Radiant Barriers - Let Space-Age Technology Lower Your Utility Bills and Increase Your Comfort

Radiant barriers are a relative newcomer to the area of residential insulation. All radiant barriers are based upon space age technology. In 1954 NASA developed this material which we now call a "space blanket". This "sheeting" covered with deposited aluminum helps reduce heat transfer, which is vital in the cold of space. The same technology used by our astronauts has been used in the construction industry for over 20 years and has been receiving more attention in recent years as alternate green building methods have been thrust into the spotlight. Radiant barriers work differently than all traditional forms of insulation.

The most commonly used insulation in the past, and is still frequently used today, has been fiberglass batting, loose-fill blown insulation, spray foam insulation and cellulose. It is possible to add a radiant barrier to an existing house and often recommended. All types of insulation are rated with an R-value, unlike radiant barriers. The R-value is how the manufacturers measure thermal resistance, meaning how well the insulation prevents heat from transferring through the insulation.

Radiant barriers are not assigned an R-value, but two different numbers. The first is an emissivity number. The second number refers to the thermal reflective ability of the barrier. The emissivity, or emittance, refers to how much thermal radiation is given off of the material. The emittance rating will be between 0 and 1. As the emittance rating goes up so does the amount of thermal radiation given. Although related, the second rating is the reflectivity of this insulation. The reflectance rating is also given as a value between 0 and 1 or percentage. These figures, when combined should equal 1 or 100%

While the explanation for the emittance and reflectance ratings is somewhat over-simplified, it is important to pay attention to both numbers. The reflectivity rating should be at least.9, or 90%, while the corresponding emittance rating should be low. These numbers need to be disclosed to the home owner by the manufacturer of the barrier.

While it is quite possible to install a radiant barrier in an attic or crawl space, there are a number of differing methods. The two simplest and most cost effective methods are to secure it to the top side of the roof joists, which support the ceiling, or the bottom of the rafters, which form the slope of the roof. There are particulars, though, to which need to be paid attention.

When installing the radiant barrier on top of the joists, possible condensation during the winter months needs to be taken into account. Most barriers will not allow water vapor to pass through. A simple fix is to make sure the barrier is a perforated one which will allow the barrier to breathe while still being able to reflect the heat away from the ceiling and living quarters below. Another alternative is to verify that the radiant barrier being installed has a substrate which will naturally allow any condensation to pass. The challenge of possible condensation does not apply to the installation of the radiant barrier to the bottom of the rafters. Because of soffit vents along the eaves of the roof or ridge vents, air movement should maintain a condensation free environment.

Radiant barriers used as the sole means of insulation may provide decent results; however, when used in conjunction with existing insulation should enhance the monetary savings of any home owner's monthly utility bill. Due to the region where the home is located, results will vary. Local installers should know which method and what type of radiant barrier will be best for each application.

Many websites provide additional information on the topic of radiant barrier insulation and saving money on monthly utility bills. One such site worth visiting is http://www.utilityimprovements.com and http://www.coolattix.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Radiant-Barriers---Let-Space-Age-Technology-Lower-Your-Utility-Bills-and-Increase-Your-Comfort&id=4119666] Radiant Barriers - Let Space-Age Technology Lower Your Utility Bills and Increase Your Comfort

Installing Radiant Barrier Foil Over Attic Flooring

Radiant barrier foil is a newer product that is growing in popularity when it comes to increasing your home's energy efficiency. The three main types include two-sided with micro perforations, two-sided without micro perforations, and two-sided with bubble wrap in the center. In this article, we will look at applying two-sided, micro perforated radiant barrier foil to an attic floor.

The first thing to consider in all home improvement projects is safety. Potential hazards in this project include low clearance areas where you can hit your head on a rafter or nail, areas that lack flooring where you might accidentally put a foot through the underlying ceiling material, extreme heat that could induce heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and loose wiring that could deliver a nasty shock when contacting the foil product.

You may want to wear a hard hat for protection, and you will need to take note or mark where the attic flooring is and is not. Use four-foot lengths of board to safely walk on joists that lack floor material. If you must work in heat, realize that extended time in higher temperatures can make you very ill, and take preventive measures. Put a yard sprinkler on the roof to run water and cool the attic temperature. Run fans in the attic to move the air, or remove an air conditioning duct to make it blow cool air in the workspace. Inspect all wiring, cables, and junction boxes for loose wire or loose connections, and repair or have an electrician repair the faults. Also take note of any exhaust fans and canister lights or any other heat source. These areas must have a clearance of four to six inches on all sides for proper venting. If you have any waste vent that vents to the attic space, temporarily plug these vents with rags. The methane and other exiting gases should not be breathed.

You will need a space to mark out and cut lengths of foil. If you have adequate vertical clearance, you can suspend the foil roll from a rafter with a jig and note how high above the floor the roll is. That will be your standard length in feet that you can work with. Alternately, have a large space downstairs or in a garage to lay out, measure, and cut the foil. The cut foil lengths can then be rolled like carpet or folded accordion-style to make it easier to take to the attic space. Try to work from the points farthest from your attic entrance, to help avoid tearing or moving your previously laid pieces.

Some attics will allow the radiant barrier foil installation to run perpendicular to the joists, and this is the best direction. If your roof pitch is too shallow to allow running the foil perpendicular to the joists, it will need to be cut to run parallel to them. Most radiant barrier foil rolls are four feet wide. If your joists are 24 inches on center, simply cut the foil lengthwise to allow it to be placed on the insulation easily. While a four foot wide roll cut in half will not lie flat in the 46.5 inches of space between three joists or trusses, this is acceptable. Joists which are 16 inches on center will simply need to be cut in thirds width wise. In all other areas, allow for two inches of overlap on all sides. Also keep the foil 12 inches away from end walls and soviets or rafter vents to allow for proper ventilation.

The foil does not need to lie flat against the insulation. It works best with an airspace, so the natural peaks and valleys in the insulation are helpful. It also does not necessarily need to be taped or stapled on the seams. If it will be later walked on over a flooring surface, staple or tape it in enough places to prevent displacing the foil. For long runs and tight spaces, the challenge is how to put the foil where it belongs. Place a nail at the end of a length of thin wood trim or plastic pipe. Use the nail to move the foil into place. If you are running the foil from the center of an attic area in both directions, put a nail in each end of the wood or plastic pipe to prevent having to turn the tool around for the opposite side.

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Radiant Barrier Foil Insulation - Reflection on Reflective Insulation

Author: Alex Rabin

Simply compare your 10 year old electric bill with the recent one, and you will soon realize that we are nowhere near a global solution to the greenhouse gas emission problem. Moreover, suggestions to replace your light bulbs with the fluorescent ones or shut down your air-conditioner in summer don't make you comfortable and don't contribute as much as some people might think. However, reflective insulation may be one answer to at least the air conditioning part of your summer electric bill. It is simple, cost and energy efficient, but far from being well known to the general public, home owners, and even many builders.

Are you someone who can usually be found on vacation hiding from the burning sunlight under a beach umbrella? People feel much better under the shade simply because light-colored fabric reflects the heat. Simple logic suggests that the lighter the color, the better heat reflection. Moreover, protection is more effective if the surface is shiny, which explains why firefighters, for example, wear shiny reflective outfits.

In scientific terms, firefighters use a reflective insulation, or radiant barrier, to be protected from the excessive heat. Good quality reflective insulation, or what might be referred to as a radiant barrier, reflects more than 95% of infrared heat waves or radiant heat, while emitting very little heat itself - keeping those firefighters safe.

You can test this by trying a little experiment. First, put your palm 1-2" close to a standard electric light bulb and feel the heat. Try again, with some cotton wool between the lamp and your hand. You will feel better, but in only a few minutes heat will penetrate through the wool and you'll still get hot, even though you now have an insulation layer.

Now, place a 4x4" piece of household aluminum foil between the lamp and your hand (just make sure that the foil does not touch your hand) - and you will feel immediate relief. A little breeze to remove air between your hand and the foil (blow gently) and this will give you a perfect imitation of the beach umbrella effect. That's exactly the way a radiant barrier or foil insulation works.

So - what does this mean for your home? To get back to your overheated house - can you put an umbrella over the roof? In a sense, yes. You can protect your house exactly the same way; all you have to do is to put a strong, inexpensive reflective insulation or foil insulation layer under (not over) the roof of your house. When installing, make sure that you have all the things that theory suggests are in place: a radiant barrier or reflective insulation layer, vented air cavities (which is an important part of the process), moisture control etc.

Good quality radiant barrier or reflective insulation is lightweight, and thin but strong enough to be installed with staples or even nails. It even can be a "do it yourself" project; you just need some basic handyman skills and simple tools (construction stapler or nails), and of course some foil tape or adhesive tape.

So why not make your house "greener" and more comfortable, while contributing to the reduction of the greenhouse has emission?

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The Benefits of an Attic Radiant Barrier

Author: Martin Applebaum

Insulation is an important part of the building plan. Many building owners or even homeowners understand the value of insulating their houses so they could have a more comfortable place to stay. There is a need for insulation in order to avoid very cold nights on winter and too hot days on summer. For this purpose, an attic radiant barrier will provide an instant solution to reducing both high summer and winter cooling and heating costs. It can dramatically increase the heat in your attic during cold season and vice versa. The barrier can reduce up to 30% of heat and this will allow your air conditioner lesser time to run. Aside from reducing the heat, it also helps your home cool quicker. During winter, heat loss is so rapid that it is often passing through the attic insulation then towards the cooler part of the roof. Well, an attic radiant barrier will help reduce the heat loss mentioned and you will see excellent savings in your heating costs. It can be installed down on top of your existing insulation if dust is not really a problem in your area. Now that you know how important an attic radiant barrier is, you must be thinking of installing one yourself. First, you need to know what the different types available for you are. It is sometimes called or may have variables in aluminum foil insulation, radiant barriers, reflective foil insulation, reflective foil, attic heat barrier, attic insulation, or foil insulation. Whatever you call them, they all serve one purpose of lowering down your heating and cooling costs as it traps and prevents the heat to pass through your attic during the winter or to shield your roof during the summer. Once you get an attic radiant barrier installed in your home, you will not only make your home comfortable but also save yourself from paying too high-energy costs.

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Your guide to all things related to home insulation. This includes garage door insulation and blown attic insulation. Visit our site for more information today! http://www.homeinsulationsite.com By M. Applebaum