How do Radiant Barriers work?
A Radiant Barrier is not like mass insulation, which merely decelerates or repels heat transfer. A Radiant Barrier redirects heat. Heat always goes cold by natural law; the dilemma is how do you keep the heat in throughout the winter and keep it out in the summer. There are three ways in which heat moves from warm spaces to cold spaces: Conduction is direct heat flow through a solid object such as a wall or a ceiling. Convection is heat movement through air, happening when air is heated. The warm air swells, becoming less dense and rising. Radiation is the movement of heat rays through air spaces from a warm object to a cool object. The heat we experience from a wood stove is radiant heat. All objects and bodies give off radiant heat. Even the insulation in your attic gives off radiant heat to the cold attic space in the winter, and to the rest of the home in the summer. Regular insulation won’t end radiant heat loss. Radiant heat must be reflected with a radiant barrier.
What an “R” Value of Radiant Barrier?
The “R” value rests on the number and size of the airspaces neighboring the Radiant Barrier and on the course of the heat current. Since Radiant Barrier is typically installed on top of present mass insulation, its R-value is a arguable topic. It is Radiant Barrier’s capability to redirect heat that marks it such an energy saver.
How Does Radiant Barrier keep the Home Warm in the Winter?
Exactly how wrapping a baked potato in foil keeps a potato warm longer by holding the heat in, layering your attic insulation with Radiant Barrier holds heat in the house. Additional similarity would be that Radiant Barrier in the winter works like a space blanket, which, even though it is very thin and lightweight, holds your body heat in. A thin space blanket will keep you warmer than numerous heavy blankets.
