Did you know? “All season’s insulation solutions typically refer to insulation methods and materials that are effective in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year, regardless of external weather conditions”.
Insulation facts: “Insulation refers to a material or a substance used to slow down or prevent the transfer of heat, … between different materials, objects, or areas. The primary purpose of insulation is to create a barrier that reduces the flow of heat, conserving energy and maintaining a desired temperature within a given space”.
Facts about heat transfer: Heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter involve different mechanisms of heat transfer, and insulation strategies are often tailored to address these seasonal variations. Let’s look at how they differ:
Heat Gain (summer): the primary mechanism of heat gain in summer is radiation. Sunlight (IR= InfraRed) striking the building’s exterior surfaces leads to radiant heat absorption or not (depending on material surface emissivity). The greater the radiant absorption to greater the heat gained through the buildings’ envelope.
Insulation Strategy: To mitigate summer heat gain, effective insulation with low surface emittance focuses on reflecting or blocking radiant heat. This involves using reflective materials, radiant barriers, and insulating materials with a high solar reflectance index (SRI). Proper sealing of gaps and the use of shading elements, like awnings or trees, can also contribute to reducing heat gain.
Heat Loss (winter): the main mechanisms of heat loss are conduction, convection, and smaller portions of radiation as well as air leakage. Heat moves from the warm interior of the building to the colder exterior through walls, roofs, and windows. Cold air infiltration and convective heat loss through leaks in the building envelop can also contribute to winter heat loss.
Insulation Strategy: To minimize heat loss in winter, the focus is on reducing conductive heat transfer. This involves using insulation materials with a correct R-value, which provides sufficient thermal resistance. Ensuring a well-sealed building envelop, including windows, doors, and any potential gaps, helps prevent heat loss through air infiltration.
Ideas & Solutions:
Solution number 1: Simply, using radiant barrier under the roof and at walls will prevent the penetration of radiant heat by reflecting up to 95% of the that heat making a livable temperature easier to maintain, improving level of comfort, and healthier year ‘round, and at the same time, saving lots of money on your energy bills.
Solution number 2: Integration of bubble reflective insulation (Polyshield bubble or triplex products) into your attic, walls or metal frame (for metal buildings). Adding reflective insulation products will add R-value with low emittance surface (2 in 1). This HYBRID system will ensure that your property is ready for summer and winter alike.
Useful Idea: Warping your house with Polyshield house -wrap solutions (Underlayment/RadWrap) or adding Polyshield to your Crawl Space will reduce air infiltration by improving the house air tightness and will improve the house’s envelop energy efficiency.
For more information please call is at
(972) 836 4829
or visit our website: https://www.radiantbarrierusa.com/