Efficiency Benefits of Using a Radiant Barrier with Thermal Insulation

Homes which are being constructed today are "not built like they used to be", which can actually be a benefit. Present day construction techniques are more efficient on time and labor. Some of the materials used today, such as radiant barriers or foam, were not used in older homes because they simply did not exist. These newer types of insulation provide increased energy efficiency and monetary savings for home owners.

Houses built before wall board was invented were almost always incorporated lathe and plaster on the interior. Sufficient insulation to maintain a comfortable interior temperature was almost never used. Fireplaces were a common solution through a home. As a result of poorly insulated walls and prolific fireplaces, older homes have drafts and large air leaks which contribute largely to expensive utility bills.

Even in contemporary construction many builders will put the minimum amount of components into a house in order to just satisfy the minimum building code, whereas in a quality built home, much of the energy efficient materials are actually not readily visible. Future residents are always the ones to lose in these scenarios. There are, however, a couple of solutions to the age old problem of leaky and drafty houses.

Retrofitting an existing home with foam, cellulose or batting is often an invasive, laborious and expensive option. Another option, which has been growing in popularity due to the ease in which it can be installed, is a radiant barrier. There are several advantages of utilizing radiant barriers.

Radiant barriers can be used in the attic and underneath a home solely as the main type of material to insulate a home or augment existing insulation. Radiant barriers work by reflecting the outside temperatures away from the living quarters. Conversely these radiant barriers also help to maintain a comfortable interior temperature from escaping through the attic.

An oversimplified description of a radiant barrier is that it is a sheet of cellophane with a reflective foil layer on one or both sides. There are different procedures for installing a radiant barrier membrane. The two most common methods of installation are laying it on top of the attic floor joists and any insulation which may already be present or securing it to the underside of the roof joists. In either case it is important to maintain airflow in order to prevent an environment which will support the growth of mold. Some radiant barriers have small perforations to prevent just this particular situation.

When selecting a radiant barrier it is important to be aware that the insulation rating is not assigned an R-value, but is assigned its own scale of effectiveness. A professional installer will know which type of radiant barrier and what manner of installation will maximize the energy savings on heating and cooling the home. Minimizing the frequency and amount of time needed for the air conditioner or heat to run translates to direct monthly savings.

For additional information on the topic of insulation and energy efficiency visit Utility Improvements. Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Utility Improvements. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.