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Radiant Barrier Explained

The Myths of radiant barrier (Pt. 2)

This picture shows the installation of ES® RFID Reflective Bubble insulation in an agricultural building. The reflective bubble is designed to improve animal health and productivity.

The Myths of radiant barrier (Pt. 2)

Radiant barriers have been used for many years to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, but there are still many misconceptions about how they work and the benefits they provide. In part 2 of this blog, we continue to dispel some of the most common myths about radiant barriers and provide accurate information about their effectiveness.

MYTH: Radiant barriers only work when the sun is shining

FACTS: Radiant barriers are effective at reducing heat transfer regardless of whether the sun is shining or not.

When the sun is shining, the heat from the sun is absorbed by the roof of a building and then transferred down into the living spaces below. Radiant barriers are effective at reflecting this thermal radiation back up towards the roof, preventing it from being absorbed by the living spaces below.

However, even on cloudy days, objects in the environment are emitting and absorbing thermal radiation. This thermal radiation can also be reflected by the radiant barrier, reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency.

Overall, radiant barriers can provide energy savings and improved comfort in all weather conditions, making them a useful insulation option for any building.

MYTH: Radiant barriers are only useful for residential buildings

FACTS: Radiant barriers are effective for all types of buildings, including residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural.

Similar to residential buildings, radiant barriers work in commercial buildings by reducing energy consumption, improving indoor comfort and lowering cooling costs by reducing the heat gain through the roof and walls.

In industrial facilities, radiant barriers can help improve working conditions by reducing the amount of heat that enters the workspace, which can increase productivity and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. They can also help reduce energy consumption and costs by lowering the amount of energy needed to cool the facility.

In agricultural buildings, radiant barriers can be installed in the roof or walls to reflect thermal radiation and reduce the amount of heat that enters the building during the summer months. This can help to lower cooling costs and improve indoor comfort for animals and workers. In the winter months, radiant barriers can help to reduce heat loss through the roof and walls, improving energy efficiency and reducing heating costs. In addition to reducing heating and cooling costs, radiant barriers can also help to reduce moisture buildup in agricultural buildings. Moisture buildup can lead to mold growth, which can be harmful to animals and crops. By reducing heat gain and loss, radiant barriers can help to maintain a more consistent temperature and reduce moisture buildup.

Overall, radiant barriers can provide energy savings and improved comfort for any type of building, regardless of its size or use, and can provide energy savings and improved comfort in various applications.

MYTH: Radiant barriers are only cost-effective for new construction

FACTS: Radiant barriers are a cost-effective solution for improving the energy efficiency of both new and existing buildings.

They can be easily installed on existing surfaces without the need for major renovations or changes to the building’s structure. In existing buildings, radiant barriers can be installed in the attic or walls to reflect thermal radiation and reduce heat transfer. This can help to lower cooling costs during the summer months and reduce heating costs during the winter months. Radiant barriers can also be installed in floors to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

The installation process for radiant barriers is relatively straightforward and can be completed quickly, which can help to minimize disruption to building occupants. The barriers are often made of lightweight materials that can be easily cut and shaped to fit around obstacles in the building, such as ductwork and pipes.

To summarize, radiant barriers can improve indoor comfort and help to create a more consistent temperature throughout the building of both new and existing buildings by reducing hot spots and drafts and improving overall comfort for building occupants.

MYTH: Radiant barriers are only effective when used in combination with other types of insulation

FACTS: Radiant barriers provide significant energy savings and improved comfort on their own, without the need for additional insulation

In many cases, using a radiant barrier in combination with other types of insulation can provide even greater benefits. For example, combining a radiant barrier with traditional insulation materials, such as fiberglass or cellulose, can help to further reduce heat transfer and improve overall energy efficiency. In colder climates, radiant barriers can be combined with traditional insulation to help keep heat inside the building, reducing heating costs and improving indoor comfort.

However, even on their own, radiant barriers can provide significant energy savings and improved comfort. This is because radiant barriers are most effective at reducing heat transfer during the hottest parts of the day, when the sun is shining directly on the roof or walls. This is when traditional insulation materials are less effective, as they are designed to slow down heat transfer rather than reflect it back. On their own, radiant barriers work by reflecting thermal radiation – which is a major source of heat transfer – and can reduce the amount of heat that enters or leaves the building through the roof, walls, or floors.

Overall, while combining a radiant barrier with other types of insulation can provide even greater benefits, radiant barriers are an effective solution on their own and can provide significant energy savings and improved comfort for a wide range of building types and climates.

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