown that a majority of heat gain/loss in a living space is due to radiant heat transfer (up to 93% in the summer and 75% in the winter), the addition of a radiant barrier to you home is a very wise decision; R-Value or not.

However, while radiant barriers have no R-Value themselves, they DO actually increase the overall R-Value of other products when used in conjunction with them.   Studies performed by the Tennessee Valley Authority found that a radiant barrier used with an R-11 insulation is the equivalent of having an R-19 insulation alone and that when used with an R-19 insulation, the radiant barrier improves the R-Value of the insulation to an R-30.  Finding similar results, the Florida Solar Energy Center found that adding a radiant barrier to an R-19 insulation actually produced a lower annual energy consumption than an R-30 alone.

For more information about radiant barrier and reflective insulation products and to purchase online, please visit RadiantGUARD.com.

© 2010 Radiant Barrier Journal | RadiantGUARD.com

FAQ:  Will adding a radiant barrier to my attic space make my roof hotter or harm my shingles?

ANSWER: A radiant barrier will increase the surface temperature of your roof between 2 to 5° F on a hot sunny day but it’s already between 160 to 190 degrees at that time so the difference is very negligible and shouldn’t adversely affect your shingles (per a 2002 study performed by the Florida Solar Energy Center).

Because a radiant barrier reflects radiant heat back toward the roof decking, this is a very common question.  As a result of the rise in use of radiant barriers, and an increase in this concern, a study performed by the Florida Solar Energy Center was conducted on radiant barriers and roofing materials in 2002.  This study 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.  However, a consumer is advised to review their shingle warranty to ensure that the addition of a radiant barrier will not void it.

As a result of this increased concern, several roofing material manufacturers have issued statements indicating that the use of a radiant barrier will not negate their existing shingle warranties.  Those include:

• Elk, GAF, Celotex Corporation, IKO Industries Ltd, Vande Hey Raleigh, US Intec, Owens Corning, Certain Teed Corporation, Crane Plastics, Atlas International Inc, and Louisiana Pacific Inc to name a few.

More detail is supplied in this technical bulletin offered by the Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association (RIMA-I) of which RadiantGUARD is a proud member.

© 2010 Radiant Barrier Journal | RadiantGUARD.com

This question is asked more often these days as more roofing contractors and builders begin capitalizing on the ever-growing reflective radiant barrier market.

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.  Placing a radiant barrier directly under shingles provides no airspace therefore NO BENEFIT!

However, there are some roofing products that actually create an air space when installed.  Such products include clay tiles, corrugated metal, and similar products with inherent ridges.  Installing a radiant barrier under one of these products would be beneficial since portions of the radiant barrier would be adjacent an air space.

Another way to gain an air space under a roofing product without an inherent air space, such as slate tile,  would be to install with a batten or counter-batten system.  Battens are made from wood, plastic, or metal and are installed horizontally or both vertically and horizontally (counter-batten system) to which to adhere the roofing material.  Attaching a radiant barrier to the top of the vertical or horizontal battens before installing the slate tile would give the radiant barrier the air space required for it to be effective.

© 2010 Radiant Barrier Journal | RadiantGUARD.com

Definition of a Radiant Barrier

Radiant barriers reflect radiant heat back to it’s source.  Typically installed in attics or as a house wrap, a radiant barrier reduces summer heat gain and winter heat loss which reduces cooling and heating costs.  While highly reflective, a radiant barrier works by greatly reducing the transfer of radiant heat using two unique properties; high reflectivity and low emissivity.

For a product to be classified as a true radiant barrier, it must be proven to reflect 90% or more of the radiant heat the strikes it’s surface.  How do you know a radiant barrier has been proven to reflect 90% of the radiant heat?  Make sure the radiant barrier has an ASTM C1313 classification.  The manufacturer should communicate this classification as part of their product specifications.

What is radiant heat?

A common, and very easy to understand, example of radiant heat is the heat you feel on your skin when standing out under direct sunlight.  More specifically, radiant heat is the transfer of heat across an air space from a heated surface.  Stand in your attic space on any sunny day and you’ll instantly feel the heat bearing down on you from the underside of the roof decking above.

More about Reflectivity & Emissivity

Radiant barriers are unique in that they work very differently than traditional insulators (fiberglass, rock wool, cellulose, etc) which merely absorb and slow down the transfer of heat.  A radiant barrier reflects 90% or more of the radiant heat that strikes it’s surface from across an air space.  Conversely, a radiant barrier emits 10% or less heat from itself across an air space.

The high reflectivity property of a radiant barrier is the easiest concept to understand.  When facing a heat source across an air space, the highly reflective surface of the radiant barrier will reflect the radiant heat away from its surface.  For example, if a radiant barrier were installed on the attic floor, it would greatly reduce the amount of radiant heat that reaches the ceiling of the living spaces below by reflecting the radiant heat that strikes it’s surface from above.

The more difficult, yet equally as important, concept to understand is that a radiant barrier has a very low emittance factor.   A radiant barrier emits (radiates) very little heat from itself.  For example, if a radiant barrier was attached directly to the underside of the roof decking in an attic space, the low emissivity factor is what makes the radiant barrier effective in this location as it greatly reduces the transfer of radiant heat by NOT emitting the heat from itself.

Note:  Both the high reflectivity and low emissivity properties work only when a radiant barrier is facing an air space.  Without an air space on at least one side of a double-sided radiant barrier, there will be no reduction in the transfer of radiant heat.  If you’re using  a single-sided radiant barrier (paper backed), then the aluminum side MUST face the air space to be effective.

Radiant Barrier Benefits

Studies have shown that a majority of heat gain in a living space during summer months is due to radiant heat transfer.  Radiant heat from the sun, penetrates a home’s roof and radiates into the attic space.   As the attic space heats up, this heat begins to transfer through the attic floor/living space ceiling and into the living spaces below.  Even with traditional insulation on the attic floor, up to 93% of the ceiling heat gain in summer months can be attributed to this radiant heat from the attic space above.

By adding a radiant barrier to your attic space, a majority of the radiant heat can be BLOCKED from transferring into your living space.  This can equate to reducing heat transfer into your living spaces by up to 50%.  This means using your air conditioner less often resulting in lower utility bills.

Winter Savings with Radiant Barriers

While most of the formal studies on the use of radiant barriers are conducted in warmer climates during summer months, double-sided radiant barriers do provide year-round savings.  A double-sided radiant barrier in the attic space will not only block summer heat from penetrating your livings spaces from your attic, but will also help keep heat generated within your home from escaping out the attic.   And since studies have shown that up 75% of heat loss in the winter time is radiant heat, the addition of a radiant barrier is a very effective way to reduce winter utility bills.

However, a radiant barrier also blocks beneficial winter heat gain from the solar heating of your roof so the consumer should evaluate how much this winter heat gain contributes to the warming of their home before installing a radiant barrier.   The net benefit of radiant barriers on winter heat savings are still being studied.

© 2010 Radiant Barrier Journal | RadiantGUARD.com

Radiant barriers and reflective insulation products qualified for tax credits in previous years, but with the signing of the ARRA, the tax credit was increased from 10% to 30% of the product cost and the maximum allowed for all improvements in 2009-2010 was raised from $500 to $1,500.

A tax credit is a direct reduction in the amount of taxes your owe as opposed to a tax deduction which is a reduction in the gross income on which taxes owed are computed.  That means you can lower your total federal income taxes by up to $1,500 over a two-year period by purchasing a radiant barrier or reflective insulation product for your home.

Radiant Barrier Qualification History

With the signing of the ARRA, the definition for a qualifying insulation product was changed from previous years’ stimulus packages and this led the reflective insulation industry and consumer base to question whether radiant barriers qualified for the new 2009-2010 tax credits.

Under the ARRA, the qualifying insulation definition is based on the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) definition for insulation which references r-values and u-values.  Because the IECC does not directly reference “radiant barriers,” manufacturers were hesitant to promote their radiant barriers as qualifying for the much desired tax credit.

However, as a result of a recent meeting between the Reflective Insulation Manufacturer Association (RIMA) and the IRS in early December 2009, a position was successfully presented on how a radiant barrier reduces heat transfer (lowers U-Value) and thus was accepted by the IRS.

While not an “official” acceptance of radiant barriers on behalf of the IRS at this point, the IRS has communicated that manufacturers presenting a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement covering their radiant barriers shall be deemed valid and qualifying for the 2009-2010 ARRA tax credits until such a date that they may NOT be considered qualifying.

“may NOT be considered qualifying” – What does this mean to you as a consumer?  It means that if you purchase(d) a qualified radiant barrier and you obtain a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement covering the product you purchased, your purchase is eligible for the tax credit, providing you meet the eligibility requirements put forth by the ARRA.  If, at a later date, the IRS deems radiant barriers are not eligible OR the manufacturer’s products are not eligible, you are still guaranteed eligibility for your purchase made prior to this date.

Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements

For a radiant barrier or reflective insulation product to qualify for the tax credit as defined by the ARRA of 2009, it must:

• have a primary purpose to insulate in the tax payer’s primary residence,
• be installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010,
• be expected to last five years or have a two year warranty, and
• be accompanied by a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement (while this is not actually filed with your tax return, it should be saved with your purchase and tax return records).

* You are strongly advised to talk with your tax professional regarding true eligibility for any and all tax credits you may be claiming.

© 2010 Radiant Barrier Journal | RadiantGUARD.com