What is a Radiant Barrier and Do I Need
One?
Studies conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory have shown that radiant barriers can reduce the summer ceiling heat gain. However, the Oakridge studies also document that the effectiveness of the barrier decreases as the amount of attic insulation increases.
But do you even need one?
Science Lesson
Energy from the sun travels to the earth in the form of electromagnetic waves. As these waves encounter resistance, (i.e. our atmosphere) heat is produced. Our atmosphere does not absorb the entire wavelength. As this energy-wave hits your roof, it produces heat: radiant heat.
Nature provides natural radiant barriers: TREES! Stand in the shade of a tree – then step out into the full sunshine. The difference in comfort you feel is from radiant energy. The ambient temperature of the area is identical. But the comfort level is dramatically different in the shade!
Your Own Instant
Shade Tree in your Attic
Back to your attic. Bird Family Insulation insulates attics exclusively with cellulose insulation. Cellulose is simply recycled newsprint that has been treated with borates to render it fire retardant. Newsprint is wood pulp, from TREES!
Tree Hugger
On a hot July afternoon, go hug a tree trunk. It’s nice and cool. Cellulose is a naturally occurring radiant barrier. On your next summer trip to the beach, notice how hot the dry sand dunes are to your unprotected feet. Fiberglass insulation is melted, refined glass; ZERO radiant barrier.
One final test: When I have googled “radiant barrier”, the sites I pull-up selling these products have performance-graphs touting the validity of their radiant barriers when installed in attics. Without exception, the improvements are in attics with fiberglass insulation. I haven’t located a single test showing any improvement in interior living space comfort levels when installing a radiant barrier in an attic insulated with sufficient levels of cellulose insulation.
When you choose Cellulose insulation for your attic, you also get the radiant barrier for FREE! Or, let me say it another way: Choose Bird Family Insulation to insulate your attic with cellulose, and I’ll install a radiant barrier for FREE. How’s that for a deal?
Bob Bird
Bird Family Insulation
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www.Birdinsulation.com
404-538-9168