vendredi 30 septembre 2016

The Science Behind The Radiant Barrier And How It Can Help

By Barbara Fox


Insulation and keeping the house comfortable is a necessity especially when the temperature reaches seasonal extremes. Sure and air conditioning units are available but they always cost too much when used for days on end. This is when people start getting innovative and use energy saving alternatives.

Dallas, Texas over 100 degrees for all 31 days in the summer of 1980, and this is still an unbroken record. Think about the poor dogs and children trying to enjoy the vacation in suburban areas like Richardson . At this point, using the AC unit alone is not enough. Insulation solutions can also be in the form of non electricity consuming devices. A popular option is the Radiant Barrier.

These reflective insulation systems are often put on the roof, usually above the attic. Since the attic is right below, the heat would not have the chance of reaching the rest of the house through the cooler areas of the attic. Without the insulation, the heat transfers from underneath the roof on to the attic floor and the air ducts.

Usually the roofing material absorbs the energy from the sun and spreads to the cooler areas of the house, heating the whole area as temperature rises. These are usually onto the air ducts and attic floors. With these reflective insulation systems, radiant heat is transferred on to other areas of the attic.

These insulation methods stand to be more effective in hotter climates than in colder areas. These systems are just forms of aid to reduce energy consumption, and thus reducing the energy bill. While the structure of the house and the lifestyle of its inhabitants are considered, the barrier is said to decrease energy consumption for heating at about five to ten percent.

It is important to note that how the barrier is installed can affect its effectiveness. Air space must be facing at least one of its reflective surfaces for it to work properly. Never let the reflective area get in contact with another surface. This defeats its purpose and becomes a conductor instead.

While there are homeowners that would rather install the insulator by themselves, it is still highly recommended to talk and hire a professional. If the homeowner does choose to install it himself, it is best to follow the manufacturer guidelines religiously. Extra precaution is also required by referring to the local fire code and building laws.

These reflective insulators are not only limited for roofing. Window glass can be coated with a layer of polyester film that has been metalized. These films are used in one or more windows and glass surfaces to transfer radiant heat. These metalized films are thin enough to let light pass through. Damage to these window films may be caused by moisture and air, so manufacturers use multiple pane windows.

There is an on going myth that due to the heat that is being transferred by the insulators, the shingles might get damaged. It has been tested that the temperature of these shingles does not exceed five degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand the heat on the roof. When the sun sets, the reflective covering lowers the roof temperature since the heat cannot go through the obstruction. According to large roofing manufacturers, shingle warranty is not affected based on having the barrier.




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