Staying cool is a whole lot easier with a radiant barrier on your side
A radiant barrier improves energy efficiency by reflecting up to 97% of radiant heat.
Radiant barriers work best in warm climates and when combined with traditional insulation materials.
It costs $1,070 and $2,635 to install a radiant barrier in your home.
If you are in the midst of building or remodeling a home, the question "What is a radiant barrier?" is likely at the top of your mind. This building material helps keep your home cool by transferring heat. Learn more about radiant barriers, including how they work and what types are available to you.
A radiant barrier is a type of building material designed to reduce heat transfer through radiation, particularly in attics and roofs. Typically made of reflective materials like aluminum foil, radiant barriers are installed in homes and commercial buildings to improve energy efficiency. They work by reflecting radiant heat away from living spaces, keeping interiors cooler in hot weather, and reducing the need for air conditioning.
Radiant barriers cost $1,850 on average, though they range between $1,070 and $2,635 to install. Radiant barriers are most effective in warm climates where cooling bills are significant. By reflecting up to 97% of radiant heat, they help lower indoor temperatures and can result in lower energy bills.
Installing a radiant barrier is often recommended in combination with insulation, as they serve different purposes: insulation slows heat transfer, while radiant barriers reduce heat gain.
A radiant barrier works by reducing heat transfer through radiation, which is one of the three methods of heat transfer, alongside conduction and convection. By minimizing heat gain, radiant barriers can improve energy efficiency, comfort, and potentially extend the life span of HVAC systems.
Here’s how it functions:
Reflective surface: Radiant barriers are made from reflective materials, such as aluminum foil, which can reflect up to 97% of radiant heat. When radiant heat from the sun strikes the barrier, it is reflected away from the living space instead of being absorbed.
Placement: Radiant barriers are often installed in attics, either on the underside of the roof or on the attic floor. The ideal placement depends on the climate and the specific design of the building. In warmer climates, they are most effective when installed in the roof or ceiling to prevent heat gain during hot months.
Reduction of heat gain: By reflecting radiant heat, the barrier helps keep the attic and living spaces cooler. This reduces the amount of heat that enters the home, leading to decreased reliance on air conditioning and lower energy bills.
Combined with insulation: While radiant barriers primarily address heat transfer through radiation, they work best when combined with traditional insulation. Insulation slows down heat transfer through conduction, while the radiant barrier reduces heat gain through radiation.
Effectiveness in hot climates: Radiant barriers are particularly effective in hot climates where cooling costs are high. They can significantly enhance a building's overall energy efficiency, contributing to a more comfortable indoor environment.
Just like there are multiple types of attic insulation, there are several types of radiant barriers, each designed to suit different applications and installation methods. When choosing a radiant barrier, it's important to consider factors such as climate, building design, and specific energy efficiency goals.
These are the most common types of radiant barriers:
Reflective foil: This is the most popular type of radiant barrier, made of aluminum foil or a similar reflective material. It can be installed directly under the roof decking or on the attic floor to reflect radiant heat.
Radiant barrier paint: This type is a specially formulated paint containing reflective particles. When applied to surfaces, it creates a barrier that reflects radiant heat. It's a versatile option that can be used on roofs, walls, and even in attics.
Radiant barrier membranes: These are sheets made of a reflective material sandwiched between layers of insulation or other materials. They provide both insulation and radiant heat reflection, making them effective for various building applications.
Multi-layered systems: Some radiant barriers consist of multiple layers of reflective and insulating materials. These systems can enhance thermal performance and are particularly useful in extreme climates.
Insulated radiant barriers: These combine traditional insulation with a radiant barrier. They are often used in wall assemblies or roofs to provide dual benefits—thermal resistance and heat reflection.
If you aren’t sure which type of radiant barrier is the best fit for your home, you can hire an attic insulation professional near you to help out. An experienced professional can answer questions like: should I insulate my attic floor or ceiling?
The primary downside of radiant barriers is their limited effectiveness in cold climates. They are designed to reflect radiant heat, making them less beneficial in cooler conditions where heat retention is more important.
Radiant barriers require proper installation to maximize effectiveness. Incorrect placement can lead to minimal benefits. They also do not provide insulation, meaning they should be used in conjunction with traditional insulation for optimal energy efficiency.
Radiant barriers and insulation serve different purposes, so one is not inherently better than the other. Radiant barriers reflect radiant heat, helping keep spaces cool, especially in hot climates, while insulation slows heat transfer through conduction. For optimal energy efficiency, it’s best to use both together.
Radiant barriers can enhance the performance of insulation by preventing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. The choice between them depends on specific climate conditions and the building’s design requirements.
A radiant barrier can last for many years, often exceeding 20 years, provided it is properly installed and maintained. Unlike traditional insulation, radiant barriers do not degrade over time, as their effectiveness primarily relies on their reflective properties. However, factors such as exposure to moisture, physical damage, or improper installation can impact their longevity.
Regular inspections can help ensure that the radiant barrier remains effective over time, making it a long-lasting solution for improving energy efficiency in homes and buildings.
