Standing out among dozens of diversified insulation options, reflective insulation is one of the best choices to ensure lower bills, increase your return on investment and protect the people, animals, goods and equipment that may be inside your structure.
Moisture problems, air leaks, inadequate attic ventilation, dust accumulation, compatibility issues with existing insulation, and condensation are some of the common challenges associated with radiant barriers.
Reflective, radiant-barrier insulation is usually made of aluminum foil with a variety of different backings, including plastic film and cardboard. This type of insulation is most effective in warmer climates, but can also be used for comfort and energy savings in cold weather.
As long as homeowners or certified attic specialists install them appropriately, radiant barriers last anywhere from 80 to 100 years. They are built to last and won't cause significant issues for decades.
Foil insulation is particularly effective at reflecting radiant heat, which can be beneficial in both summer and winter. However, in order for it to work effectively, there needs to be an air gap between the foil layer and the surface it's installed on.
Radiant Barrier In Walls. In your handbook you explain the difference between a reflective insulation and a radiant barrier essentially being that with the former, the foil is facing an enclosed air space, whilst with the latter the foil is facing an open-air space.
With Wi-Fi signals, unless the radiant barrier is between you and the router, there is unlikely to be any impact.
Because foil insulation reflects warm air from entering, a mixture of hot air and cold air cannot create condensation.
1 With fiberglass insulation R-values ranging from R-15 to R-19 for two-by-four wall systems, Reflectix appears to be a better insulating material than fiberglass or other thick, dense materials.
In short, reflective insulation can have an R value anywhere from R-3 all the way up to R-17.
Reflective foil Insulation
Foil insulation typically performs well to help protect your home from water ingress. However, long-term saturation and submersion in water can impact the effectiveness of the reflective foil surface.
Reflective Foam
It's typically used in scenarios where both insulation against temperature extremes and the reflection of radiant heat are desired to keep it from escaping buildings in the winter and minimize solar heat gain in the summer.
There are other types of insulation, but these are the most common. The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.
Some studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation than to add a radiant barrier.
Radiant Barrier Moisture Problems
The other main issue that can impact the performance of any radiant barrier is moisture. In colder weather, radiant barriers can sometimes develop condensation. This issue is most prevalent in climates where the temperature regularly falls below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Of course, having SuperFOIL between you and the source of a signal will slightly weaken it, but that is true of any material – and particularly insulation products, both reflective and otherwise.
Aluminum covered radiant barrier products (like Original AtticFoil™) are pretty difficult to start burning, but once they flash (catch fire) the polyethylene scrim inside will continue to burn at a relatively slow rate.
These are the exact same principles that apply to installing a radiant barrier in any assembly. You MUST have an air gap in order to get either the emissivity quality or the reflectivity quality that you're looking for, otherwise the foil will not work as a radiant barrier.
Unlike mass insulation, reflective insulation is able to keep heat in and reflect heat away. Mass insulation material like fiberglass and foam merely slow down the transfer of heat; they do not reflect heat away, nor do they keep heat in. Reflective insulation has the ability to control the transfer of radiant heat.
Foam insulation, especially the spray foam variety, usually requires professionals with specialized equipment for a safe and effective installation. Radiant barrier, on the other hand, is much simpler to install and many people even feel comfortable with DIY installation. Radiant barrier is much less expensive.
If you are wondering how to install the foil backed insulation on your walls here you have few tips to consider. if it is hot outside, the reflective part of your foil insulation must face outside. if it is freezing outside, the best orientation of the reflective part is inside.
With multiple layers of product and airspaces between each layer, enhanced performance will be gained. If the product is simply “doubled” (with no air space between the layers), a very minimal benefit is obtained, (R-1.1 (per layer) for the Reflective/Double Bubble product).
If you plan to add an extra layer of insulation, you can install insulated plasterboards over the foil insulation.