You may have read about news stories describing studies that demonstrate how useful radiant barriers are in significantly decreasing energy costs to cool a home, particularly in the sunbelt of the United States. Find our more about the benefits of radiant barriers from the experts in insulation and radiant barrier installation at OnPoint Roofing. While a radiant barrier is not the same as insulation, it is often used to complement the temperature-holding qualities of an insulating layer.

Made from a slim layer of material, a radiant barrier is has a coating of highly reflective material, typically aluminum foil on a single side. A radiant barrier is commonly placed in an attic or crawl space to mitigate the heat that transfers from the exterior of the home and roof to the attic or crawl space. The idea is to prevent this heat from infiltrating to the interior or living spaces of the home. The radiant barrier often is attached with staples, nails or adhesive under the structural beams of a home with the shiny side reflecting the heat away from the interior of the home rather than absorb the heat. To operate efficiently, radiant barriers must face the open space.

Particular studies demonstrate that radiant barriers applied in a warm, sunny regions can cut cooling costs five to 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Radiant barriers can be installed to both new home constructions and to existing homes, particularly if there is an accessible attic, to enhance their energy efficiency.

Correct installation is critical to the proper function of a radiant barriers, so it is advisable to have a professional service complete the installation. Call the home insulation and radiant barrier experts at OnPoint Roofing.