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By using radiant barrier foil you
can substantial increase your energy savings especially since this foil barrier
can reflect so much heat back to its source. By using a foil barrier you will
keep your home far warmer than without a radiant barrier.
A few things are important to look out for when buying a radiant barrier. If
you’re doing the installation yourself, you should select a tear resistant
radiant barrier so your installation will be easier. The best way to test the
strength of the radiant barrier is to take a small sample and try to tear it by
hand. If it rips apart, chances are it will tear easily and make your
installation difficult.
The types that don’t tear easily usually have a woven mesh that is laminated
between two sheets of foil. Other types of radiant barrier use what is called, a
" bubble-pack" between the foil sheets, giving the radiant barrier some added
strength.
Another thing to check would be the flammability rating. You should select a
radiant barrier that has a Class I USB (Uniform Building Code) or a Class A NFPA
(National Fire Protection Association) flammability rating. To make sure, you
can always ask your local fire department or building inspector to review your
selection or recommend an appropriate product.
Be aware that radiant barriers can also be used as vapor barriers, which prevent
moisture from passing through them. So depending on where you are using a
radiant barrier will determine what kind you use. You don’t want warm air
passing through it onto a cold surface and then condensing, this could cause
problems.
For installation, place the radiant barrier, foil-face up under a sub-floor
about 1 to 2 inches below the radiant tubing.
To receive the best efficiency and comfort from your radiant heating system some
basic rules should be followed; all of your exterior rim joists should be
insulated; and insulation should be stapled to the bottom of your joists under
the radiant barrier.
Also, keep in mind that radiant in-floor heat will not work properly until the
joist space is closed.
While radiant barriers are certainly not new on the market, they are an
inexpensive yet effective way for homeowners to save energy and money. Radiant
barrier materials are continuing to improve and they are becoming widely
available throughout North America.
With a radiant heat system, a radiant barrier will reflect the heat back into
the home, heating your home much more efficiently.
Copyright 2006 Larry Lang All Rights Reserved.
Lang Enterprises Inc.
www.radiantheatingdisasters.com
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