FAQ Canadian Radiant barrier products
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does radiant barrier work. 1 - reflects high percentage of radiant heat (about 96%) 2 - very low emmission of heat from surface of material (about 4%)
What is radiant Heat? Radiant heat acts exactly like light except we cannot see it. Radiant heat actually travels through space or air at the speed of light and will be absorbed or reflected upon hitting a cooler surface. This surface will then increase in temperature or will be reflected back into space.
What is emissivity? how much energy is sent off the material radiated into space(radiant barrier emits little of the heat conducted through it about 4%).
What is reflectivity? how much radiant energy is reflected (radiant barrier about 96%)
Air Gap? Reflective barrier needs at least one air gap to be effective. Example: installed on the surface of existing insulation, the airgap is the airspace above from the barrier to the roof surface, there is a partial airgap to the insulation by loosly installing on top of the irregular surface of the existing insulation with only partial contact.
Radiant Barrier R value? While a reflective barrier by itself has an r value of 0, the reflective barrier works in a different way than regular insulation by reflecting radiant heat. Conventional insulation is not effective at reflecting heat.
Perforated or Non-Perforated? For Attic installations use perforated radiant barrier, to allow the space to breathe. Solid will act as a vapour barrier.
Will Perforated reflect as well as Non-Perforated? Yes, the holes are small for minimal difference in reflectivity
How to deal with seams? For Attic installations overlap seams about 2 inches, no tape is required.
Why double sided Radiant Barrier ? Reflects radiant energy from the roof in summer and from the heated space in winter for energy savings and comfort. Also has low emmissivity in both directions
How much will I save on energy with Radiant Barrier in my attic? We do not promise specific savings. Building construction and locations vary greatly and savings will vary. Radiant barrier in your attic is a great application for the product, acting like a sunshade in summer and like a space blanket in winter.
Will radiant barrier make my roof hotter? Radiant Barrier will increase the surface temperature of the roof slightly - about 2-5 degrees F.
Can I use Radiant Barrier with regular insulation? Yes, radiant barrier should be used with regular insulation. It Reflects radiant energy as well as acting like the outer shell of a winter coat reducing air currents. It works great with regular insulation, the combined benefits of both materials will provide more comfort and savings.
Which side faces down? our radiant barrier is double sided, it is the same on each side.
Are soffit and ridge vents required for Radiant Barrier to work? While attic ventilation plays an important roll in relieving moisture and excessive heat buildup, it is not a requirement for radiant barrier to work. Radiant barrier will reflect the same amount of radiant heat even in an attic with minimal ventilation.
My attic is already well ventilated why do I need radiant barrier? Even with a well ventilated attic the temperature of the surface of the roof will be very hot, This heat radiates through the airspace of your attic and will eventually work its way through your conventional insulation into your living space. Radiant barrier reflects about 96% of this energy before hitting your conventional insulation.
Where is your product made? Made in Canada
What is the Quality of your product? The best quality available, highest reflectivity, strongest available and highly tear resistant. Probably impossible to tear it by hand.
What is the material made of? Double sided reinforced aluminum material
How reflective is it? 96% Shiny aluminum is very reflective just below gold and silver.
What is the warranty of the product ? 20 year warranty
Where can I find more information online Links page
Where can I find installation videos? Google radiant barrier In Google Videos search radiant barrier
How do I install it? See these links Attic blanket over existing insulation. Attic stapled to roof truss. Attic for new construction
Why should I buy from you? Made in Canada. Highest quality. Great price, No customs charges. low cost shipping by Canada post.
How do I purchase it?
To purchase click on Logo to go to my ebay store
To purchase in Nanaimo and area call 250-816-4328
Canadian Radiant Barrier Brochure
Canadian Radiant Barrier 20 year limited warranty
- Surface Emittance - ASTM C1371
- Water Vapor Transmission - ASTM E96
- Surface Burning - Flame Spread- ASTM E84-09
Smoke Density- ASTM E84-09 - Corrosivity -ASTM D3310
- Tear Resistance - ASTM D2261
- Adhesive Performance
- Bleeding - ASTM C1313
- Pliability - ASTM C1313
- Mold and Mildew - ASTM C1338
- Tensile Strenght - ASTM D2261
For More information
Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International Homepage RIMA handbook
