Radiant Barrier vs Fiberglass: What’s the Difference?
Insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home or business throughout the year. There are various types of insulation available, but two popular choices are fiberglass insulation and radiant barrier. Fiberglass insulation is made of glass fibers that block heat transfer passively due to their poor thermal conductivity. In contrast, radiant barrier foil and other types of reflective insulation actively prevent heat transfer using its thermal radiation properties. Evaluating the advantages of radiant barrier vs fiberglass can assist you in selecting the most suitable insulation solution for your specific building requirements.
Efficiency
Radiant barrier, a key component of reflective insulation systems, offers significant energy savings, surpassing fiberglass insulation by up to 10%. Unlike fiberglass, which relies on glass fibers that only have the ability to slow down radiant heat transfer, radiant barrier effectively reflects and blocks the transmission of radiant heat. This enhanced performance contributes to improved insulation efficiency and reduced energy consumption in various settings.
Ease of Installation
Radiant barrier foil does not cause itching or skin irritation upon contact, making it a more comfortable option to install. Both types of insulation are quick and easy to install during new construction builds or complete structure renovation projects. To reflect heat from entering the entire building, radiant barrier should be placed over the inner surface of the trusses and studs, while fiberglass is pressed in between the framing studs.
Project Costs
While fiberglass insulation is readily available and relatively cheap, it can be more expensive to install than radiant barrier foil. Workers installing fiberglass insulation must utilize protective gear and take great care to avoid direct contact with the tiny glass particles. In contrast, installers can easily roll out and staple in place radiant barrier material without worry about contact with potentially harmful substances.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your energy efficiency expectations, installation requirements, and project budget will determine which insulation product is best for your needs. To obtain radiant barrier foil and other types of reflective insulation for your renovation or new construction project contact the team at Energy Shield USA by calling 817-668-6103.