Little Bit of Green

Radiant Barrier vs. Conventional Insulation Methods

Reflective insulation is one of the most advanced and inexpensive modern ways to make your home more energy efficient. Radiant Barrier works like a thermos keeping hot air out of your structure in the summer or trapping warm air inside your structure during the winter.

There are three methods of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the transfer of heat by molecules and atoms in matter. Convection is the transfer of heat in liquids or gases with the flow of the substance. Thermal radiation is the transfer of heat through rays which we cannot see, such as the ones emitted by the surface of the sun into the earth’s atmosphere.

Older insulation products like fiberglass, Styrofoam and cellulose are effective at preventing the convection and conduction of heat but they are ineffective at preventing radiant heat transfer. More than three quarters of heat loss in any building can be due to radiant heat transfer.

Foil Insulation utilizes a foil surface to create a radiant barrier which blocks 97% of heat transfer in the radiant form. This reduces the need to cool in the summer and run the heat during cold months, keeping energy costs down during all seasons.

Radiant barrier has an extremely low emissivity at 0.03 and a high reflectivity of 97%, which exceeds the U.S. Department of Energy’s requirements of 0.10 and 90% respectively.

In addition to being the best solution to prevent radiant heat transfer, reflective insulation is also the easiest and safest to install. Foil insulation is lightweight but extremely strong and tear resistant. Perforated radiant barrier is the most common insulation used when insulating an attic because it provides maximum breathability, which will help to avoid expensive condensation problems.

Reflective foil insulation can easily be stapled, nailed or glued for rafter installation or simply blanketed on the attic floor over existing insulation.

reflective foil will not irritate your skin or eyes due to its safe, non toxic properties|Foil insulation is safe and non-toxic, which means that it will not irritate your eyes, skin, or throat during handling[/spin]. No protective or safety equipment, clothing, or gloves are required to handle and install the insulation.

Radiant barrier foil insulation carries a Class 1/ Class A Fire Rating and can be used alone or in conjunction with other insulation brands, making it the simplest, most useful insulation available.

EcoFoil Foil Insulation and Radiant Barrier is a low cost, do it yourself installation that can help you reduce your home’s energy consumption.

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