Radiant Barrier Foam Insulation

Radiant barrier is an insulation material that reflects heat entering or leaving a home building shipping container apparel or packaging.

Radiant barrier foam insulation.

Although using them together with a normal roof is not as easy because the shingles are connected to the roof deck which is connected to the foam and there is no air gap in which the heat energy can become radiant heat. Radiant barrier foil is different than spray foam because atticfoil s reflectivity of radiant heat is 97 meaning you stop the heat from ever even entering the home. To be effective the reflective surface must face an air space. Radiant barrier foil is different than spray foam because atticfoil s reflectivity of radiant heat is 97 meaning you stop the heat from ever even entering the home.

What is foam insulation. Radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems work by reducing radiant heat gain. Foam insulation most commonly comes in two forms. The list of uses includes crawl space radiant floor attic and walls.

Foam isn t going to perform like radiant barrier because like traditional insulation foam slows conductive heat gain loss but it doesn t actually stop it. Foam insulation rigid boards are 4 x8 sheets usually cast of closed cell polystyrene designed to fit directly inside walls against the interior or exterior of plywood sheathing as. The radiant barrier should be installed in a manner to minimize dust accumulation on the reflective surface. Another alternative to radiant barrier foil are the various types of foam insulation.

Dust accumulation on the reflective surface will reduce its reflective capability. For summer cooling the radiant barrier may be better than the spray foam most of the attic s heat gain is through radiation in our sunny climate in denver colorado a well vented attic with a radiant barrier helps our clients keep their cool prolong their shingle life while reducing their conditioned space. When installing attic insulation a case can be made for both radiant barrier sheathing with typical types of insulation as well as spray foam insulation. A number of factors should be taken into consideration when choosing between these two especially the climate zone that you re building in.

Radiant barrier insulation and spray foam insulation both offer benefits for homeowners including cost effectiveness and function. Radiant barrier sheathing is inexpensive and reflects thermal radiation to keep attic spaces cool. Let s take a look at the differences between the two options and how to choose the best solution for your home. By combining radiant barrier foil with spray foam insulation you create two defenses for reducing heat flow into your home.

Heat gravitates toward cold but instead of absorbing heat and delaying this process like traditional foam or fiberglass radiant barrier reflects heat back to its source.