Frequently Asked Questions
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Introduction to Radiant Barrier
What is the difference between Solid and Perforated Radiant Barrier?
- Solid Radiant Barrier: re continuous sheets of reflective material, which are ideal for applications where condensation control is critical, such as crawl spaces & basements, stucco structures, garage doors & HVAC ductwork, metal buildings, pole barns and roof decks.
- Perforated Radiant Barrier: have small holes, allowing moisture vapor to pass through, which reduces the risk of trapping condensation when installed over insulation in attics or walls.
Tip: Perforated versions are best for homes in areas with high humidity or metal roofs.
What is the difference between foil-faced Fiberglass and Radiant Barrier?
- Foil-faced Fiberglass: primarily adds R-value through mass insulation while offering some reflective properties.
- Radiant Barrier: specifically designed to reflect radiant heat rather than relying on mass insulation.
Tip: When used together, a radiant barrier boosts the overall thermal performance of foil-faced fiberglass insulation.
Performance and Effectiveness
What is Radiant Barrier?
A radiant barrier is a reflective material, usually aluminum foil or foil-faced products, that reduces radiant heat transfer. It works by reflecting heat away from the living space in summer and keeping heat inside during winter, improving overall energy efficiency.
For more information visit our page “What Is Radiant Barrier?”
How does Radiant Barrier work?
Radiant barriers block radiant heat rather than conductive or convective heat. Installed in attics, walls, or on ductwork, they reflect heat away from surfaces and reduce the load on HVAC systems. When paired with traditional insulation, they enhance the building’s thermal resistance.
What is the R-Value of Radiant Barrier?
Radiant barriers do not have a conventional R-value like fiberglass insulation because they primarily reduce radiant heat transfer. Their effectiveness is measured by reflectivity and emissivity, with high-quality radiant barriers reflecting up to 97% of radiant heat.
Comparisons and Types
How effective is Radiant Barrier insulation in different seasonal extremes?
Radiant barriers are effective year-round. In summer, they block 97% of the sun’s radiant heat from entering attics, reducing cooling loads. In winter, they reflect heat back indoors, reducing heating needs. Seasonal effectiveness may vary slightly based on climate and installation method.
Has Radiant Barrier been independently tested or certified for effectiveness?
Yes. Many Energy Shield USA radiant barriers have undergone independent testing by organizations such as the Florida Solar Energy Center and Northeastern Illinois University. These tests confirm the product’s ability to reduce radiant heat transfer in real-world conditions.
Practical Considerations
Will Radiant Barrier increase the temperature of my shingles?
No. According to the FSEC (Florida Star Energy Center) study, radiant barriers installed under roofing materials do not significantly increase shingle temperature. Any temperature rise is minimal and does not affect shingle lifespan.
Other research conducted by RIMA (Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association) also demonstrates that only minimal heat gain was observed on rooftops equipped with radiant barriers, confirming their negligible impact on shingle temperatures.
Many manufacturers (including Owens Corning, Certain Teed, GAF, IKO and Atlas) have confirmed that their respective warranties would not be affected by the application of an attic radiant barrier.
Will Radiant Barrier increase the temperature of metal roofs?
No. Properly installed radiant barriers reflect heat before it reaches the roof surface, reducing heat buildup rather than increasing it. This helps maintain a cooler attic and more comfortable indoor temperatures.
Do I have to remove my existing insulation to install Radiant Barrier?
No. Radiant barriers are designed to work alongside existing insulation, enhancing its effectiveness without the need to remove current materials.
Can I keep my current insulation when installing Radiant Barrier?
Yes. Keeping your existing insulation while adding a radiant barrier improves overall thermal performance and helps reduce energy costs.
Where do you install Radiant Barrier?
Radiant barriers are commonly installed in:
- Attics (under roof decking)
- Walls (warm side in northern climates)
- Crawl spaces and basements
- Metal buildings and pole barns
- HVAC ductwork and garage doors
Which side of the Radiant Barrier faces up?
Both sides of a radiant barrier work effectively. If your product has a white side, you may face it down for aesthetics, but performance is not affected by orientation.
Product Information
What is reflective insulation?
Reflective insulation combines reflective surfaces with air spaces to reduce radiant heat transfer. Examples include:
- ES® Radiant Barrier Foil: Woven polyethylene, between highly reflective foil layers.
- ES® Reflective Bubble: Polyethylene bubbles between foil layers to create thermal breaks.
- ES® Reflective Foam: Blocks 96% of radiant heat while providing a finished appearance.
- ES® Faced Fiberglass: Fiberglass scrim with highly refelctive foil layers.
- ES® Reflective Fabric: Nonwoven material with a highly reflective foil layer.
Where are your products manufactured?
Energy Shield USA products are manufactured in North America and shipped from warehouses in Texas, Ohio, and North Carolina.
What material are your products made from?
Products are made from aluminum foil, polyethylene bubbles, foam cores and nonwoven fabric, often reinforced with woven scrim for durability and corrosion resistance.
Energy Efficiency and HVAC
How can using Energy Shield USA radiant barriers help improve the energy efficiency of my HVAC system?
Installing radiant barriers in attics and around ductwork reduces the radiant heat load on HVAC systems. This lowers energy consumption, improves comfort, and reduces wear on heating and cooling equipment.
How can a reflective foil Radiant Barrier help save energy?
By reflecting heat:
- Summer: Blocks up to 97% of radiant heat entering your home, reducing cooling costs.
- Winter: Reflects heat back indoors, reducing heating costs.
Tip: Used with mass insulation, it boosts overall thermal resistance.
How do your products insulate well if it is so thin?
Radiant barriers block radiant heat rather than conductive heat. Even a thin reflective layer can outperform thick insulation for radiant heat transfer, especially when paired with conventional insulation.
For more detailed information on how radiant barriers work, feel free to check out our What Are the Benefits of a Radiant Barrier page.
Specific Concerns
Will ES® Reflective Insulation prevent condensation?
Yes. By creating a thermal break and air space, it prevents moisture from condensing on surfaces. Proper installation, including sealing seams, ensures effective condensation control.
Are Radiant Barriers the same as standard household aluminum foil?
No. Household foil is thin, oxidizes, and tears easily. Energy Shield USA radiant barriers are multi-layer, reinforced, and coated for durability and corrosion resistance, providing superior reflectivity and strength.
What if Radiant Barrier collects dust over a period of time? Will it still work?
Radiant barriers can accumulate small amounts of dust over time, especially in attic environments. However, this has minimal impact on performance when the dust layer is light.
Radiant barriers work by reflecting heat, and while heavy buildup can reduce reflectivity, typical dust accumulation does not significantly affect effectiveness.
Research and testing show:
- Thin layers of dust have little impact on radiant heat reflectivity
- Reflective surfaces may appear darker over time but still retain most of their performance
- Proper installation (such as limiting horizontal exposure) helps reduce dust buildup
Bottom line: A small amount of dust will not stop a radiant barrier from working—it will continue to reflect the majority of radiant heat.
Will aluminum corrode and lose its effectiveness?
Aluminum is highly corrosion-resistant and is widely used in construction because it naturally protects itself. When aluminum is exposed to air, it forms a very thin protective oxide layer that prevents further corrosion. This protective layer does not reduce the effectiveness of a radiant barrier.
Long-term testing has shown that aluminum foil maintains its durability and performance even after many years of exposure when it is properly installed.
Research has shown:
- Laboratory samples of aluminum foil exposed for up to 10 years showed no visible signs of deterioration.
- Aluminum is commonly used in outdoor and high-humidity environments because it resists corrosion better than most metals.
- Even after aging, aluminum retains a very high level of reflectivity, which means it continues to perform effectively as a radiant barrier.
Bottom line: Aluminum may naturally oxidize slightly over time, but it does not lose its ability to reflect heat, which is what makes a radiant barrier work.
Do I need a Radiant Barrier if my home is well insulated?
Yes. Radiant barriers are designed to complement existing insulation, not replace it. They work by stopping radiant heat transfer before it reaches your insulation, improving overall energy efficiency and indoor comfort year-round.
In summer:
Radiant barriers can reflect up to 97% of radiant heat in an attic. Without a radiant barrier, that heat is absorbed by traditional insulation and eventually transferred into the living space below, increasing cooling costs.
In winter:
Radiant barriers help reduce heat loss by reflecting indoor heat back into the home. Studies have shown that adding reflective foil to insulated buildings can significantly improve thermal performance and reduce energy loss.
Additional benefit:
Unlike traditional insulation, reflective materials have low heat storage capacity, meaning they don’t retain heat during the day and release it at night—helping maintain more consistent indoor temperatures.
Bottom line: Even in a well-insulated home, a radiant barrier adds another layer of protection by blocking radiant heat at the source, improving comfort and reducing energy costs in both summer and winter.
