Attic Insulation: Blow-in Attic Insulation | Radiant Barrier

Insulating your attic is the most effective way to improve the efficiency of your home. Heating in the winter time and cooling during the Summer time becomes easier for your heating/cooling system. On average a homeowner can average 30% to 40% reduction on their energy bill.

Heat flows naturally from warmer areas to cooler ones. It does this by one of three different methods: conduction, where heat is delivered directly from one mass to another; convection, the transfer of hot air from one space to another (hot air rises, cool air sinks); and radiation, which simply means that any warm mass passes off heat toward a cooler one.

The main function of insulation is to minimize the radiation and convection effect of heat and minimize conduction. This causes our home to stay warmer in cool weather and cooler in warm weather.

Radiant Barrier Insulation

Radiant Barrier is a type of insulation that is installed in your attic or crawl space to reduce summer heat gain, and winter heat loss, thus lowering utility bills. Radiant Barrier consists of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it.

Upwards of 93% of ceiling heat gain in summer months can be attributed to heat from the attic caused by radiant energy transferred by the sun. Radiant heat is absorbed by roofing shingles and transferred to the roof decking below. Conventional insulation absorbs much of this heat but, once its saturation point has been met, heat is then transferred to the living spaces below.

When installed in an attic space, a Radiant Barrier insulation can block 97% of the radiant heat from the roofing surface and thereby lower overall attic temperatures by almost 30 degrees. By lowering the temperature in your attic, you can reduce the amount of heat transferred to your living spaces, giving you greater comfort in your home and lessening the strain on your air conditioning unit. In the wintertime, the barrier works in reverse by keeping the radiant heat inside your home. Just like wrapping a baked potato in aluminum foil keeps a potato warm longer by holding the heat in, installing a Radiant Barrier in your attic will help hold heat in the house.

The Radiant Barrier is designed with woven aluminum and Mylar reinforced for maximum strength and durability. You may walk and place storage on top of the barrier with no concern for tears or damage. To eliminate condensation, small ventilation holes allow for “breathing”. The barrier does not promote the growth of mold, mildew, fungi or bacteria.

Chicago Attic Insulation | Chicago Radient Barrier Insulation | Blow-in Attic Insulation Chicago