Radiant heat cannot penetrate a building’s thermal envelope unless there is a radiant barrier, which is a reflective surface. Roofs are great at reflecting the sun’s infrared rays, which heat the material and send the heat radiating out in all directions. A radiant barrier Houston can help keep your home cooler throughout the hot months by redirecting this heat to the roof.
In the summertime, radiant heat gain can be best mitigated using radiant barriers. Radiant barriers can save cooling expenses in sunny, warm climates by 5-10%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Radiant barrier sheathing is commonly used in new construction homes. It consists of plywood or OSB board with foil attached to one side. The foil is oriented towards the attic space. Radiant barrier material can further reduce energy use in older homes when attached to the attic floor or ceiling.
Radiant Barriers: How Do They Help?
Temperatures ranging from 86 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit characterise a typical Texas summer. Hot weather of 90 degrees can be downright intolerable when paired with low humidity and rain. Incorporating radiant barrier Houston into a whole-attic system is a great way to make your house more comfortable.
No Influence of Humidity on Radiant Barriers
For the most part, Texas does not have a problem with humidity. The humidity levels in the north and west of Texas are lower than in the south and east. Radiant barriers, being reflective rather than absorbent, are unaffected by humidity in any part of Texas.
There Is No Harm from Radiant Barriers
There is no need to fear about radiant barrier Houston contaminating your home, regardless of your health status. Barriers emit no potentially dangerous particles. Radiant barriers are a great alternative to insulation because they won’t bother your skin, eyes, or lungs. Their non-toxic construction makes them ideal for usage around the house.
The R-value of Barriers Is High
The R-value is a measure of the surface’s heat conductivity. A higher R-value enhances the insulating characteristics of a material. A radiant barrier has a higher R-value than most wall and attic insulation types because its materials can reflect as much as 97% of radiant heat. Combining a radiation barrier with insulation can create an almost impenetrable envelope surrounding the house.
Spend Less on HVAC Expenses
Truthfully, installing radiant barrier Houston doesn’t only cut your cooling bills by five to ten per cent monthly. On the other hand, barriers can halve your cooling costs when paired with insulation. Factors like house size and insulation level will affect the final product. But a little bit goes a long way. A yearly savings of $200 to $300 can be yours with a radiant barrier.
Incorporate Radiant Barriers Into Your Home
While radiant barriers are most commonly used to increase the amount of insulation in an attic or wall, they have many additional potential applications throughout the home. Barriers can insulate water pipelines, hot water tanks, and covering ducts, among other uses. The fact that they deflect heat away from surfaces makes them useful.
Conclusion
Most of the heat that causes your air conditioning costs to rise rises from the roof into the attic and your home’s living quarters. This heat gain can be reduced by installing radiant barrier Houston in the attic, leading to a more energy-efficient and cost-effective home.
