Reflective Insulation

Enerflex radiant barrier insulation, a highly reflective, double-sided, multilayered material, blocks up to 96% of radiant energy and can be installed in new and existing homes. It installs between rafters to the underside of a roof and on other vertical surfaces in an attic to reduce solar heat gain into the home. It also reduces heat transfer by thermal radiation across the air space between the roof and attic floor, keeping an attic up to 30 degrees cooler. In cool weather, Enerflex helps prevent radiant energy from leaving the home and reduces heat loss, which adds up to significant energy cost savings.

Customer product reviews of Enerflex Radiant Barrier

Soccersmith from Corsicana, Texas - purchased 24 in. x 4 ft. Enerflex Radiant Barrier - Contractor Box
"This is the easiest install you could ask for.I had no issues at all. You bend the panel to cause the tension rods to flex, you place it between the rafters and release--it's that easy. It's also easy to re-position if you need to move it too."

DLewis from Dallas, Texas - purchased 24 in. x 4 ft. Enerflex Radiant Barrier - Contractor Box
"I'm in Texas so I'm looking forward to the idea of cooling down the attic. I'm waiting for the summer to get here so I can really see the difference.The worst part of installing these panels is having to go into the attic. These are a lot sturdier than I thought they would be when I ordered them. This is great considering I had to do quite a bit of tugging sometimes to get them to fit in certain areas. Very little problems with tearing and whatnot. Sometimes if you are too hard on them you have to watch out for the metal rods inside popping out. You will definitely need gloves when working these because the metal interior would do a real number on your hands if you don't. You will also need a sturdy tool to cut through the inner wiring. Scissors wouldn't last one panel. Easy to install. Mostly hold themselves up accept in those few areas where the rafters are irregular in size. Then a couple of staples do the trick. Easy for one person to install unlike the rolls.
The only negative thing I can say is they don't install themselves."

luqui03 from Bethesda, Maryland - purchased 4 ft. x 250 ft. Enerflex Radiant Barrier Insulation Roll
"I used this insulation for my sun room, it works great, I use to have a 100 degree temperature during the summer time inside the room and now that we are experiencing record-high temperatures the thermometer reads 90 degrees. I strongly recommend this product. And if you want more R factor use a little bit of the regular insulation."

See how to buy for a retailer in your area.

Homeowners expect to get a bill from their utility company each month, but opening one for a particularly expensive month can be a real shocker. If your bills seem consistently higher than what they should be, it’s time to look for hidden energy drains and consider some changes that can make a huge difference.

Consider these home improvement solutions to take a huge bite out of your energy bill:

The sun’s rays beat down on your roof, increasing the temperature in your entire house. Your air conditioner has to work hard to counteract these intense temperatures and that means a high energy bill. The best way to defend your home from this type of heat is to install reflective radiant barrier insulation in your attic, especially if your AC unit or duct work is present.

Radiant barrier insulation, such as Enerflex, reduces heat transfer between your roof and the attic floor where insulation is typically installed. Enerflex radiant barrier will reflect up to 96 percent of the radiant heat energy from the sun back through your roof, making your attic space up to 30 degrees cooler. A cooler attic leads to a more comfortable and consistent temperature throughout your home and a decreased workload on your air conditioner and other appliances. This also leads to a lower utility bill.

See demonstration video here.

Look for leaks

No matter what time of year it is, having even small leaks in your windows or doors is like letting money, literally, float away. Just an 1/8-inch crack all the way around a doorway creates the same air loss as a 6-inch square hole in the middle of your door, according to the Edison Electric Institute.    

There are various ways to check for window and door leaks, from holding a candle flame near the crack and gauging how much the flame moves to sliding a piece of paper through the opening to see if it catches or tears. If you find a leak, the easiest solution is to add weather-stripping around doors and to caulk windows.  Remember to check once a year to see if any repairs or replacements are needed.

Swap the bulbs

You’ve likely heard plenty about switching to more energy efficient light bulbs, but maybe you’re not sure if it really makes a difference. Consider this: homes that use Energy Star qualified light bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and they last at least six times longer.

Additionally, an incandescent lamp is really more of a heater than a light, with nearly 90 percent of the input energy being converted and lost in waste heat rather than light, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. All those little heaters warm up your home fast and you have to turn on fans and your air conditioner to regulate the temperature. Switch your light bulbs and the savings will follow.

Keeping energy bills low is a challenge, but with the right strategies you reduce your bill and help the environment, a win-win for everyone.

Check out some of our past energy savings tips at our Go Green - Energy Efficiency in Your Home blog.

Seal Air Leaks

Many air leaks and drafts are easy to find because they are easy to feel — like those around windows and doors. But holes hidden in attics, basements, and crawlspaces are usually bigger problems. Sealing these leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a big impact on improving your comfort level and reducing utility bills.

Common locations for air leaks:

• Wiring and plumbing entrances
• Recessed lighting
• Basement rim joists
• Windows and doors
• Electrical and gas service entrances
• Outdoor water faucets
• Where dryer vents pass through walls

Turn on Ceiling Fans

By using a ceiling fan you can then increase the thermostat setting a few degrees, resulting in reduced air conditioning energy cost.

In the summer, make sure all ceiling fans are turned on and spin in the counterclockwise direction. The airflow produces a cooling effect, making you feel cooler and more comfortable. In the winter, when the furnace is on and the heat rises to the ceiling, use the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise direction. This creates an updraft, which directs warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space. Remember to adjust your thermostat when using your ceiling fan — additional energy and dollar savings could be realized with this simple step!

Change out incandescent light bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) consume about 75 percent less energy than a typical incandescent light bulb. And CFLs last up to 10X longer than an incandescent bulb. CFLs are affordable and are designed to fit into your current fixtures. Installing CFLs in your home will help save up to $30 dollars in electricity cost during the life of the bulb.

Add the proper amount of attic insulation

Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Heat flows naturally from a warmer to a cooler space. In winter, the heat moves directly from heated living areas to the outdoors and to adjacent unheated attics, garages, and basements - wherever there is a difference in temperature. During the summer, heat moves from outdoors to the house interior. To maintain comfort, the heat lost in winter must be replaced by your heating system and the heat gained in summer must be removed by your air conditioner. Insulating ceilings, walls, and floors decreases the heating or cooling needed by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat.

There are several common types of insulation — fiberglass (in both batt and blown forms), cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam. Reflective insulation (or radiant barrier) is another insulating product which can help save energy in hot, sunny climates.

Install a Radiant Barrier in the attic

Radiant barriers, like Energy Star certified Enerflex®, work by reducing heat transfer of thermal radiation across the air space between the roof deck (attic ceiling) and the attic floor, where conventional insulation is normally placed. In other words radiant barriers assist in blocking or reflecting heat transfer.

A radiant barrier installed in the attic works by reducing the amount of radiant heat on various components in the attic. These are typically thermal attic insulation, duct work, HVAC equipment, and other building components. Since the amount of radiant heat contacting the top of the insulation is less than it would have been without a radiant barrier, the insulation surface temperature is lower and the heat flow through the insulation is reduced. The best radiant barrier insulation, such as Enerflex, will significantly reduce the amount of energy radiated from the top surface of the insulation.

Enerflex qualifies for a 2011 tax $500 tax credit!

Request a sample of Enerflex Radiant Barrier.

See this blog post on how installing a radiant barrier in your attic can extend the life of your A/C unit.

Radiant barrier foil insulation, such as Enerflex, is a reflective metalized film insulation that provides a way to reduce high HVAC energy costs. Radiant barrier insulation blocks radiant heat energy instead of absorbing it like typical insulation. A high quality radiant barrier is not affected by humidity and will continue to perform at a consistent level for many years.

Radiant barriers work by reducing heat transfer of thermal radiation across the air space between the roof deck (attic ceiling) and the attic floor, where conventional insulation is normally placed. In other words radiant barriers assist in blocking or reflecting heat transfer. All materials give off energy by thermal radiation as a result of air temperature. The amount of energy emitted depends on the surface temperature and by emissivity. Emissivity is the amount of heat which is emitted / radiated off of a surface to surrounding air.

A radiant barrier installed in the attic works by reducing the amount of radiant heat on various components in the attic. These are typically thermal attic insulation, duct work, HVAC equipment, and other building components. Since the amount of radiant heat contacting the top of the insulation is less than it would have been without a radiant barrier, the insulation surface temperature is lower and the heat flow through the insulation is reduced. An Energy Star radiant barrier, such as Enerflex, significantly reduces the amount of energy radiated from the top surface of the insulation.

Request a sample of Enerflex Radiant Barrier.

See how Enerflex can help curb your air conditioning costs in this blog post.

Want to save money by reducing utility bills and be more comfortable while doing it? Enerflex radiant barrier—a highly reflective, double-sided, multilayered material that blocks up to 96% of radiant energy when installed in new and existing homes—has qualified for the American Recovery Tax Credit for insulation. This could equate to savings of 10 percent up to $500.

Made in America, Enerflex is two layers of tear-resistant foil, laminated and reinforced with a poly scrim for tear and puncture resistance. Double-sided for efficiency, Enerflex offers radiant barrier panels that are precut to 16- and 24-inches on center, and does not require tools to install. Enerflex is also available in rolls for stapling to rafters. Both radiant barrier products are backed by a 15-year limited warranty.  It installs between rafters to the underside of a roof and on other vertical surfaces in an attic to reduce solar heat gain into the home. It also reduces heat transfer by thermal radiation across the air space between the roof and attic floor, keeping an attic up to 30 degrees cooler. In cool weather, Enerflex helps prevent radiant energy from leaving the home and reduces heat loss, which adds up to significant energy cost savings.

Enerflex is also ENERGY STAR® approved and allows specifiers to earn up to five LEED points under EA 1 and MR 5. Installing Enerflex in certain applications may qualify for state and local government tax credits.

To see just how easy Enerflex radiant barrier installs, watch our step-by-step how-to video.

An easy way to understand the concept of radiant heat is to stand in front of your grill during a cookout.  The heat you feel standing next to the grill is considered radiant heat. A radiant barrier will reflect that heat. Heat that is radiated doesn’t necessarily have to come from the sun.

Enerflex radiant foil barrier is installed inside your attic, beneath the roof sheathing, so how is it expected to reflect the sun’s rays? The answer is it doesn’t have to reflect the sun’s rays to work, but it does reflect the radiant heat generated from those rays.

On a hot day, heat from the sun is absorbed by the roof  and warms up the sheathing below, which radiates heat towards the attic floor and conventional insulation. All materials emit radiant heat to varying degrees based on their surface temperature. However, installing a radiant foil barrier like Enerflex will reflect up to 96% of this radiant energy back toward the roof.

The result: The top surface of the insulation is up to 30°F cooler than it would have been which reduces the amount of heat that moves through the insulation to the living areas below.

Fiberglass insulation depends on R-Value (resistance) alone to insulate against summer heat gain and winter heat loss. Thin layers of fiberglass do virtually nothing to stop reflective heat or energy transfer. Fiberglass insulation is also affected by changes in humidity or moisture levels. A 1% to 1-1/2% change in the moisture content of fiberglass insulation can result in up to a 36% decrease in performance.

Unlike fiberglass insulation, reflective insulation or radiant barrier foil products, such as Enerflex, are not affected by humidity and moisture changes and will continue to provide energy savings and insulation value no matter what the moisture level is. Reflective radiant barrier foil also has additional uses for which fiberglass insulation is not applicable, such as radiant heating systems, or any under or over concrete slab applications. In these uses, reflective insulation is the better, if not only, choice to use.

Most people are familiar with traditional insulating materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, Styrofoam, and rock wool. These products absorb or slow down convective and conductive heat transfers. These types of insulation do not BLOCK heat—only slow it down. Therefore, after a period of time, 100% of the heat radiated would eventually transfer through the insulation. The rate in which this heat eventually transfers through an insulation material is the material's R-Value. If you want to reflect the heat—stop it in its tracks—you need a radiant barrier.

As a home owner, the challenge is how to keep the heat in during winter and how to keep it out during summer. There are three ways in which heat goes from warm spaces to cold spaces:

1. Conduction is direct heat flow through a solid object such as a wall or a ceiling.
2. Convection is heat movement through air, occurring when air is warmed. The warm air expands, becoming less dense and rising.
3. Radiation is the movement of heat rays across air spaces from one warm object to a cooler object.

The heat we feel from a wood stove or a space heater is radiant heat. All objects and bodies give off radiant heat. Even the insulation in your attic gives off radiant heat to the cold attic space in the winter and to the living space in the summer. Regular insulation won't stop radiant heat loss. Radiant heat must be reflected with a radiant barrier.

To find out how Enerflex Radiant Barrier works or how easy it is to install radiant barrier, visit the Enerflex Radiant Barrier website.

Cooling a home during the summer with an air conditioning unit can account for nearly 50 percent of an average homeowner’s utility bill. And in the hottest regions of the country, cooling off with central air can generate up to 70 percent of your home’s utility bill.

But not to fear: There are several ways to curb your electricity use this summer. One simple way is to crank up the thermostat by one degree during warm weather. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save up to 3 percent on your summer energy bill for every degree you raise your thermostat for 24 hours. Set your thermostat between 72°F and 78°F. Each degree setting below 78°F will increase your electricity use by as much as 4 percent—and that’s sure to add up to several hundred dollars over many hot summer days.

Other ways to reduce your home’s cooling costs include making sure your air conditioning unit is running at peak performance, replacing the HVAC filter at least every three months or as needed, turning on ceiling fans and making sure they are blowing down not up, opening windows during cooler evening hours, closing curtains and blinds where sunlight radiates heat into the home, and sealing all air leaks that let cool air escape outside.

If you like do-it-yourself home improvement projects, installing a radiant barrier in your attic is one of the most effective energy-saving projects that’s sure to help you save precious dollars on your A/C bill. What’s more, you can receive a 10 percent tax credit—up to $500—from the government.

A radiant barrier or radiant insulation works in your home similar to the way a reflective foil car shade works in your car. Just as a car shade keeps the interior of an auto cooler when it's parked in the sun, radiant barriers keep your home's interior cooler when installed in your attic where the sun's radiant energy is absorbed.

New do-it-yourself energy-saving home improvement products like Energy Star-certified Enerflex Radiant Barrier (class A fire rated metalized film) are easy for homeowners to install themselves, and quickly realize reduced monthly electric bills. Enerflex Radiant Barrier is unique in that one person can install it, without the need for tools, as it flexes into place between the rafters on the underside of a roof.

An attic radiant barrier is a safe, proven building material for reducing the strain on a home’s air conditioner. And that leads to significant energy savings. When you can spend a few hours over a weekend and complete a project that saves money month after month, it’s hard to ignore the benefits.

Professionals in the construction, roofing, heating and cooling, and energy industries have long known the benefits of installing a radiant barrier, says Rick Jordan of EcoRite Products, a major radiant barrier manufacturer. Only recently have products been manufactured specifically for the DIY installer market.

Radiant barriers reduce the radiant heat gain that permeates a home when the sun beats down on it. Studies on installed radiant barrier products show attic temperatures are typically reduced up to 30 percent during the summer months, which can translate to a 30-degree heat reduction on hot summer days. In fact, a radiant barrier is most effective in the summer months as it dramatically reduces the workload on your air conditioning unit. In general, installing a radiant barrier can help homeowners reduce air conditioner use and save as much as 20 percent on electrical bills.

“Based on my 30 years of experience in teaching energy efficiency, I believe that if you live in the South and your ductwork is in the attic, you will greatly benefit from installing Enerflex Radiant Barrier,“ said Doug Rye, a licensed architect and the foremost expert on home energy efficiency.
 
“We installed Enerflex Radiant Barrier in an Alabama home last summer, and determined that the attic temperature was nearly 30 degrees cooler than before. When the attic temperature and the ductwork are 30 degrees cooler, one should have better comfort and lower utility bills,” said Rye.

Easily installed Enerflex Radiant Barrier makes spending less on air conditioning a breeze—something to think about as gas prices and other expenses zoom in on your pocketbook.

View the Enerflex Radiant Barrier installation video.

By installing the best radiant barrier foil insulation, such as Enerflex, you can reflect up to 96% of the radiant heat energy from the sun back through your roof. As a result, your attic space is up to 30° cooler, which leads to a more comfortable and consistent temperature throughout your home as well as energy savings.

Radiant Barrier / Reflective Insulation Reduces the Workload on Your AC Unit

This increased performance of your insulation and duct work, and decreased workload on your air conditioner and other appliances means Enerflex reflective insulation will pay for itself in utility bill savings in a relatively short period of time.

Here are three tips for reducing the workload on your AC unit:

1. Turn ceiling fans on to recirculate hot air that rises and get cold air off the ground
2. Install a programmable thermostat and have it set to turn on only when you're home
3. Change your furnace filter every three months or before it gets too dirty

Qualifying for a Tax Credit with Enerflex Radiant Barrier Insulation
Enerflex Radiant Barrier is Energy Star certified and qualifies for a tax credit through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Residential applications that qualify for the credit (when properly installed per installation instructions) are attics, walls and crawl spaces. Simply download the Enerflex Tax Credit Certificate for your tax records to save 10% up to $500.

Safe and Sustainable
Enerflex will not harm your shingles. A normal radiant barrier may raise the temperature of your shingles 2-5 degrees and will not affect the life or warranty of your shingles. Enerflex can help you qualify for 5 LEED points under EA1 and MR5, is an ENERGY STAR rated product and has a Class-A fire rating.

For more information and videos on energy efficiency and radiant barriers, visit our "Go Green" blog.

Radiant barriers have been around for decades, and in the last few years savvy homeowners have discovered two related benefits of installing Energy Star radiant barrier. The two major benefits of installing reflective radiant barrier include maintaining a more consistent indoor temperature, which leads to the second benefit of, reduced energy costs.

The main reason energy costs are reduced is because your home's air conditioning unit will run more efficiently and less frequently throughout the hot summer days. And in hot climates like Texas, Arizona, California, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and many other southern states, a reflective radiant barrier like Enerflex can help you reduce your utility bill by as much as 30%. But, it is very important that your attic has the recommended insulation installed for your region and adequate ventilation for the heat to escape back outside.

In the winter, Enerflex Radiant Barrier will help reduce indoor heat loss that comes up through your ceiling. The same principle is applied – the amount of energy / heat moving up toward the radiant barrier is reflected back into your attic and down into your home.

Installing an approved radiant barrier in certain applications may qualify for state and local government tax credits. Many energy companies also offer rebates to their customers for installing an attic radiant barrier. Look for programs in your area to take advantage of these savings.

See more information and videos on energy efficiency and radiant barriers in my "Go Green" blog.

Simply put, no. In order for a product (paint, foil or metallic film) to be classified as a radiant barrier, defined by ASTM, the product must produce at least 90% reflectivity. The Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association (RIMA) says the reflectivity of "radiant barrier paints" range from 10% to 75%, which will provide drastically different results compared to the best radiant barrier insulation. In fact, the application of a ceramic radiant barrier paint to the underside of roof is not an easy do-it-yourself project as the fumes are noxious (VOC respirator needed). If a paint does not conform to ASTM C 1321, "Standard Practice for Installation and Use of Interior Radiation Control Coating Systems in Building Systems", it should not be considered for interior applications in the attic.

In addition, before you consider purchasing reflective paint or a reflective metal barrier, make sure it is Energy Star certified and has a Class A fire rating. Typically any Energy Star qualifying product will have a corresponding label/logo on the packaging.

Energy Star certified Enerflex Radiant Barrier is a metalized film that has a class A/1 rating for fire and smoke. It also meets the new mounting requirements for ASTM – E84 under E2599. ASTM E2599 is the new industry standard which will be reflected in the 2012 building codes. ASTM standards are adopted by organization such as IECC, IBC, IRC, and ICC.

See how easy it is to install Enerflex in this short video.

Saving money around the house continues to be a major pursuit for homeowners nationwide. And with a focus on “going green”, savvy homeowners are looking for ways to cut energy use to reduce utility bills and their home’s carbon footprint.

There are dozens of ways to curb energy use around the home. Sealing drafts by applying caulk and weather-stripping around windows and doors, and applying foam sealer around drafty outlets and piping leading outside can save up to 5 percent on heating costs alone. Most important, installing the proper amount of attic insulation with the proper airflow is generally the best way to save on home energy use.

If you are among the millions of Americans who enjoy do-it-yourself home improvement projects, installing a radiant barrier in the attic space above your home is one of the most effective energy-saving projects to consider.

While radiant barriers are not a new concept, new products on the market are making it easier for homeowners to install them and realize reductions in their energy bills—every month. Overall, a radiant barrier can save an average homeowner up to 15 percent on utility bills.

Rick Jordan of EcoRite Products, a major radiant barrier manufacturer, says the benefits of installing a radiant barrier have long been known by professionals in the construction, roofing, heating and cooling, and energy industries. Only recently have products been manufactured specifically for the DIY installer market.

Jordan explains that a radiant barrier is a product that is installed in the attic—between the rafters on the underside of a roof—to reduce the radiant heat gain that permeates a home when the sun is beating down on it. Radiant barrier, a particularly effective product for summer months, also reduces heat loss from a roof during the winter, which in turn reduces the workload on your furnace and lowers your heating bill.

Early, less-effective versions of radiant barriers included spray-on metallic paints, reflective radiant barrier chips or products known simply as attic foil. Installation was cumbersome, often requiring special tools, adhesives or multiple installers, and the low flash point on the older type of foil created added dangers in the event of a house fire.

It’s important to choose the best radiant barrier that is Energy Star approved and made of metalized film, not perforated aluminum foil. Today’s radiant barriers are far more sophisticated, yet some are so simple to install that no tools are required.

About Enerflex Radiant Barrier
Enerflex Radiant Barrier is an example of the best new radiant barrier technology. The product is available nationwide through a network of lumber and building materials dealers, as well as through major retailers. The product is Energy Star approved and was named one of the “Best New Products of 2010” by Professional Remodeler, a leading trade magazine.

Enerflex Radiant Barrier comes in rolls or panels, pre-cut for 16” and 24” widths for installation ease. The radiant barrier panels literally flex or “snap” into place between the rafters, with no tools needed. This makes it possible for installation to be a simple, one-person, do-it-yourself job that can be completed in a matter of hours. Watch a video on installing Enerflex radiant barrier.

Studies on installed radiant barrier products show that attic temperatures are typically reduced by a full 30 percent during the summer months, which can translate to 30 degrees on a hot summer day. In addition, the radiant barrier keeps heat from escaping from the home through the roof during the winter, so not only does your HVAC system get a break, but you can realize energy savings year-round.

Unlike the earlier versions of radiant foil barriers, Enerflex is made of a highly reflective, multilayered, metallic film that is protected by a tough poly scrim that keeps it from tearing or being punctured. The product is made in America, comes with a 15-year warranty, and has achieved a Class A/Class 1 fire rating.

In really hot climates, homeowners are finding other uses for radiant barriers. In Texas and Arizona, for example, many homeowners keep garages cool by installing radiant barrier insulation on the inside of garage doors and walls. Outbuildings on farms or ranches, or outdoor workshops can also be kept cooler in the summer when the product is installed between rafters under the roof.

Jordan of EcoRite Products says adding a radiant barrier in the cooler months makes installation safe and more comfortable for the installer.

Radiant barriers are proven environmentally friendly building materials for reducing energy bills and reducing the strain on a home’s HVAC system. And when you can spend a few hours over a weekend and complete a project that saves money month after month, it’s hard to ignore the benefits.

If you’re remodeling an older home, there are many options for updating with green principles in mind. Indoor air quality, water conservation and sustainable building products are considerations when planning an environmentally friendly home. If you’re looking for the biggest bottom-line and long-term effect, let reduced energy consumption lead the way for your remodel.

In warmer months, air conditioning is a leading cause of increased utility bills. In hot weather, roof shingles absorb the sun’s heat—which in turn heats up the sheathing below and radiates heat toward the floor or the attic. To reflect up to 96 percent of this radiant energy back toward the roof, install Enerflex Radiant Barrier.

A Centex Corporation and Energy Center of Appalachian State University study has determined that when radiant barriers are installed in an attic, the air conditioning system works more efficiently and electric bills decrease. The study found that when radiant barrier was installed in test homes, there was a drop of 23 degrees Fahrenheit in the attic’s peak temperature, a 20 percent reduction in operating time of the air conditioning system during seven hours of peak attic temperatures, and an efficiency improvement of 57 percent for cooled air coming through a home’s air ducts.

Energy Star approved Enerflex Radiant Barrier’s simple, between-rafters tension fit allows easy, tool-free installation. And Enerflex is great for existing homes. Watch our step-by-step “how to” video and see how easy it is to install Enerflex Radiant Barrier.

When the sun heats a roof, it's primarily the sun's radiant energy that makes the roof hot. A large portion of this heat travels by conduction through the roofing materials to the attic side of the roof. The hot roof material then radiates its gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces, including the air ducts and the attic floor. Radiant barrier / radiant foil barrier insulation reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic.

A radiant barrier's performance is determined by three factors:

1. Emissivity (or emittance) – the ratio of the radiant energy (heat) leaving (being emitted by) a surface to that of a black body at the same temperature and with the same area. It's expressed as a number a between 0 and 1. The higher the number, the greater the emitted radiation.
2. Reflectivity (or reflectance) – a measure of how much radiant heat is reflected by a material. It's also expressed as a number between 0 and 1 (sometimes it is given as a percentage between 0 and 100%). The higher the number, the greater the reflectivity.
3. The angle the incident radiation strikes the surface—a right angle (perpendicular) usually works best.

Five key benefits of installing a radiant barrier

1. Reduced heating and cooling costs (lower utility bills) 
2. Increased comfort levels
3. Increases building's energy efficiency 
4. Keeps heat out during the summer
5. Keeps heat in during the winter

2009 case study findings at the Energy Center at Appalachian State University showed a 20 percent reduction in an air conditioner unit's run time during seven hours of peak attic temperature. This study also indicated that the installation of a radiant barrier in an attic can make it easier for your air conditioner to do its job in the summer heat. That translates to lower electricity usage, which also impacts the carbon footprint of homes and will help reduce your utility bill.  See the complete study.

Some radiant barriers, like Enerflex, are easy to install, in both new construction or during renovation of older homes. Radiant barrier foil is used in addition to insulation, as the reflective nature of a reflective foil barrier will help reduce the movement of radiant energy—which accounts for most of the heat gain in buildings.

Key findings of the radiant barrier study include:

• A 23-degree drop in the peak attic temperature occurred in a home outfitted with radiant heat barrier versus a similar home without the barrier;
•  A 20 percent reduction in the run-time of the air conditioning unit during the seven hours of peak attic temperatures; and
• The radiant barrier improved the efficiency of cooled air delivered through the air ducts by 57 percent during this period.

Enerflex Radiant Barrier qualifies for the American Recovery Tax Credit for insulation—equating to savings of 30 percent, up to $1,500. Enerflex is also ENERGY STAR® approved and allows specifiers to earn up to five LEED points under EA 1 and MR 5. Installing Enerflex in certain applications may qualify for state and local government tax credits.

There is some controversy as to whether radiant barrier insulation reduces the life of asphalt shingles. Studies by both the University of Florida and Texas A & M University show no significant heat increase in shingles on roofs employing radiant barrier insulation in conjunction with full venting. 

Texas A&M University actually built two homes to test the effectiveness of radiant foil barrier insulation. One home without radiant barrier and one with radiant barrier. The tests concluded that there was a significant reduction in heat gain in the test home with radiant barrier insulation. There was no evidence of damage to shingles because of reflected heat.

Here are the results of the Texas A&M University Radiant Barrier Study (PDF). This study should alleviate fears about using radiant barrier foil on a home that has asphalt shingles. As long as you use full venting—that is a full ridge vent and vents along the soffit—it is OK.

Further studies at Texas Tech University have shown the cooling effect in a hot attic of radiant barrier insulation to be approximately 15 degrees with an asphalt shingle roof and 13 degrees Fahrenheit with a metal roof. How this translates into a certain percentage of cost reduction depends on the amount of insulation between the dwelling and the attic.

There are new underlayment products that go directly under a metal roof but for existing homes your choice will be limited to stapling the proper width of radiant barrier between your rafters up against the ceiling.

Radiant barrier insulation is among our list of green building products. It appears that it does live up to most of the manufacturer's claims. Here's an in-depth explanation of how radiant barrier insulation works by the U.S. Department Of Energy: DOE Radiant Barrier Information.

Professional Remodeler Magazine, a leading business to business remodeling trade publication, has selected Enerflex Radiant Barrier, by Universal Forest products, as one of the best new products for 2010. The 101 Best New Products is an editor's choice award; Enerflex radiant barrier was listed first under the Structural, Insulation and House-wrap category. The 101 Best New Products article is featured in the November 2010 issue of Professional Remodeler magazine.

About Enerflex Radiant Barrier Insulation
ENERGY STAR approved Enerflex radiant foil barrier insulation is a highly reflective, double-sided, multilayer material that blocks up to 96 percent of the sun's radiant heat. It installs between rafters to the underside of a roof and on vertical surfaces (gable ends) in an attic to reduce solar heat gain into the home. Enerflex is available in 16 and 24 inches on center in precut panels and does not require tools to install. Enerflex is available in rolls and panels and is backed by a 15-year limited warranty. Enerflex also qualifies for the 2010 Energy Tax Credit for a 30% savings or up to $1,500.

For more information and videos, visit the Enerflex newsroom.

Simply put… YES, radiant barriers work. Now don’t worry, I’m not just going to stop there, you will get a detailed explanation.

The reason a radiant barrier works at reducing energy costs is because they lessen the strain on a structure's heating and cooling system. Regardless of whether or not you are heating a structure, or cooling it, radiant foil barrier will stop the transmission of radiant heat (95-97% of it anyway).

Radiant heat is the most efficient form of heat transfer there is. It’s more efficient than convection and conduction put together. The best radiant barrier foil, stops at least 95-97% of radiant heat transmission.

What this means is that in the summer, when the sun is beating down on your roof and radiant heat is raising the temperature in your attic and interior spaces, a properly installed radiant barrier will drastically reduce that radiant heat gain. Vice versa, in the winter, when you are trying hard to keep your home warm, while the heat is rising and leaving your home through the ceiling, properly installed reflective radiant barrier insulation will reduce that heat loss by reflecting radiant heat back into the home.

Some individuals say that reflective radiant barriers are not effective and point to a specific government website (www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/radiant/rb_tables.htm) as their proof. However, after thoroughly analyzing that data, it only shows that radiant barriers are not effective in certain circumstances: when massive amounts of insulation (R38) are used and where there is no heating or cooling duct-work located in the attic. I will agree, that if you don't have any heating or cooling duct-work in the attic and your ceiling / attic space is very well insulated, then a radiant barrier will do very little towards reducing your energy bills.

Being from the construction industry however, I must say that many homes, especially in the southern regions, do have duct-work and air handlers located in their attic spaces, so even if they have the proper amount of insulation, a radiant barrier would still be quite beneficial.