FAQ

No, radiant barriers have been widely used in the South, and field tests show they do not cause any increase in roof temperatures.

Insulation and radiant barriers serve different purposes, which is why using both together can be more effective than relying on insulation alone. Here's why: Insulation: Insulation primarily works by resisting heat transfer through conduction (heat flow through solid materials) and convection (heat transfer through air movement). It helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by slowing the flow of heat through walls, ceilings, and floors. However, insulation does not address radiant heat, which is heat transferred directly from surfaces like a hot roof or sun-heated walls. This radiant heat can still make a space uncomfortably warm, especially in attics. Radiant Barrier: A radiant barrier reflects radiant heat, which can make a significant difference in reducing heat buildup in spaces like attics, especially in hot climates. While insulation slows down conductive and convective heat flow, a radiant barrier reflects a large portion of the radiant heat away, preventing it from entering your home in the first place. In essence, while insulation reduces overall heat flow, a radiant barrier adds an extra layer of protection against radiant heat, making your cooling system work more efficiently and keeping your home cooler during hot weather.

Between Reflective insulation, Reflective Flooring, and Blown-In Insulation, each service takes approximately one day to install.

Reflective insulation is usually more budget-friendly compared to spray foam, but costs can differ based on the quality of the product and installation requirements, such as the height of your attic and how much blown-in insulation you may have. For an accurate estimate, we recommend acquiring a free quote.

Radiant Barriers are highly effective at blocking 95-97% of radiant heat, making them an excellent solution for reducing heat in hot summer attics. A study by the Tennessee Valley Authority demonstrated that radiant barriers can cut summer attic heat transfer by 16-40%, with greater reductions as temperatures rise. These results highlight the ability of radiant barriers to significantly improve energy efficiency and comfort in homes exposed to intense summer heat.

Radiant barriers, reflective insulation, and radiant barrier paint all work to reduce heat transfer, but they differ in materials, application, and effectiveness. Radiant Barrier: Typically made of aluminum foil or a reflective surface attached to a backing material (like paper or plastic). Installed in attics, walls, or roofs, it reflects radiant heat away from the living spaces, which is particularly effective in hot climates. Requires an air gap behind the barrier to work optimally. Reflective Insulation: A broader category includes radiant barriers but can also consist of other materials with reflective properties, such as foam with a reflective coating. It works by both reflecting radiant heat and providing thermal resistance (R-value). Often used in combination with other insulation materials for more comprehensive energy efficiency. Radiant Barrier Paints: These are paints or coatings with reflective properties, usually containing tiny reflective particles like aluminum. Applied directly to surfaces like roofs or walls, they act as a reflective layer, but they generally provide a less effective barrier compared to traditional radiant barriers. They can be easier to apply but may not offer the same level of performance or durability as solid radiant barrier materials. In summary, radiant barriers and reflective insulation are more solid, traditional solutions for reflecting heat, while radiant barrier paints provide a more accessible, albeit generally less effective, alternative for surface applications.

Reflective insulation excels at reflecting radiant heat, making it a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for hot climates, especially when installed with an air gap. Spray foam offers high R-value and airtight sealing, it is costly and may involve chemical off-gassing, which can be hazardous. Whereas reflective insulation is more affordable, easier to install, and effectively reduces heat gain in attic spaces.