Radiant Barriers Block Heat Transfer

While standing seam metal roofs can create a natural radiant barrier—and are our preferred radiant barrier—most other roofing choices can have their energy efficiency bolstered by the use of either a foil roll, radiant barrier decking (Tech Shield) or Heat Bloc-75. It blocks 75% of the radiant heat or, better yet, you can upgrade to HeatBoc-Ultra. It has the lowest e-factor (.19) of all spray applied radiant heat barriers. It also blocks 81% of the radiant heat trying to come into your home or building.

But what is a radiant barrier?

It’s a Low-E surface that blocks the heat transfer into your home or business and several types of radiant barrier exist;

• Foil in a roll is applied to the underside of your rafters, but it can tear and requires that the staples penetrate the barrier.  Too, the foil chips can accumulate dust, which diminishes their effectiveness.
• Radiant barrier decking is an ideal choice for new construction because it is an easy application.
• Heat Bloc-Ultra is our product of choice for retro-fit projects.  It is an aluminum-colored, water-based, low-e coating that is applied to the attic-side of your roof’s decking.  It can be either rolled or sprayed on and blocks 81% of the radiant heat trying to enter your home.

Where is Radiant Barrier installed?

HeatBloc - is designed to be applied to the underside of the roof deck. While it can be applied to the sidewalls, it is most effective on roof surfaces as 80 % of the summer heat gain is from above.

Is attic ventilation still important?

Absolutely! Radiant heat barriers only control radiant heat loads. Good Attic Ventilation helps control convection loads. Together they raise the comfort levels and lower cooling costs.

Do radiant Heat Barriers have an ‘R’ Value?

No. R-Values apply only to solid insulation or to insulating systems that control heat flows other than radiation. In independent testing of the product at the University of Kansas, the R-value of the insulation, after applying HeatBloc-75 to the roof deck, increased by 87% to 98%.

IS HeatBloc PERMEABLE TO WATER?

Yes! HeatBloc allows water vapor to permeate, and does not trap water vapor within roof decks or sidewalls. This is vitally important in attic conditions.

DO RADIANT BARRIERS LOWER HEATING COSTS as well?

While they are most effective at lowering cooling costs, studies performed by the University of Kansas have showed a 15% reduction in heat loss through the attic when radiant barriers are used.

Learn more about these and other options by talking to one of our Project Planners today!