Radiant barriers are a highly reflective material often used in attics to help insulate your home for better energy efficiency. These products are designed to reflect heat away from the house, preventing your home and attic from absorbing that heat. They can work in conjunction with other forms of insulation and energy-efficiency solutions to promote a more comfortable and energy-efficient home environment. However, while there are plenty of benefits of radiant barriers, there are numerous misconceptions about this product as well.
Myths & Misconceptions About Radiant Barriers
Here are some of the most common myths and misconceptions about radiant barriers, as well as the truth about them:
Radiant Barriers Are Bad for Your Roof
Because radiant barriers are installed in attics and reflect heat back up through your roof, there’s a concern that this is bad for your roofing system. However, while radiant barriers can increase the temperature of asphalt shingle roofs by a few degrees, the color of your roof has a much more significant effect on its temperature. Additionally, roofing manufacturers do not include any provisions in their warranties related to using a radiant barrier with their roofing system.
Radiant Barriers Are Not That Effective
Radiant barriers are different from most types of insulation, which are designed to absorb heat, so it doesn’t pass through into your home. Instead, radiant barriers reflect that heat, which means they can be much thinner and less obtrusive in your attic. This lower profile does not mean that radiant barriers are less effective than traditional insulation, though.
Radiant Barriers Are Only for Hot Climates
Because radiant barriers reflect heat away from the house, many homeowners believe that they are only beneficial in hot climates. While they are a popular option in hotter climates, they do offer benefits for homes in cold climates as well that make still make them a worthwhile investment.
Radiant Barriers Are an Easy DIY Project
Radiant barriers are relatively easy to install, especially compared with other types of insulation. However, it’s still a job that’s best left to the professionals. Radiant barriers must be installed with an air gap above them so that they can function effectively. They can also be more effective when installed with other insulating products or solutions, which your energy efficiency specialists will best be able to identify for you.
Radiant Barriers Block Cell Phone Signals, Wi-Fi, Etc.
Radiant barriers typically use metal for their reflective material, and metal can impact the transmission of radio waves. However, this impact is minimal at best, and most homeowners won’t see any difference in their cell phone service or internet connection after having radiant barriers installed.
Learn More with Texas Pro Insulators
If you’re interested in adding radiant barriers to your attic to improve the energy efficiency of your home, contact Texas Pro Insulators today. We’d be happy to tell you more about the features and benefits of radiant barriers and help you determine if they’re the right solution for improving the energy efficiency of your home.
