Although it’s bound to stay chilly for another few weeks here in the Arlington, Washington area, the official start of spring is right around the corner. Pretty soon, it will be warm again and you’ll be thinking of ways to stay cool and comfortable in your home while saving money! Insulation is a practical solution.
But there are many different materials and areas that need to be insulated—what should you use? As a significant source of energy loss in homes, the attic is a good place to start. And reflective or foil insulation (like radiant barrier) is a good material to use.
Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Reflective Insulation?
Reflective insulation is a material with reflective facing—typical materials are foil-faced kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles and cardboard. Radiant barrier insulation consists of a reflective material (generally aluminum foil) and can be combined with other materials in reflective insulation systems.
How Does Foil Insulation Work?
Most common thermal insulation materials (like fiberglass) work by slowing conductive heat flow, but reflective insulation works a little differently. This type of insulation is designed to reduce radiant heat gain. When the sun heats a roof, it’s primarily the sun’s radiant energy that makes the roof hot. Much of this heat travels through the roofing materials to the attic side of the roof. The hot roof then radiates its gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces. Reflective insulation, installed in the attic ceiling, helps reflect sunlight and reduce the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic.
This helps keep your home cooler and more comfortable. Reflective insulation and radiant barriers work well in warm climates, particularly in homes that have:
- Air ducts in the attic
- Asphalt roofing (which more easily absorbs heat from the sun)
- Little to no shading from trees
Learn more by visiting the Department of Energy online »
Insulation Contractors Serving Seattle & Arlington, WA
If you need to install insulation in your home, you count on the Pacific Partners Insulation North family! We love helping homeowners increase the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes with the right reflective insulation solutions.
Ready to start your project? Contact us today!
