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Also known as reflective barrier, Radiant Barrier inhibits heat transfer through thermal radiation. However, they are ineffective when it comes to convection and conduction, which are two other modes of heat transfer.

As a result of their temperature, every material emits energy by thermal radiation. The extent of energy radiation is dependent on the surface temperature and emissivity. Emissivity is directly proportional to the amount of heat radiated at a particular wavelength. Reflectivity is a measure of how much energy is reflected by the material at a particular length.

For those wavelengths at which the Radiant Barrier function, there emissivity is to be maintained low as much as 0.1 or below it. The range of wavelength for buildings lies in the middle of the long infrared spectrum that is between 3-15 micrometers where the range for reflectivity of Radiant Barrier is not fixed because the total of reflectivity and emissivity does not have to be one and therefore, there is no fixed range. It can be said that low thermal emissivity creates dark surfaces and for proper functioning, the Radiant Barrier should be facing open surfaces which are vacuum or air to prevent radiation. The method of applying a radiant barrier:

Uses of Radiant Barrier

NASA developed a substance made of a plastic substrate having a coating of aluminum deposited through vapors, which was light and reflective. This substance is commonly known as space blanket. It protects the astronauts, spacecraft and other equipment from the harmful effects of radiation and also helps in retaining temperatures. This is particularly helpful in space where the fluctuations of temperatures are very commonplace. The reason why Radiant Barrier is more effective in space is that heat transfer in space is only through radiation. On earth however, heat transfer can take place through convection and conduction also which makes these Radiant Barrier less effective.

Radiant Barrier can also be deployed for reducing indoor heat loss.

There are basically two methods by which Radiant Barrier insulation can be installed-

1. Radiant Barrier Decking

2. Radiant Barrier Attic Foil.

When the sun rays fall directly on the roof, the roof absorbs this solar energy heating the roof sheathing which is radiated downwards in the attic. By placing a radiant barrier in the attic floor the heat is reflected making the top surface cool and simultaneously preventing the heat from entering the rooms. This makes a radiant barrier an effective reflecting device.

The traditional method of insulating an attic and a radiant barrier are different from each other. Despite having the same objective, the two differ in the methods of doing so. The areas near a radiant barrier are cooler as it reduces the heat radiated whereas the traditional method of attic insulation achieves this by means of convection. This technique utilizes air trapping. R-value is the scale which rates this technique. Radiant Barrier has no R-values as they depend on a lot of factors.

There are wide ranges of Radiant Barrier but the cost basically depends on the person installing a radiant barrier. There are some other features also which people like to add on and the life of the house also matters as there is a difference in installation prices for old and new houses.

In the end, it would suffice to say that Radiant Barrier is very effective and useful. People prefer them over other means these days. Have a look on radiant barrier reviews before you decide to install it.

Get benefited from radiant barrier. Know how radiant barrier insulation can help you to save the energy.