FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is a Radiant Barrier?
A: Radiant barriers block UV heat that penetrates an object and heats it, such as the space inside an attic. Radiant barriers are whatever blocks heat and reflects it back to its source. The radiant barrier prevents an object from being energized by UV rays and then radiating the heat that is caused by that energy. Radiant heat is an energy that is transferred without actual contact being made. An object or space that is heated with radiant energy will, in turn, start to emit heat from itself in every direction.
Q: Exactly How Does a Radiant Barrier Work?
A: Radiant energy transfer is caused by the radiation of electromagnetic energy. The only way for heat to be transferred from the sun through an area such as space to the earth is through the transfer of radiant heat. Insulation is designed to prevent convective and conductive heat transfer but is not effective against the transfer of radiant heat. Insulation acts as a radiant barrier to prevent the transfer of radiant heat, which contains various forms of heat from transferring in and out of a building. A radiant barrier requires dead airspace to be effective. This dead airspace should be on at least one side of a product, so if the radiant barrier is placed in between two solid materials, it will not be effective because the heat will conduct through the materials. An insulated cup, for example, uses a vacuum or airspace between the layers of material to retain the radiant heat and not allow it to penetrate. This is where the term “R-value” comes from regarding insulation. Most radiant barriers have no R-value because they are designed to prevent the transfer of radiant heat. South Atlanta Insulation is the right company to call to meet your insulation needs.
Q: Does Radiant Barrier work in winter?
A: Yes, Radiant Barrier will work in winter. It will reflect the radiant heat rising into your attic and to the roof back into your home, making it warmer in the winter and less expensive to heat your home.
