How Radiant Barrier Can Help You In Energy Efficiency
Those reflective barriers that are good conductors for transferring heat through thermal radiation are called Radiant Barrier. There are other methods also for transferring heat such as heat conduction or convection but in these methods the Radiant Barrier cannot be used for protection.
As a result of their temperature, every material emits energy by thermal radiation. The extent of energy radiation is dependent on the surface temperature and emissivity. Emissivity is directly proportional to the amount of heat radiated at a particular wavelength. Reflectivity is a measure of how much energy is reflected by the material at a particular length.
Emissivity of Radiant Barrier should be low (like 0.1 or less) at those wavelengths at which they are supposed to function. Usually for buildings, the range of wavelength in the mid and the long-infrared spectrum lies between 3-15 micrometers. The value of reflectivity is not fixed for Radiant Barrier. This is because both emissivity and reflectivity don’t add up to one for different wavelengths. Thus, low thermal emissivity can be used to create surfaces that are visibly dark in color .For proper performance; Radiant Barrier should face towards open surfaces like air or vacuum so that there is no radiation.
Uses of Radiant Barrier
NASA developed a substance made of a plastic substrate having a coating of aluminum deposited through vapors, which was light and reflective. This substance is commonly known as space blanket. It protects the astronauts, spacecraft and other equipment from the harmful effects of radiation and also helps in retaining temperatures. This is particularly helpful in space where the fluctuations of temperatures are very commonplace. The reason why Radiant Barrier is more effective in space is that heat transfer in space is only through radiation. On earth however, heat transfer can take place through convection and conduction also which makes these Radiant Barrier less effective.
Radiant Barrier can also be deployed for reducing indoor heat loss.
There are two methods to install Radiant Barrier insulation given as follows:
1. Radiant Barrier Decking
2. Radiant Barrier Attic Foil.
On sunny days, the roof absorbs the solar energy. The roof sheathing gets heated up and radiates the heat downward to the attic floor. A radiant barrier when placed on the attic floor reflects the heat received towards the roof. This makes the top surface cooler. It also effectively removes the heat from entering into the rooms. Thus, a radiant barrier is quite an effective device.
The conventional attic insulation and radiant barrier differ from each other. Their functions are similar but their methods of achieving the same differ. A radiant barrier decreases the amount of heat radiated in areas near to it. The conventional attic insulation technique reduces thermal radiation by means of convection. Air is trapped within insulation in this technique. The rating of such a technique is done by R-value. There are no R-values for Radiant Barrier since they depend upon many factors.
Radiant Barrier comes in different ranges. The cost primarily depends upon the one who is installing it. Other factors include the extra features which some people like to incorporate in it. The price is different for a new house and an existing one.
In the end, it would suffice to say that Radiant Barrier is very effective and useful. People prefer them over other means these days. Have a look on radiant barrier reviews before you decide to install it.
Get benefited from radiant barrier. Know how radiant barrier insulation can help you to save the energy.
