Does Reflective Insulation Work

Dust accumulation on the reflective surface will reduce its reflective capability.

Does reflective insulation work.

For foil insulation to be most effective the reflective surface should face an air space. How does reflective insulation work. To understand how insulation works it helps to understand the basics of heat flow which involves three basic mechanisms conduction convection and radiation. Radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems work by reducing radiant heat gain.

How houses lose heat. When the sun heats a roof it s primarily the sun s radiant energy that makes the roof hot. How does reflective insulation work. The radiant barrier should be installed in a manner to minimize dust accumulation on the reflective surface.

Most common thermal insulation materials like fiberglass work by slowing conductive heat flow but reflective insulation works a little differently. This type of insulation is designed to reduce radiant heat gain. When the sun heats a roof it is primarily the sun s radiant energy that makes the roof hot. To be effective the reflective surface must face an air space.

It is most effective when kept clean and dust free. The layer of still air itself gives it a degree of extra insulation provided it is still otherwise it will be taking heat away through convection. This type of insulation is designed to reduce radiant heat gain. The low emittance metal surface of reflective insulation blocks up to 96 of the radiation and therefore a significant part of the heat transfer.

Radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems work by reducing radiant heat gain.